# GPS OS Grid Reference vs GridFinder

The clearest difference is update cadence: GridFinder at every 5 days against GPS OS Grid Reference's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GPS OS Grid Reference sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per year and GridFinder sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

GPS OS Grid Reference ships an update every 3 months, GridFinder every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GPS OS Grid Reference | GridFinder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-os-grid-reference/id993436655/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **17** | — |
| Positive reviews | 89.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 11 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tomstrails.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/425642318) | [Satoshi Takezawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677095481) |

## What reviewers say

### GPS OS Grid Reference

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-os-grid-reference/id993436655)

This app accurately pinpoints your location on Ordnance Survey maps for Great Britain and Ireland, even without a phone signal. It offers precise grid references, waypoint creation, and navigation features. The display is designed for clarity in all lighting conditions, and it optimizes battery usage.

**Highlights:** Offline map location, Accurate grid references, Waypoint creation and management, High-contrast display, Battery optimization, Share waypoints

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Features | $5.99 | per year |
| Feature Pack - Compass & sharing features. | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🎯 Accurate grid references
- 🚀 Fast and quick updates
- 💡 Works without phone signal
- 🗺️ Useful for navigation and backup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Blurry satellite maps
- 🧭 Compass not accurate
- 📉 Accuracy dropped recently
- 🗺️ No map data included
- 🚫 Cannot search locations

**Reported bugs**

- Waypoint finder satellite view is blurry
- Compass is not accurate
- Accuracy has dropped recently
- Location services permanently dimmed off (iOS)
- App does not work for users not in England

**Requested features**

- Add map data and search functionality
- Improve satellite map clarity
- Add ability to view location on a map
- Enable navigation from point to point
- Add Apple Watch equivalent app


### GridFinder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gridfinder/id6787063767)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mini Ticket | $0.99 | one-time |
| Standard Ticket | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GPS OS Grid Reference free?

GPS OS Grid Reference is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is GridFinder free?

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

### Do GPS OS Grid Reference or GridFinder have ads?

Neither GPS OS Grid Reference nor GridFinder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GPS OS Grid Reference or GridFinder?

GPS OS Grid Reference ships an update every 3 months, and GridFinder every 5 days. Most recently, GPS OS Grid Reference was updated on September 26, 2026 and GridFinder on September 10, 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.*