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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Avenza Maps vs AllTrails

Avenza Maps 4.8★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner AllTrails
AllTrails 4.9★ · Free + IAP 80

AllTrails is generally better for casual hikers seeking trail discovery and community features, while Avenza Maps excels for professional and specialized offline mapping with custom geo-referenced PDFs, despite recent paywall changes.

Full reviews: Avenza Maps · AllTrails

AllTrails offers a vast database of trails and strong community features, making it ideal for finding and navigating hikes, though some users criticize its aggressive monetization and occasional bugs. Avenza Maps is highly valued by professionals for its precise offline GPS and ability to import custom geo-referenced maps, but recent changes have significantly limited its free functionality, pushing many users to paid subscriptions or alternatives.

Head to head

Features & Map Content edge: AllTrailsR1R2R3R6
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is praised for its ability to import custom geo-referenced PDF maps, which is crucial for professional users like wildland firefighters and forestry managers, and for its accurate offline GPS tracking R2R6R8. However, the recent removal of this feature from the free tier has made it less appealing for casual users R1R3R6. Some users also find the annotation tools limited and the search results for maps inaccurate .
AllTrails AllTrails is highly regarded for its extensive trail database, making it easy to discover new places and trails R62. It offers features like GPS navigation, community reviews, and recent trail conditions R62. However, some users report buggy maps and issues with tracking accuracy . The new 'Outdoor Lens' feature is also considered annoying by some .
Ease of Use edge: AllTrailsR2R10R16R20
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is described as easy to use for uploading and following maps with a blue dot R2R20. However, some users find its interface clunky, unnecessarily complicated for field notes, and difficult to navigate, especially when dealing with large fonts or specific functions like dropping pins R10R16.
AllTrails AllTrails is generally praised for being easy and intuitive, even for beginners, and for its user-friendly interface for discovering trails . However, some users report frustrating experiences with the interface, including difficulty stopping logging, annoying pop-ups, and issues with scrolling or accessing certain buttons .
Reliability & Performance tieR8R16R38R43
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is lauded for its impressive accuracy and reliable offline GPS functionality, which has saved users from getting lost R8R38. However, there are reports of critical data loss over time, with saved maps and waypoints becoming inaccessible after several years R43. Some users also note issues with coordinate entry, leading to navigational errors R16.
AllTrails AllTrails is generally seen as reliable for GPS navigation and tracking, helping users stay on trail and achieve mileage goals . However, numerous users report significant bugs, including maps freezing, losing location, and downloaded offline maps not working when offline . There are also instances of incorrect routes leading users across private property .
Price & Value tieR1R3R4R6
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps faces significant backlash due to recent changes that moved core features, especially custom map import, behind a paywall R1R3R4R6. Users feel the free version is now 'useless' and the paid subscription, costing around $34/year or $170/year for Pro, is overpriced for occasional users R1R9R35R40. Some users also report issues with subscriptions expiring prematurely R40.
AllTrails AllTrails is criticized for its aggressive monetization, with many features locked behind a paywall, including basic tracking info, route creation, and offline maps . Users find the pricing, especially for the Peak subscription at $80/year, to be a 'money grab' and too expensive . There are also complaints about deceptive pricing, auto-renewal issues, and a lack of family plans .
Support & User Experience tieR15R18R19R21
Avenza Maps Reviews for Avenza Maps do not explicitly mention customer support interactions. However, the lack of response to reported bugs, such as the broken import function, suggests potential issues with addressing user concerns R18. The recent changes to the free tier have caused widespread user dissatisfaction, with many feeling betrayed by a 'bait and switch' tactic R15R19R21.
AllTrails AllTrails users report mixed experiences with support. Some successfully received refunds after being wrongly charged , but others describe support as unhelpful regarding pricing issues and unwilling to refund deceptive charges . Users also complain about a lack of options for providing feedback within the app and privacy changes that made user waypoints public without warning .
Pick Avenza Maps if

you are a professional user (e.g., wildland firefighter, forestry manager) who needs to import and use custom geo-referenced PDF maps offline, and are willing to pay for a subscription R6R8R20.

Pick AllTrails if

you are a casual hiker or outdoor enthusiast looking for an extensive database of trails, community reviews, and reliable GPS navigation for discovering new routes R62.

Evidence note: Avenza Maps' recent negative reviews are heavily skewed by changes to its free tier, which previously allowed custom map imports but now requires a paid subscription. This creates an asymmetry where many negative reviews stem from former free users feeling 'bait and switched,' while positive reviews often come from long-term professional users who find the paid features essential. AllTrails also faces significant criticism regarding its aggressive monetization and bugs, despite its higher overall rating.

Frequently asked

What are the main differences in map types and usage for Avenza Maps vs. AllTrails?
Avenza Maps specializes in allowing users to import and use custom geo-referenced PDF maps, which is highly valued by professionals for detailed, offline navigation in specific areas, while AllTrails provides a vast, crowd-sourced database of trails for discovery and navigation, often with community reviews and photos R2R6R48R62.
How do the free versions of Avenza Maps and AllTrails compare?
The free version of Avenza Maps has become nearly useless for many, as it no longer allows custom map imports, limiting users to basic OSM maps with insufficient detail R1R3R19R34, whereas AllTrails' free version is heavily restricted by ads and paywalls, making many core features like offline maps and detailed tracking information inaccessible without a subscription .
Are there significant pricing complaints for either app?
Yes, both apps face significant pricing complaints; Avenza Maps is criticized for moving previously free features behind a paywall, with subscriptions costing around $34 to $170 annually R9R35R40R44, and AllTrails is criticized for its aggressive monetization, two-tier subscription system, and high prices, with its 'Peak' tier costing around $80 annually .
Which app is better for offline use?
Avenza Maps is highly regarded for its accurate offline GPS and the ability to use downloaded PDF maps without an internet connection R8R23R24R38, while AllTrails offers offline maps as a paid feature, but some users report that these downloaded maps do not always work reliably when truly offline .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Useless: As a long-term casual user, I am very disappointed with the pricing plan change. I have happily used the app for many years for cross country backpacking. I like to know where I am. Now, as a “free” user, the only map I can access is the OSM. This map is absolutely useless. I cannot see the details of this map. As suck I am unable to navigate with it.
  2. [R2] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US So easy!: Thank you Avenza for making it easy to upload .pdf maps and follow them in my map app with a blue dot!
  3. [R3] Avenza Maps 3/5 · US Updated map limits: This app has been great for so long, but the recent changes to custom map import limits is making me look for alternative apps.
  4. [R6] Avenza Maps 3/5 · US Used to be better: As a wildland fire safety officer, I used to be able to download custom maps with the free version. Now, I can’t so I’m forced to purchase a plan. The wildland fire community is being pushed into using Field maps, and I may eventually go that route, too.
  5. [R10] Avenza Maps 2/5 · US Functional sort of: Terrible user interface. If you’re really patient and don’t mind unnecessarily complicated steps to make field notes and edits you may find this app to be ok. It does the job but does so in a very inefficient manner. This is magnified while in the field and dealing with less than ideal environmental conditions.
  6. [R16] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Going to get firefighters/public killed.: Need a better way to enter coordinates that doesn’t autocorrect. Caused massive navigational errors when heading to wildfires. Use any other app for plotting coordinates.
  7. [R20] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US Review of Avenza: I am fascinated to be able to import historic aerials into Avenza and use them to find historic sites while I am walking the area! It is accurate and easy to use! Makes the histotic aerials compatible with Google Earth!!!
  8. [R8] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US My go to river app: I have been using these maps for years. The accuracy is impressive. The ability to know where we are on the river has saved me from more than just one take-out mistake.
  9. [R38] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US Real Time: The app is excellent didn’t know what to expect. Riding a gravel bike I was able to follow myself on the map in real time and know I was on the correct road. GPS function I did not realize the iPhone even had, no cell phone for calls, oh well, but I knew where I was. 61 mile ride, no wrong turns.
  10. [R43] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Do not trust Avenza for long term!: I used Avenza maps for multiple elk and mule deer hunts. Loved the interface very clean tracks and waypoints. BUT!!! I saved vital tracks in, glassing spots, access around pinnacles and bluffs. Days and days of vital information for return trips. All was good for about 5 years. I went to open a map for a Nevada mule deer hunt I drew again but it would not open.
  11. [R4] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Corporate greed ruins everything: Time to find an alternative
  12. [R15] Avenza Maps 3/5 · US Used to be great: The app used to allow 1 map import for free, but no more. So typical of companies these days, get people roped in for free, the old “bait and switch”.
  13. [R18] Avenza Maps 3/5 · US Import function is broken: As another review points out, the free custom map import feature no longer works and instead sends you to a generic Avenza store webpage without explanation. Non-store custom map import has been a core feature since inception and its absence essentially breaks the app for many users. But after several months Avenza still hasn't addressed it as a bug demanding an urgent f
  14. [R19] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US No longer free! $$$$: This app started out ok, but kinda clunky for viewing geoPDFs, but pushed by USGS ISFS, BLM, state fish and game depts. and other public sources for geoPDF maps products. Start hitting limits years ago on how many imported pdf maps you could add. More headaches than it was worth to use it much. Now zero map imports allowed without a heavy subscription fee. Moving on to No
  15. [R21] Avenza Maps 3/5 · US Smarmy: I’ve been using Avenza for a decade or more, and they haven’t really added anything compelling. (There’s not much to add…at best, it’s an app that gets out of the way in order for you to view a georeferenced map.) On one hand, that’s an incredibly useful feature that’s worth paying for. On the other hand, now when I go to open a map I’ve downloaded (often the easiest way to obtain a map is
  16. [R48] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US What a Backpacking Map App Should Be: Just as the title says, this is the app that you will actually use as a backpacker. Flashy tracking, metrics, and user submitted images are definitely cool elements of some other apps, but if you actually want to navigate, downloading a full map and being able to zoom in on every little detail is really what you need. This offers that without any of the buggy
  17. [R62] AllTrails 5/5 · US Used often: Amazing for trail guidance, looking for new spots, is a great platform for researching and navigating trails
  18. [R34] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Free Version now nearly worthless: Until a recent update Avenza was my favorite free mapping app. No longer. All you get now is a blue dot on whatever map you open. Nothing more. In my opinion, Gaia GPS is now the far better choice for a free version.
  19. [R9] Avenza Maps 3/5 · US Great app, but…: … no longer supports uploaded maps in the free version; upgraded version is overpriced for occasional users of a single map.
  20. [R35] Avenza Maps 4/5 · US Expensive yearly price tag: I've had this app for about 9 years now and it had a free use section. It's a very good mapping tool but when I updated it, it said the maps I was using were no longer supported in the free mode. In order to use the maps I now have to buy into the subscription which is $34 a year. That's too expensive for me and how often I use the mapping. As a paramedic running calls
  21. [R40] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Scam: I paid 170 bucks for pro and it expired a month later asking me to pay again. The 170 was supposed to cover a whole year and yet it barely covered a month.
  22. [R44] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US Misleading: Though the app is free to download it costs a yearly subscription of $165 to import anything and run it. Found this out AFTER I purchased a map that only runs on this platform. Very disappointing and falsely advertised.
  23. [R23] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US Handy for what I need the app to do: I have been using Avenza off-line mapping for years and it does well for what I needed to do.
  24. [R24] Avenza Maps 3/5 · US Good for offline: Works great for offline maps. You can download up to date PDF maps directly from USFS and Avenza will import them from the file without any configuration. However, I wish there was a way to specify map limits (shrink) due to the white margin. Avenza will switch to another map automatically if you cross the border however there is a large white margin for many from USFS. Also the

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store