# Topo Reader vs Topo Maps US

Topo Reader and Topo Maps US both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 88% of Topo Maps US's written reviews are positive against 50% of Topo Reader's. Topo Maps US also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Topo Reader sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Topo Maps US asks for nothing beyond the download.

Topo Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 174 and 211 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Topo Reader's written reviews are positive against 88% of Topo Maps US's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Topo Reader ships an update every 3 months, Topo Maps US every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Topo Reader | Topo Maps US |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (174 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-reader/id940309979/reviews)** | [4.4 (211 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-us/id1033846196/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 174 | **211** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **87.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Size | 29 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Delcartes LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/909846659) | [DC Cloud Apps, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/353416960) |

## What reviewers say

### Topo Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-reader/id940309979)

Access and use detailed USGS topographical maps offline, even historical versions. Import your own geospatial PDF maps for navigation, route planning, and distance measurement. Ideal for outdoor adventures and geographical exploration.

**Highlights:** Download USGS topographical maps offline, Import geospatial PDF maps, Offline GPS usage on downloaded maps, Dual mode ruler for distance measurement, Route creation and GPS track recording, Augmented Reality waypoints

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 90 Day | $2.99 | one-time |
| 1 Year | $5.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $23.99 | one-time |


### Topo Maps US

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-us/id1033846196)

Access and download detailed topographic maps of the United States for offline use. Track your location, mark waypoints, and record your routes for outdoor activities. Navigate with direction arrows and measure distances on the map.

**Highlights:** Download US topographic maps, Offline map viewing, GPS location tracking, Add and import waypoints (flags), Import and share GPX/LOC files, Record and share trails, Elevation profile charts

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and simple user interface
- 📱 Works completely offline with downloaded maps
- 💰 Free app with no subscriptions or ads
- 🗺️ High-quality USGS topographic maps
- 📍 Accurate GPS location tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 White/gray blocks appearing on offline maps
- 🔋 High battery drain during route recording
- ❌ Limited color options for flags (only red)
- ⚠️ Route recording stops unexpectedly
- 🔍 No search functionality for trails/landmarks

**Reported bugs**

- White and gray blocks appearing on downloaded offline maps
- Route recording stops unexpectedly mid-hike
- High battery drain during route tracking
- GPX file import issues in iOS 13+
- Map display issues near borders

**Requested features**

- Pause/resume tracking during hikes
- Search feature for trails and landmarks
- Apple Watch app support
- CarPlay integration
- Slope shading visualization


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Topo Reader free?

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

### Is Topo Maps US free?

Topo Maps US is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Topo Reader or Topo Maps US?

Topo Reader is rated higher. Topo Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 174 ratings, while Topo Maps US averages 4.4 from 211 ratings.

### Do Topo Reader or Topo Maps US have ads?

Neither Topo Reader nor Topo Maps US shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Topo Reader or Topo Maps US?

Topo Reader ships an update every 3 months, and Topo Maps US every 2 months. Most recently, Topo Reader was updated on September 29, 2026 and Topo Maps US on September 29, 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.*