# Shadehopper vs BrightMaps

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shadehopper at none against BrightMaps's 2. Shadehopper also leads on ratings volume (5 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BrightMaps sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Shadehopper asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Shadehopper against 5.0 for BrightMaps. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadehopper has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Shadehopper ships an update every 3 days, BrightMaps every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadehopper | BrightMaps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadehopper/id6769607788/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brightmaps/id6786407508/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 27 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shadehopper LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896672803) | [ZINEB SAID](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896763342) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadehopper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadehopper/id6769607788)

This app calculates walking, running, and cycling routes that prioritize shade. It uses building shadows and sun position to minimize sun and heat exposure, offering three route options for different needs.

**Highlights:** Shade-optimized routes, Workout and loop route modes, Turn-by-turn voice navigation, Street-side shade guidance, Real-time sun and building data

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### BrightMaps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brightmaps/id6786407508)

Navigate your city with a focus on staying cool. This app provides walking and biking directions that prioritize routes with tree canopy and building shade, avoiding direct sun exposure.

**Highlights:** Shade-first routing, Turn-by-turn navigation, Live shade forecasts, Comfort-based route alternatives, Live Activity and Dynamic Island support, Shade-colored route lines

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Brightmaps Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| BrightMaps Pro Annual | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadehopper free?

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

### Is BrightMaps free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Shadehopper or BrightMaps?

Shadehopper and BrightMaps are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 5 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Shadehopper or BrightMaps have ads?

Neither Shadehopper nor BrightMaps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadehopper or BrightMaps?

Shadehopper ships an update every 3 days, and BrightMaps every 5 days. Most recently, Shadehopper was updated on October 4, 2026 and BrightMaps on October 13, 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.*