# Loop vs HikeGPS

The clearest difference is rating: HikeGPS at 5.0 against Loop's 4.4. HikeGPS also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 weeks). Loop's advantage is ratings volume (10 vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Loop sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. HikeGPS asks for nothing beyond the download.

HikeGPS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Loop has 10 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Loop ships an update every 2 weeks, HikeGPS every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Loop | HikeGPS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-run-route-planner-and-map/id6741156004/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hikegps-offline-trail-maps/id6802831809/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **10** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 119 MB | 344 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ori App Studio GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434284823) | [Beijing Qianjie Baichuan Application Software Development Center (Individually Owned Business)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1554623375) |

## What reviewers say

### Loop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-run-route-planner-and-map/id6741156004)

Plan, navigate, and track outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, and running. Create custom routes, view elevation profiles, and sync data with Apple Health. Supports GPX file import/export for seamless sharing and device integration.

**Highlights:** Route planning by tapping and dragging, Elevation profile visualization, Real-time GPS tracking, Apple Health synchronization, Topographic map styles, GPX file import/export, Save and share unlimited routes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Loop Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| Loop Pro | $19.99 | per year |


### HikeGPS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hikegps-offline-trail-maps/id6802831809)

Navigate trails with detailed offline maps and identify species using AI, all without a signal or account. Record your hikes, plan routes, and view key stats on your phone or Apple Watch. Enjoy a private experience with no ads or tracking.

**Highlights:** Detailed offline trail maps, AI species identification, Hazard warnings, Hike recording and playback, Route planning and GPX import/export, Apple Watch integration, Private by default

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Loop free?

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

### Is HikeGPS free?

HikeGPS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Loop or HikeGPS?

HikeGPS is rated higher. Loop averages 4.4 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while HikeGPS averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Loop or HikeGPS have ads?

Neither Loop nor HikeGPS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Loop or HikeGPS?

Loop ships an update every 2 weeks, and HikeGPS every 2 days. Most recently, Loop was updated on November 4, 2026 and HikeGPS on October 31, 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.*