# Shade IQ vs BrightMaps

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Shade IQ at 6 against BrightMaps's 1. On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shade IQ sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and BrightMaps sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Shade IQ against 5.0 for BrightMaps. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shade IQ has 6 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.

Shade IQ ships an update weekly, BrightMaps every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shade IQ | BrightMaps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shade-iq/id6779827538/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brightmaps/id6786407508/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 13 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Julian Malin](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779827540) | [ZINEB SAID](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896763342) |

## What reviewers say

### Shade IQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shade-iq/id6779827538)

This navigation app finds the coolest walking routes by prioritizing shade from trees and buildings over the shortest path. It offers real-time recalculations based on sun position and provides weather and hydration stop information. Arrive at your destination feeling more comfortable and protected from the sun.

**Highlights:** Shadiest vs. Fastest route options, Live shade timeline, Elevation profile, Current weather and UV index, Drinking fountain overlay, Voice turn-by-turn navigation, Sun exposure summary

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shade IQ Pro — Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Shade IQ Pro — Annual | $19.99 | per year |


### 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 Shade IQ free?

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

### Is BrightMaps free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Shade IQ or BrightMaps?

Shade IQ and BrightMaps are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 6 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Shade IQ or BrightMaps have ads?

Neither Shade IQ nor BrightMaps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shade IQ or BrightMaps?

Shade IQ ships an update weekly, and BrightMaps every 5 days. Most recently, Shade IQ was updated on October 18, 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.*