Comparison

GPS Metrics vs TrailShed

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

Head to head
About

GPS Metrics

Features
Read full description

GPS Metrics is your compact and accurate companion on the move. See live speed, altitude, course and more, visualize your track on the map with color by speed, export GPX/KML, and send NMEA sentences over your local network to other devices or software. Highlights: • Live metrics: speed, (barometric) altitude, climb/descent rate, course, rate of turn, heading (true/magnetic), horizontal/vertical accuracy and timestamp. • Map with speed trail: track segments are color‑coded by average speed. • Export: save your trip as GPX or KML. • NMEA output: send RMC, GGA, GSA, VTG and GLL via TCP server or UDP sender (local network). • Coordinates: choose DD, DM, DMS, UTM or MGRS. • Units: metric or imperial. • Averaging window: smooth speed and climb/descent with a configurable time window. • Battery friendly: enable “Battery Saving Mode” to use significant‑change updates. • Keep screen awake during your trip. • Theme: follow system or pick light/dark. Privacy • Your location stays on your device unless you explicitly export or enable NMEA output to a device you choose on your local network. No account, no tracking, no ads. Requirements • Location permission is required for metrics and track. Local Network permission is required for NMEA output. No subscription! No tracking! No ads!

About

TrailShed

Visualize terrain visibility from any point on a map. Explore trails by uploading GPX files and discover optimal viewing locations. This app helps you find the best scenic spots with ease.

Highlights
  • Highlight visible terrain from any location
  • Drag marker for real-time viewshed display
  • Search specific locations for views
  • Upload GPX files to explore trails
  • Discover best views along trails
  • Includes example trails for demonstration
Read full description

Trailshed allows you to quickly and easily highlight the buildings and terrain that are visible from any location. For city viewing, drag your marker anywhere in the city to see what buildings obstruct your view, or if your new place will have sweet skyline views. You can also add custom buildings to see if new developments will cause significant changes in your view. For terrain and hiking, search a specific location to see the view from there. Explore trails by uploading a GPX file and seeing where the best views are, or use one of our example trails! Elevate your view, with Trailshed.

Screenshots

GPS Metrics4 screens
TrailShed4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GPS Metrics at Free against TrailShed's $0.99. TrailShed's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 9 months). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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

GPS Metrics is free to download; TrailShed costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GPS Metrics ships an update every 9 months, TrailShed weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
GPS Metrics versus TrailShed: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGPS MetricsTrailShed
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBerend HartmanClark Wakeland

In-app purchases

None

GPS Metrics

No in-app purchases

None

TrailShed

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GPS Metrics free?
GPS Metrics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TrailShed free?
TrailShed costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do GPS Metrics or TrailShed have ads?
Neither GPS Metrics nor TrailShed shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GPS Metrics or TrailShed?
GPS Metrics ships an update every 9 months, and TrailShed weekly. Most recently, GPS Metrics was updated on October 25, 2026 and TrailShed on October 31, 2026.

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