Comparison

Backseat Geologist vs Protected Left

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

Head to head
About

Backseat Geologist

This app provides audio explanations of the geology visible from your car. Explore geological features, create custom routes, and learn about earth history on the go. Offline access and adjustable audience settings enhance the learning experience.

Highlights
  • Audio descriptions of geology
  • Interactive geologic map
  • Custom route creation
  • Offline map and data access
  • Adjustable audience settings
  • Points of Interest (volcanoes, earthquakes)
  • Background audio playback
Features
Read full description

Ever wanted a geologist to ride along and explain what's outside your window?  Being a geologist myself, I went on vacation and wished I had someone to read geologic map descriptions as we drove across the countryside. When I got home, I started working on Backseat Geologist to do just that! Backseat Geologist will give you audio descriptions of the rocks below your feet or wheels as you travel. - Browse the geologic map and tap around to see details about the geologic units that are near you - Start an Explore session and get updates on the geology below you as you move around - Overlook Mode scans the geology of what you can see and tells you all about it - Create Routes to listen to the geologic story of your commute, road trip, or family outing. Routes combine the context of each geologic unit you pass to create a more cohesive set of descriptions. - Routes can be saved offline for areas with bad service - Long tap on the map to drop a pin and tap again to create a route to that location - Adjust descriptions for any audience from kids to geology enthusiasts - Geology data is powered by Macrostrat, USGS, GEM, Paleobiology DB, and more - Explore Points of Interest of recently active volcanoes and historic earthquakes - Choose between different base maps - View regional stratigraphic columns - See the paleogeography of Earth when rocks formed - Audio plays from the background and doesn't interfere with navigation or other apps - Works well with other playing audio like music or podcasts - Widget for the geology of your current location - Live activity shows on Lock Screen, Dynamic Island and CarPlay - App Intent gives Siri access to geology information from the app without opening it. Say "Hey Siri, use Backseat Geologist" - Sync with iCloud between iPhone, iPad and Mac Premium and Max users get: - Improved audio quality - Topographic map background layer option - Download geologic map tiles and data for areas of the map to use offline - Custom route creation - Import GPX files in custom routes - See further in Overlook Mode Download Backseat Geologist and discover the millions and billions of years of Earth history rolling by your window. If you find any bugs or issues please contact me at support@backseatgeologist.com Privacy Policy: https://backseatgeologist.com/privacy-policy Terms of Service: https://backseatgeologist.com/terms-of-service End User License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Protected Left

Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Protected Left helps you drive safer by finding routes that avoid unprotected left turns — one of the most common causes of intersection accidents. Enter your destination and Protected Left instantly analyzes multiple route options, ranking them by safety. Each route shows exactly how many unprotected left turns it contains, so you can make an informed choice between the safest path and the fastest one. KEY FEATURES - Protected Route Planning: Automatically finds routes that minimize or eliminate unprotected left turns - Smart Route Comparison: See safest, balanced, and fastest options side by side with clear safety ratings - Turn-by-Turn Navigation: Full voice-guided directions with real-time alerts for upcoming turns - Protected Turn Alerts: Know in advance whether each left turn on your route has a protected signal - Real-Time Traffic: Routes adapt to current traffic conditions for accurate ETAs - Multi-Stop Trips: Plan routes with up to 3 waypoints, all optimized for safety - Saved Places: Quick access to home, work, and favorite destinations - Voice Guidance: Customizable audio directions so you can keep your eyes on the road Whether you're a new driver building confidence, a parent teaching a teen to drive, or anyone who wants to reduce intersection risk, Protected Left gives you peace of mind on every trip.

Screenshots

Backseat Geologist4 screens
Protected Left4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Backseat Geologist at Free against Protected Left's $2.99. Protected Left's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). On 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

Backseat Geologist is free to download; Protected Left costs $2.99 up front. Backseat Geologist sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Protected Left asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Backseat Geologist ships an update fortnightly, Protected Left weekly. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Backseat Geologist versus Protected Left: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackseat GeologistProtected Left
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating4.8 (85 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings85 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank—#49 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size49 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBlake MorganZachary Griset

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Backseat Geologist

Subscriptions4
  • Premium Monthly1 Month trial$1.991 Month
  • Max Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Premium Annual$17.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Max Annual$39.991 Year
One-time3
  • Colorado I-70 Route Pack$4.99
  • Seward Highway$4.99
  • Moab Utah Route Pack$9.99
None

Protected Left

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Backseat Geologist free?
Backseat Geologist is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Protected Left free?
Protected Left costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Backseat Geologist or Protected Left have ads?
Neither Backseat Geologist nor Protected Left shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Backseat Geologist or Protected Left?
Backseat Geologist ships an update fortnightly, and Protected Left weekly. Most recently, Backseat Geologist was updated on November 5, 2026 and Protected Left on November 5, 2026.

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