Comparison

aprs.fi vs XP Navigator

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

Head to head
About

aprs.fi

Access real-time APRS position data, weather reports, and telemetry graphs globally. Offers route guidance, station tracking, and map filtering. Some advanced features require an in-app subscription.

Highlights
  • Real-time APRS position data
  • Route guidance and driving directions
  • Search callsigns and addresses
  • Track multiple stations
  • Filter map information
  • View weather and telemetry graphs
  • Beacon your position
Features
Read full description

An additional in-app subscription is needed for some features, so please read this application description fully before purchasing. Navigate to addresses with clear step-by-step instructions. Obtain immediate, real-time access to current APRS position information, weather reports, telemetry graphs, and more. Zoom and browse around the world and see stations immediately – no waiting. • Route guidance / driving directions • Search callsigns and addresses, with quick search-as-you-type and search history features • Track multiple stations at the same time • Filter information shown on the map (weather stations, AIS, custom filters) • View weather, telemetry and statistic graphs • Beacon your position on aprs.fi • Attach to a transceiver with a wireless connection to a BLE TNC, receive and transmit position beacons without the Internet • Runs directly on top of the reliable and fast aprs.fi database • Tested to work great on all currently-supported iPhone and iPad models • Supports iOS 14/15/16/17/18/26 • Dark Mode support for an ergonomic viewing experience in low-light environments • High-resolution graphics for Retina and Retina HD displays with full APRS symbol set Buy the app – get the web site for free! Some new features require a subscription. All old and some new features will be available without a subscription fee. These features are currently included in the Extra Features subscription package: • APRS text messaging with a modern instant messenger-like experience, supports international text and emojis • High-performance software DSP modem • APRS-IS beaconing, with up to 10 callsign profiles • Offline maps • RX iGate functionality • Long time ranges in map and graph views Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. GPS is not required for viewing APRS information. Terms of service: https://aprs.fi/page/app_terms Privacy policy: https://aprs.fi/page/app_privacy

About

XP Navigator

Features
Read full description

XP Navigator is a specialized utility tool built specifically for the support teams, drivers, and logistics crews participating in the National Pony Express Association (NPEA) Annual Re-Ride within the Utah Division. The Ultimate Tool for the Ground Crew During the non-stop, 24/7 re-ride, the success of the mail depends on the support teams driving trucks and horse trailers. XP Navigator is designed specifically for these teams to coordinate rider drop-offs and pick-ups across the rugged Utah terrain. Current Features for Support Teams: Coordinate the Exchange: Know exactly where the next exchange station is located to ensure the next horse and rider are ready before the mochila arrives. Navigate the West Desert: Provides high-precision offline maps for remote areas like Simpson Springs, Faust, and Ibapah where cell service is non-existent. Truck & Trailer Focus: Clearly identifies access points and exchange locations suitable for support vehicles. Visual Positioning: See your location relative to the historic trail and upcoming stations to ensure you are on the correct path for the next drop-off or pick-up. Specifically for Utah Riders This version is tailored to the unique geography of the Utah Division—from the Wyoming state line, through Salt Lake and Murray, across the West Desert, to the Nevada border. Note to Users: This app is currently in a specialized "Support Crew" phase. While the route and stations are visible, it is optimized for the logistics of moving horses and trailers during the active Re-Ride. We look forward to future updates that will include enhanced features for spectators and history enthusiasts. Developed by Granite Ridge Labs Dedicated to preserving the history of the Pony Express through modern technology.

Screenshots

aprs.fi4 screens
XP Navigator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: XP Navigator at Free against aprs.fi's $6.99. XP Navigator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). aprs.fi's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and chart position (#9 vs unranked). On ads 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

XP Navigator is free to download; aprs.fi costs $6.99 up front. aprs.fi sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. XP Navigator asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, XP Navigator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
aprs.fi versus XP Navigator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameteraprs.fiXP Navigator
Price$6.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (1.1K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews70.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.1K — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#9 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB182 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGainIOGarrett Leslie

Bugs and requests

aprs.fi

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Beacon not clickable
  • Freezing on settings screen
  • Incompatible with older iOS versions
  • Inconsistent behavior with VOX on radios

Requested features

6 requests
  • Offline maps support
  • Ability to change nickname without creating new account
  • Smart beaconing mode
  • Bulk message deletion
  • CarPlay support
Show 1 more
  • Automatic location detection

XP Navigator

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

aprs.fi

Subscriptions3
  • Extra features, monthly$1.991 Month
  • Extra features, yearly7 Days trial$6.491 Year
  • Extra features, fair trade7 Days trial$13.491 Year
None

XP Navigator

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is aprs.fi free?
aprs.fi costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is XP Navigator free?
XP Navigator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do aprs.fi or XP Navigator have ads?
Neither aprs.fi nor XP Navigator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, aprs.fi or XP Navigator?
aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, and XP Navigator every 2 months. Most recently, aprs.fi was updated on September 25, 2026 and XP Navigator on September 12, 2026.

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