# what3words vs BASE map

The clearest difference is ads: BASE map at none against what3words's shown. what3words's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and chart position (#92 vs unranked). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. what3words sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.69 per month and BASE map sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

what3words ships an update weekly, BASE map every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | what3words | BASE map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (44K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **44K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 55.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#92** | — |
| Size | 315 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [what3words Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657878533) | [JAKE LEWIS ORTON](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713968068) |

## What reviewers say

### what3words

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530)

**Currently charting:** #92 Top Free · Navigation, #160 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

This app assigns a unique three-word address to every 10-foot square on Earth. Easily find, share, and navigate to precise locations worldwide using simple word combinations. It's ideal for pinpointing exact meeting spots, deliveries, or even emergency services.

**Highlights:** Navigate using three-word addresses, Share precise locations, Find current address offline, Compatible with navigation apps, Save and categorize favorite locations, Offline navigation with compass mode, Supports over 60 languages

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| what3words Pro | $4.69 | per month |
| what3words Pro | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate location tracking
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚑 Potentially life-saving in emergencies
- 🗺️ Precise location sharing
- 🤝 Helpful for meeting up with friends/family

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent location accuracy
- 🤔 Confusing/not well-explained
- 📱 Requires data/cellular connectivity
- 🗺️ Outdated map data
- 🔍 Difficult to find/search saved locations

**Reported bugs**

- Location changes unexpectedly
- App crashes on launch
- Unable to select country/language

**Requested features**

- Add ability to sort/organize saved locations
- Integrate with contacts/address book
- Provide voice output for location names
- Offer offline map downloads
- Develop a version for seniors/accessibility


### BASE map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/base-map/id6470670905)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BASE map monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| BASE map yearly | $20.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is what3words free?

what3words is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is BASE map free?

BASE map is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do what3words or BASE map have ads?

what3words shows ads; BASE map does not.

### Which is updated more often, what3words or BASE map?

what3words ships an update weekly, and BASE map every 3 weeks. Most recently, what3words was updated on November 3, 2026 and BASE map on October 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*