# Topo Maps+ vs MagVar

The clearest difference is price: Topo Maps+ at Free against MagVar's $0.99. Topo Maps+ also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 23 months) and ratings volume (9.4K vs 1). MagVar's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 62%) and in-app purchases (none vs 11). On ads, chart position and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Topo Maps+ is free to download; MagVar costs $0.99 up front. Topo Maps+ sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per 3 months. MagVar asks for nothing beyond the download.

MagVar holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Topo Maps+ has 9.4K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 62% of Topo Maps+'s written reviews are positive against 100% of MagVar's.

Topo Maps+ ships an update every 3 weeks, MagVar every 23 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Topo Maps+ | MagVar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (9.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-plus-topographic-maps/id672246353/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magvar/id1670958717/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9.4K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 62.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 23 months |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#69** | #189 |
| Size | 252 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Glacier Peak Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/672246356) | [Robert Walker](https://appshunter.io/developer/299475042) |

## What reviewers say

### Topo Maps+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-plus-topographic-maps/id672246353)

**Currently charting:** #69 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

Plan and execute backcountry adventures with offline topographic maps and GPS navigation. Features include route building, waypoints, land boundaries, and on-trail tools. Integrates with Apple Watch and CarPlay for seamless outdoor exploration.

**Highlights:** Offline topographic maps, Smart route building, Waypoints and proximity alerts, Land boundary overlays, Track recording, Apple Watch and CarPlay integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Topo Maps+ Essentials 3 Months | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Pro: 3 Months | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Essentials | $29.99 | per year |
| Topo Maps+ Elite: 3 Months | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| Topo Maps+ Elite | $79.99 | per year |
| 3 Month Map Pass | $11.99 | one-time |
| 6 Month Map Pass | $14.99 | one-time |
| 12 Month Map Pass | $19.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months PRO | $29.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months PRO | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate offline maps
- 📍 Reliable GPS tracking
- 🗺️ Variety of map options
- 🔍 Detailed trail information
- ⛰️ Useful for backcountry navigation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐢 Slow map downloads
- 🤔 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Paywall for many features
- 🗺️ Limited map coverage outside US
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes during map downloads
- GPS tracking issues in certain areas
- Waypoint data loss after app updates

**Requested features**

- Improved route planning tools
- Ability to import/export user data
- Enhanced offline map caching
- More detailed map legends
- Integration with other outdoor apps


### MagVar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magvar/id1670958717)

**Currently charting:** #189 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

This navigation tool calculates magnetic variation, the difference between true and magnetic north, essential for plotting courses on maps. It's designed for pilots, sailors, cartographers, and anyone using maps and a compass.

**Highlights:** Magnetic variation calculation, True vs. magnetic north difference, Map overlay display, Accurate for 2025-2029, Declination and inclination calculation

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Topo Maps+ free?

Topo Maps+ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MagVar free?

MagVar costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Topo Maps+ or MagVar?

MagVar is rated higher. Topo Maps+ averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9.4K ratings, while MagVar averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Topo Maps+ or MagVar have ads?

Neither Topo Maps+ nor MagVar shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Topo Maps+ or MagVar?

Topo Maps+ ships an update every 3 weeks, and MagVar every 23 months. Most recently, Topo Maps+ was updated on November 1, 2026 and MagVar on October 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Topo Maps+ or MagVar?

Topo Maps+ currently peaks at #69 in the App Store charts, and MagVar at #189. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*