Comparison

GPS Trace vs Route Planner

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

Head to head
About

GPS Trace

Features
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GPS Trace – GPS Tracking App for iOS Record, view and analyze your routes with precision _________________________________________ Overview GPS Trace is an iOS GPS tracking app for hikers, runners, cyclists, drivers and anyone who wants to record and analyze their journeys. Simple interface, accurate tracking and advanced features for everyday or sports use. _________________________________________ Key features Real-time GPS tracking β€’ Continuous recording with live stats: distance, speed, altitude β€’ Track updated on the map while recording Background tracking β€’ Recording while the app is in the background (optional in Settings) β€’ Ideal for long outings without keeping the screen on GPS and battery optimization β€’ Accuracy adapted to speed: stopped, walking, cycling, driving β€’ Quality filtering and track smoothing β€’ High-precision mode and advanced settings _________________________________________ CarPlay β€’ Start and stop recording from the CarPlay screen β€’ Live stats: distance, speed, duration, GPS points β€’ iPhone app launches automatically when needed _________________________________________ Apple Watch, Siri and Live Activity β€’ Control recording from Apple Watch β€’ Siri and Shortcuts commands (start, stop, open last track) β€’ Live Activity and Dynamic Island: live distance, timer, speed and points β€’ Refresh modes: Eco, Balanced, Fluid _________________________________________ Map and visualization β€’ Interactive map: Standard, 3D, Hybrid, Satellite β€” 2D/3D toggle β€’ Altitude and speed profiles with detailed charts β€’ Statistics: distance, duration, average and max speed, min/max altitude _________________________________________ Track management β€’ GPX file import and GPX 1.1 export β€’ Share via the iOS share sheet β€” compatible with most GPS apps β€’ History, save, search, filters and loaded track management _________________________________________ Autosave and resume β€’ Automatic GPX backup when leaving the app β€’ Resume offered on reopening (resume or discard) _________________________________________ Customization β€’ Metric or imperial units β€” French or English interface β€’ Map style, light/dark appearance, keep screen on, haptic feedback β€’ Accessibility: Dynamic Type and VoiceOver _________________________________________ Target audience Hikers, runners, cyclists, drivers, geocachers and anyone who records their journeys. _________________________________________ Platforms and requirements β€’ iOS 17.6 or later β€” iPhone and iPad β€’ Apple Watch (remote control) β€” CarPlay (Driving Task) β€’ Location permission, with Always option for background tracking _________________________________________ Summary GPS Trace brings together accurate tracking, battery optimization, CarPlay, Apple Watch, Siri, Live Activity, multiple map styles, altitude/speed profiles and full GPX management. A bilingual solution to record and analyze your routes.

About

Route Planner

Features
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Take Control of Your Journey with Route Planner: GPS Navigation Route Planner is a sophisticated navigation tool that puts the power of discovery directly in your hands. Whether you're planning a scenic road trip, a precise hiking trail, or just need a reliable way to get from A to B, our app offers unique tools that traditional navigation services miss. DRAW YOUR OWN PATH Trace to Create: Use your finger to draw a custom route across the map. Smart Snap to Roads: Our intelligent engine automatically snaps your hand-drawn paths to the nearest navigable roads, ensuring your custom route is ready for driving or walking. Edit with Ease: Use the Eraser tool to fine-tune your route to adjust your journey on the fly. PROFESSIONAL NAVIGATION Precision Guidance: Clear, easy-to-follow turn-by-turn instructions for every maneuver. Voice Announcements: Stay focused on the road with sophisticated voice guidance that provides timely announcements, just like a professional co-pilot. Multiple Transport Modes: Support for Driving, Walking, and Transit ensures you have the right path for every situation. Automatic Rerouting: If you miss a turn, Route Planner instantly calculates a new path to get you back on track. SEARCH & DISCOVER Smart Search: Find addresses, businesses, and points of interest with an intuitive interface. Nearby Categories: Explore restaurants, charging stations, parks, and more with a single tap. Detailed Insights: Get accurate distance estimates, expected travel times, and full step-by-step breakdowns before you even start the engine. SAVE & ORGANIZE Personal Library: Save your favorite scenic drives or daily commutes with custom names. Quick Access: Access your saved routes instantly from your personal dashboard. Seamless Sharing: Export and share your custom-drawn routes with friends and family. MODERN, INTUITIVE DESIGN Experience an app that feels right at home on your iPhone. With a clean interface, smooth animations, and native iOS design patterns, Route Planner is as beautiful as it is functional. Download Route Planner today and start exploring the world your way! Terms of use: https://www.exaltedinc.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.exaltedinc.com/privacy

Screenshots

GPS Trace4 screens
Route Planner4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Route Planner at Free against GPS Trace's $3.99. GPS Trace's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Route Planner is free to download; GPS Trace costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GPS Trace ships an update weekly, Route Planner fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
GPS Trace versus Route Planner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGPS TraceRoute Planner
Price$3.99Free β€” better
Update frequencyWeekly β€” betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch β€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.6 β€” better26.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size12 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSylvain MICHELMuhammad Usama

In-app purchases

None

GPS Trace

No in-app purchases

None

Route Planner

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GPS Trace free?
GPS Trace costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Route Planner free?
Route Planner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GPS Trace or Route Planner have ads?
Neither GPS Trace nor Route Planner shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GPS Trace or Route Planner?
GPS Trace ships an update weekly, and Route Planner fortnightly. Most recently, GPS Trace was updated on November 8, 2026 and Route Planner on October 25, 2026.

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