# MapInk vs CX Map Explorer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CX Map Explorer at none against MapInk's 1. CX Map Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 27.0). MapInk's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MapInk sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. CX Map Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

MapInk ships an update every 6 weeks, CX Map Explorer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MapInk | CX Map Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapink-map-notes/id6768144274/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 23 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 27.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MC Software Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802730565) | [Cygnus X Enterprises LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6809055350) |

## What reviewers say

### MapInk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapink-map-notes/id6768144274)

This app transforms your device into a map canvas for planning trips, marking locations, and adding handwritten notes directly onto maps. Create detailed journeys with custom routes, view weather forecasts for each stop, and share annotated map images.

**Highlights:** Draw and plan routes, Add pins with notes, Create custom journeys, View weather forecasts, Handwritten notes on maps, Share annotated maps

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MapInk Lifetime Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |


### CX Map Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cx-map-explorer-route-tracker/id6814927371)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MapInk free?

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

### Is CX Map Explorer free?

CX Map Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do MapInk or CX Map Explorer have ads?

CX Map Explorer shows ads; MapInk does not.

### Which is updated more often, MapInk or CX Map Explorer?

MapInk ships an update every 6 weeks, and CX Map Explorer every 3 weeks. Most recently, MapInk was updated on October 31, 2026 and CX Map Explorer on November 6, 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.*