Grid Ref UTM vs Tomstrails GPS UTM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Grid Ref UTM
Pinpoint your exact map reference location globally using the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system. Displays UTM grid references, hemisphere, and WGS84 latitude/longitude. Share your location via Twitter. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- UTM Grid Reference display
- WGS84 Latitude and Longitude
- Hemisphere information
- Location sharing via Twitter
- Accuracy of readings indicator
- International operation with USA UTM Zones guide
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Pinpoint your current map reference location anywhere in the world, using the Universal Transverse Mercator geographic coordinate system. (UTM) App Provides: UTM Grid Ref, Hemisphere, and WGS84 Latitude and Longitude values. The Accuracy of Readings, as indicated by your device, will also be shown. Tweet to Share your Location via Twitter! Grid Ref UTM - Your Grid Reference App! App will operate internationally. App includes a graphical guide to the United States (USA) UTM Zones. Ideally suited for use by walkers, hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is recommended that you should always carry a map and physical compass when on outdoor pursuits. For best results, use in a flat position, not an upright position. Much like a traditional compass. Use in an open space, where possible, away from trees, buildings and sources of interference. For continued on-screen display of Grid Reference information, please set your Auto-Lock preference in the 'Settings' App. (Settings -> General -> Auto-Lock) Compatible with handsets that feature GPS hardware. You may have to grant the app permission to use this information. -- Ad Supported.
Tomstrails GPS UTM
This app provides precise UTM grid references and displays your location on topographic maps. It works offline, supports various regional datums, and offers multiple coordinate formats for easy sharing and use in other applications.
- Fast and accurate UTM grid reference
- Locate position on topographic maps
- Works without phone signal
- Supports regional datums (e.g., ED50)
- Multiple coordinate formats (1m, 10m, 100m)
- Share coordinates with other apps
- High contrast display for readability
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GPS UTM displays a fast and accurate UTM grid reference. Locate your position on topographic maps. GPS UTM supports many of the regional datums used around the world including ED50. ∙ No phone signal required - works in the most remote locations. ∙ 1 metre, 10 metre and 100 metre formats. ∙ Paste your coordinate into other apps or share with other people. ∙ A large, clear, high contrast display ensures you can easily read your position in any light conditions. ∙ Optimal battery use based on speed of travel and current charge level ensures all day use. ∙ No Adverts. GPS UTM - know where you are.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Tomstrails GPS UTM at every 6 weeks against Grid Ref UTM's every 10 months. Tomstrails GPS UTM also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and ratings volume (1.6K vs 183). Grid Ref UTM's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. Grid Ref UTM sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Tomstrails GPS UTM sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Tomstrails GPS UTM holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tomstrails GPS UTM has 1.6K ratings behind it against 183, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of Grid Ref UTM's written reviews are positive against 84% of Tomstrails GPS UTM's.
Grid Ref UTM ships an update every 10 months, Tomstrails GPS UTM every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Grid Ref UTM | Tomstrails GPS UTM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (183 ratings) | 4.8 (1.6K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 73.7% of reviews | 83.8% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 183 | 1.6K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mike Irving | Tomstrails.com |
Customer experience
Grid Ref UTM
Tomstrails GPS UTM
Bugs and requests
Grid Ref UTM
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Tomstrails GPS UTM
Reported bugs
2 issues- Stopped working after iOS update
- UTM grids were off initially, required setting changes
Requested features
4 requests- Add support for Morocco coordinate system
- Add option to average readings and hold the result
- Add option to reduce coordinate display to 6 digits for emergency use
- Bring back previous features like degrees/minutes display and ability to edit messages
In-app purchases
Grid Ref UTM
- Go Ad Free$0.99
Tomstrails GPS UTM
- Feature PackFree
Questions
Is Grid Ref UTM free?
Is Tomstrails GPS UTM free?
Which has better reviews, Grid Ref UTM or Tomstrails GPS UTM?
Do Grid Ref UTM or Tomstrails GPS UTM have ads?
Which is updated more often, Grid Ref UTM or Tomstrails GPS UTM?
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