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

Avenza Maps vs GPS Tracks

Avenza Maps 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Avenza Maps
GPS Tracks 4.7★ · Free to download 65

Avenza Maps is better for users who need to import custom PDF maps for professional or detailed backcountry navigation, despite recent negative changes to its free tier, while GPS Tracks is a solid option for general outdoor activity tracking and basic navigation.

Full reviews: Avenza Maps · GPS Tracks

Avenza Maps excels at handling custom georeferenced PDF maps, making it a favorite for professionals and serious outdoor enthusiasts, though its recent shift to a paid-only model for this feature has caused significant user dissatisfaction. GPS Tracks offers reliable tracking and navigation features, particularly for activities like hiking and biking, but some users find its interface unintuitive and report occasional bugs.

Head to head

Features & Map Handling edge: Avenza MapsR1R2R3R6
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is highly praised for its ability to import and use custom georeferenced PDF maps, which is crucial for detailed navigation in various professional and recreational contexts R2R8R20. Users appreciate its accuracy and the detail available on these maps R8. However, recent changes have moved this core feature behind a paywall, leading to widespread frustration R1R3R6R7. Some users also find the interface clunky for field notes and edits R10 and note issues with coordinate entry R16 and map sorting .
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks is valued for its smooth tracking of routes for activities like biking, walking, and hiking . It offers features like elevation changes and data logging . However, users report difficulties with importing KMZ/KML files R73, a lack of waypoint pictures , and issues with NOAA charts . Some also find its synchronization unreliable and note that the app can be buggy or freeze .
Ease of Use tieR2R10R20R26
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is generally considered easy to use for its core function of following maps with a blue dot R2R20R26R32. However, some users find its interface unnecessarily complicated for tasks like field notes R10 or struggle with specific features like dropping pins after updates . A few reviews mention difficulty with font sizes on smaller screens and a complicated overall interface .
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks receives mixed reviews regarding ease of use. Many users find it easy and user-friendly for tracking R116. Conversely, a significant number of users describe it as not intuitive, difficult to learn, and needing better instructions . Some users resort to external tools like ChatGPT to understand how to use it .
Reliability & Performance edge: Avenza MapsR8R16R18R23
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is generally seen as reliable for offline mapping and GPS accuracy R8R23. However, some users report critical issues such as navigational errors due to coordinate autocorrection R16 and maps becoming inaccessible after years of use . The import function for custom maps is also described as broken for free users R18.
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks has reports of smooth tracking and accurate GPS . However, there are numerous complaints about the app not working properly, freezing, or crashing . Tracking can be inaccurate or stop recording , and map loading can be slow . Synchronization issues across devices are also a concern .
Price & Value tieR1R3R4R6
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps has faced significant backlash due to recent changes that moved core features, specifically custom map imports, from a free tier to a paid subscription R1R3R4R6. Users feel this is a "bait and switch" and that the paid version is overpriced for occasional users R9. Some professional users, like wildland firefighters, are now forced to pay or seek alternatives R6R7R22. There are also reports of misleading pricing and subscriptions expiring prematurely .
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks is a free download but requires payment for many features, including offline maps R70R76R113. Some users find it expensive for what it offers, especially compared to free alternatives R70. However, paying users often find the annual subscription to be worth the cost for the features provided .
Support edge: GPS TracksR102R112R116
Avenza Maps Reviews do not provide specific information about Avenza Maps' customer support.
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks users report quick and efficient service responses R102 and superb, helpful support R112R116.
Pick Avenza Maps if

You need to import and use custom georeferenced PDF maps for professional work, detailed backcountry navigation, or specific recreational activities, and are willing to pay for a subscription R2R8R20.

Pick GPS Tracks if

You need a reliable app for general outdoor activity tracking (hiking, biking, walking) with features like route tracing, elevation data, and waypoint marking, and are comfortable with a learning curve for its interface .

Evidence note: Avenza Maps has a significant number of recent negative reviews primarily focused on its pricing model changes, which may skew its current perception compared to its historical high ratings. GPS Tracks has fewer reviews overall, and while some are very positive, a notable portion highlights issues with usability and reliability.

Frequently asked

What happened to Avenza Maps' free features?
Avenza Maps recently moved its core feature of importing custom PDF maps from the free version to a paid subscription, meaning free users can now only access the OpenStreetMap basemap which many find useless for detailed navigation R1R3R6R9.
Is GPS Tracks truly free?
GPS Tracks is free to download, but many essential features, including offline maps and the ability to import KMZ/KML files, require an additional annual subscription fee R70R73R76R113.
Which app is better for professional use like firefighting?
Avenza Maps was widely used by professionals like wildland firefighters for its custom map import capabilities, but the recent paywall for this feature is pushing many to seek alternatives like Field Maps R6R7R22. GPS Tracks is also used for field work and navigation, but Avenza's specific strength was in handling detailed, custom georeferenced PDFs R32.

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. [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!!!
  7. [R26] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US Would recommend: Fast downloads maps easy to understand; user friendly
  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. [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.
  10. [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
  11. [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.
  12. [R4] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Corporate greed ruins everything: Time to find an alternative
  13. [R102] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US 3 years: Using for the last 3 years for spear fishing. Marking reefs and areas. Works great w/couple small annoyances. Some features seem complicated and laggy but service response is quick and efficient. I may also be part of the problem and could learn more..
  14. [R112] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Support is superb: App works great. Using for dog walks and hiking. Very happy with it.
  15. [R116] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Very happy. User friendly.: Great service. He helps me out quickly!
  16. [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.
  17. [R70] GPS Tracks 1/5 · US MoneyTracks: They want money for everything. Greedy developer. There are better apps around where you can have similar features way cheaper, like maps.com
  18. [R73] GPS Tracks 1/5 · US Terrible App: Will not let you use any of the functions!!! If you are trying to load KMZ/KML files I would recommend going to another application.
  19. [R76] GPS Tracks 1/5 · US Not free: Tell price up front. I would have paíd if the price was posted before downloading. Now I do not plan to use this app.
  20. [R113] GPS Tracks 1/5 · GB Misleading description: I downloaded this app only because in description says off-line maps available but that’s not true. You need to pay additional annual fee for that.
  21. [R7] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Nice changes: I like how once I get to a fire you guys made an import limit so I’m screwed on mapping at the moment.
  22. [R22] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Paid service sucks: Having to pay for this app got to make this the worst app ever now. A lot of people used this for fire fighting and now we have to pay the greedy. Wouldn’t recommend downloading.
  23. [R32] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US Forestry Operations Manager: Really appreciate the easy of use Avenza offers, great for field work.

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