Comparison

Next Ascent vs IceClimb.org

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

Head to head
About

Next Ascent

Discover climbing destinations worldwide with detailed maps, GPS navigation, and high-definition topos. Access comprehensive route descriptions, area history, and first ascent information for crags and bouldering spots. Download complete guidebooks for popular climbing areas.

Highlights
  • Real-time maps and GPS navigation
  • High-definition topos and pictures
  • Detailed route descriptions
  • Crag and bouldering area information
  • Downloadable guidebooks
  • Route and area history
  • First ascent information
Features
Read full description

Next Ascent Guidebooks, rock climbing guidebook app is the most comprehensive rock climbing and bouldering app available. Real-time maps, GPS, and navigation guide you to crags all over the world. Hi-def topos, pictures, and the most detailed route descriptions available are what sets this app apart from the rest. Download complete guidebooks for the most popular climbing destinations. This rock climbing app will get you the most information you can find on local crags, bouldering areas, and climbing destinations. Expect to see arial drone topos, route and area history, first ascent information, and detailed descriptions of every route. End User License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

IceClimb.org

This app provides real-time ice climbing conditions and route information crowdsourced from other climbers. Plan your climbs with up-to-date crag statuses, weather history, and approach maps. Receive instant notifications for new reports and get directions directly to your trailhead.

Highlights
  • Real-time ice crag statuses
  • Interactive condition map
  • Weather history for planning
  • Push notifications for new reports
  • Approach maps and route intel
  • Direct navigation to trailheads
  • Apple Watch companion app
Features
Read full description

The IceClimb.org app keeps you a step ahead by crowdsourcing fresh beta from other ice climbers out in the field. Track ever-changing conditions, go where the ice actually sticks, and climb smarter this season. Ice climbing routes are ephemeral, but your information doesn't have to be! - Check real-time ice crag statuses on an interactive map to see what’s “in” before you rack up. - Explore detailed condition reports with precipitation and weather history to plan your perfect send window. - Subscribe to favorite crags for instant push notifications when new reports drop. - Access approach maps and route intel shared by the community to streamline your day in the mountains. - Get to the trailhead faster by sending directions directly to your Maps app with one tap. - Use the companion Apple Watch app to view ice crag statuses and submit abbreviated reports right from the watch. Green Dot Crags are in, Red Dot Crags are out, and Grey Dot Crags are unknown. - Completely free. No subscriptions or in-app purchases. Smart climbers don’t guess — they use IceClimb.org for the latest beta.

Screenshots

Next Ascent4 screens
IceClimb.org4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IceClimb.org at 100% against Next Ascent's 50%. IceClimb.org also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). Next Ascent's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.2). On price, ratings volume 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

Both are free to download. Next Ascent sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. IceClimb.org asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

IceClimb.org holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Next Ascent's written reviews are positive against 100% of IceClimb.org's.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Next Ascent versus IceClimb.org: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNext AscentIceClimb.org
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (8 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings8 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 2 months—
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.1 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size64 MB32 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperNext Ascent, LLCPhantom Particle

Customer experience

Next Ascent

All ratings7 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

IceClimb.org

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Next Ascent

Subscriptions2
  • Next Ascent Pro Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Next Ascent Pro Annual$59.991 Year
One-time8
  • FE Walter Guidebook$9.99
  • The Garden Bouldering Guide$9.99
  • Mocanaqua Climbing Guidebook$12.99
Show 5 more
  • Mocanaqua Bouldering Guidebook$12.99
  • Carver Bouldering Guidebook$12.99
  • Smith Rock Climbing Guide$14.99
  • Swan Falls Bouldering Guide$14.99
  • Sugarloaf Climbing Guidebook$17.99
None

IceClimb.org

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Next Ascent free?
Next Ascent is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IceClimb.org free?
IceClimb.org is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Next Ascent or IceClimb.org?
IceClimb.org is rated higher. Next Ascent averages 4.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while IceClimb.org averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do Next Ascent or IceClimb.org have ads?
Next Ascent shows ads; IceClimb.org does not.

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