# Grid Ref UTM vs Tomstrails GPS UTM

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Grid Ref UTM | Tomstrails GPS UTM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (183 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grid-ref-utm/id962314746/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tomstrails-gps-utm/id1004370364/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 183 | **1.6K** |
| Positive reviews | 73.7% of reviews | **83.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mike Irving](https://appshunter.io/developer/393933736) | [Tomstrails.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/425642318) |

## What reviewers say

### Grid Ref UTM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grid-ref-utm/id962314746)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Go Ad Free | $0.99 | one-time |


### Tomstrails GPS UTM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tomstrails-gps-utm/id1004370364)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Feature Pack | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and free
- 👍 Works well
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Accurate and reliable
- 👍 Great for hiking and emergencies

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't do anything
- 🐛 Coordinates not always accurate
- 💰 Requires payment for some features

**Reported bugs**

- Stopped working after iOS update
- UTM grids were off initially, required setting changes

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Grid Ref UTM free?

Grid Ref UTM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Tomstrails GPS UTM free?

Tomstrails GPS UTM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Grid Ref UTM or Tomstrails GPS UTM?

Tomstrails GPS UTM is rated higher. Grid Ref UTM averages 4.6 out of 5 from 183 ratings, while Tomstrails GPS UTM averages 4.8 from 1.6K ratings.

### Do Grid Ref UTM or Tomstrails GPS UTM have ads?

Neither Grid Ref UTM nor Tomstrails GPS UTM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Grid Ref UTM or Tomstrails GPS UTM?

Grid Ref UTM ships an update every 10 months, and Tomstrails GPS UTM every 6 weeks. Most recently, Grid Ref UTM was updated on October 7, 2026 and Tomstrails GPS UTM 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.*