Comparison

Topo Maps+ vs Payload

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Topo Maps+

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
Read full description

Designed and tested on real dirt, Topo Maps+ is packed with the maps & tools to plan and execute your backcountry adventure. ‣‣ MAPS FOR EVERY ACTIVITY ‣Setup your map based on your planned activity ‣‣ PLANNING TOOLS ‣ Compare and Download maps for use offline. ‣ Combine overlays to customize your map view ‣ Smart route-building tools ‣ Waypoints ‣ Print, email or share custom maps and routes ‣ Public, Private, and Hunting land boundaries ‣ Parcel Information ‣ Create teams and live-share members’ last known location ‣‣ ON-TRAIL TOOLS (Offline) ‣ View your current location ‣ All Maps and Overlays are downloadable ‣ Record your tracks - see where you’ve been ‣ Photo Waypoints - snap a pic and instantly shows on the map ‣ Progress on Trail - how much further on the trail ‣ Guide Me - to a waypoint ‣ Proximity Alerts - notify me when I’m close to a waypoint, trail, or region ‣ Line of Sight - what am I looking at? ‣ Downloaded elevation data for route-creation on the trail ‣‣ APPLE WATCH ‣ Integration with Apple HealthKit ‣Download maps directly to the watch ‣ Pan and zoom the map just like on the phone ‣ Drop a waypoint ‣ Record a track and see all of your stats ‣‣ CARPLAY ‣ Navigate to the trailhead ‣ Turn by Turn directions on USFS Roads ‣‣ NAVIGATIONAL MINDSET - helpful tips and tricks for keeping you safe in the backcountry! ‣‣ SUBSCRIPTION LEVELS: FREE level: view low resolution maps, record your tracks, and limited features Topo Maps+ Pro: high resolution maps, download maps, planning & on-trail tools, driving mode, import geospatial PDFs and TIFFS Topo Maps+ Elite: MapBox Satellite map, US public and private land overlays, parcel and ownership contact info, game management units. ‣‣ CLOUD Sync your routes, trips, subscriptions, and waypoints between all of your iOS and Mac devices. SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT INFORMATION Topo Maps+ subscriptions will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase and/or completion of free trial. Subscription automatically renews unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the free trial or current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your account settings on the App Store after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://topomaps.co/info/privacy Terms of Service: https://topomaps.co/info/tos Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

About

Payload

Features
Read full description

Plan your next cycling adventure with Payload the trip planner built for riders. Whether you're mapping a weekend gravel ride, planning a multi-day bikepacking route, or exploring new mountain bike trails, Payload gives you the tools to plan smarter and ride better. SMART ROUTE PLANNING Draw routes on an interactive map Automatic bike-friendly routing for road, gravel, and MTB Add waypoints and points of interest Export routes to GPX for your bike computer ELEVATION INSIGHTS Detailed elevation profiles for every route See total climbing and descent at a glance Gradient visualiSation to prepare for the hard parts TERRAIN BREAKDOWN (Pro) Understand what surfaces your route covers Road, gravel, trail percentages Plan the right bike for the ride TRIP ORGANISATION Save unlimited trips with Pro Share routes with friends Access your trips from any device PRO FEATURES Unlimited trips Full route statistics Detailed elevation profiles Terrain breakdown analysis Start planning your next adventure today.

Screenshots

Topo Maps+4 screens
Payload4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Payload at none against Topo Maps+'s 11. Payload also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). Topo Maps+'s advantage is chart position (#69 vs unranked). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Topo Maps+ sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per 3 months. Payload asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Topo Maps+ versus Payload: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTopo Maps+Payload
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (9.4K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews62.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings9.4K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
Best chart rank#69 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size252 MB41 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperGlacier Peak Studios LLCALEXANDER C WEINER

Bugs and requests

Topo Maps+

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

Payload

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

11 purchases

Topo Maps+

Subscriptions6
  • Topo Maps+ Essentials 3 Months$14.993 Months
  • Topo Maps+ Pro: 3 Months$29.993 Months
  • Topo Maps+ Essentials$29.991 Year
Show 3 more
  • Topo Maps+ Elite: 3 Months$39.993 Months
  • Topo Maps+ Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Topo Maps+ Elite7 Days trial$79.991 Year
One-time5
  • 3 Month Map Pass$11.99
  • 6 Month Map Pass$14.99
  • 12 Month Map Pass$19.99
Show 2 more
  • 3 Months PRO$29.99
  • 12 Months PRO$59.99
None

Payload

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Topo Maps+ free?
Topo Maps+ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Payload free?
Payload is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Topo Maps+ or Payload have ads?
Neither Topo Maps+ nor Payload shows ads.

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