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

Avenza Maps vs MAPS.ME

Avenza Maps 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Avenza Maps
MAPS.ME 4.7★ · Free + IAP 60

Avenza Maps is better for professional and specialized offline mapping with custom map imports, despite recent paywall changes, while MAPS.ME is a decent option for general offline travel navigation if you can tolerate aggressive subscription prompts.

Full reviews: Avenza Maps · MAPS.ME

Avenza Maps excels in professional and custom map usage, particularly for outdoor and field work, though recent paywall changes have frustrated many free users. MAPS.ME offers reliable offline navigation for travelers, but its user experience is marred by frequent ads and subscription pushes.

Head to head

Offline Functionality and GPS Accuracy edge: Avenza MapsR8R17R23R38
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is highly praised for its accurate GPS and robust offline capabilities, allowing users to navigate without internet, which is crucial for activities like backpacking, hunting, and wildland fire safety R8R17R23R38. Users appreciate being able to download up-to-date maps and follow their location in real-time R17R38.
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME is also highly valued for its offline functionality, with users relying on it for travel in multiple countries and even in challenging environments like deserts and mountains where internet is unavailable . However, some users report issues with map updates and the need to constantly download new maps .
Custom Map Import and Specialized Use edge: Avenza MapsR2R6R7R19
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps was historically a top choice for importing custom geoPDF maps, which was a core feature for many professional and casual users R2R6R19R20. It's used extensively by wildland firefighters, forestry managers, and researchers for specialized field work R6R7R20.
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME does not offer custom map import functionality. Its strength lies in providing pre-made, detailed maps for general navigation and travel .
Pricing and Free Tier Limitations tieR1R3R4R6
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps has recently implemented significant changes, moving many previously free features, especially custom map imports, behind a paywall R1R3R4R6. This has caused widespread frustration and led many long-term users to seek alternatives, with subscription costs cited as high ($34/year or $170/year for Pro) R35R40R44R59.
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME also faces criticism for increasingly pushing users towards a paid subscription, with features that were once free now behind a paywall . Users are annoyed by frequent, intrusive pop-up ads and subscription prompts in the free version R66R72R90R93. Some users have reported unauthorized charges or difficulty canceling subscriptions .
Ease of Use and Interface tieR2R10R19R20
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps receives mixed reviews on its interface. Many users find it easy to use for basic navigation and map uploads R2R20. However, some describe the interface as clunky, complicated, or inefficient, especially for field notes and edits R10R19. Issues like difficult pin dropping and inaccurate map sorting have also been noted .
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME generally has a good user experience for navigation . However, some users find it difficult to use, especially for searching specific businesses or addresses . There are also complaints about the search function not working reliably and the maps not always being up to date or accurate in specific locations .
Reliability and Support edge: Avenza MapsR8R16R18R38
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is generally considered reliable for its core function of offline GPS tracking R8R38. However, some users have reported critical issues like map data disappearing after years of use and significant navigational errors due to coordinate entry problems R16. There are also complaints about the import function being broken or redirecting to the store without explanation R18.
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME has a mixed record on reliability. While many users praise its consistent performance in various countries , others report frequent app crashes , maps not being up to date , and navigation leading to incorrect or dangerous routes . Issues with accessing paid features after subscription and problems with canceling subscriptions also indicate reliability concerns .
Pick Avenza Maps if

you need to import custom geoPDF maps for professional use, outdoor activities like backpacking, hunting, or wildland fire safety, and are willing to pay for a subscription to access advanced features R2R6R8R17.

Pick MAPS.ME if

you need a free, general-purpose offline map for international travel and navigation, and are willing to tolerate frequent ads and subscription prompts .

Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating, but recent reviews for both are heavily skewed negative due to changes in their free-tier offerings and increased monetization. The comparison reflects this recent user sentiment.

Frequently asked

Can I import my own maps into Avenza Maps for free?
No, Avenza Maps no longer allows custom map imports in the free version; this feature is now behind a paid subscription R1R3R6R9.
Does MAPS.ME have a lot of ads?
Yes, MAPS.ME users frequently report intrusive full-screen pop-up ads and aggressive subscription prompts, especially in the free version R66R72R90R93.
How much does Avenza Maps cost?
Avenza Maps offers a free version with limited functionality, but a subscription is required for features like custom map imports, with reported costs ranging from $34 per year to $170 per year for a Pro subscription R35R40R44R59.

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. [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.
  2. [R17] Avenza Maps 5/5 · US Best maps app: I used grid maps for land nav in the Army. The maps and tools available on this app are just as good as paper maps and tools, but much more compact, and you can download up to date maps instantly. Some maps are paid, some are free, but I think the value is still good for what you get if you pay occasionally.
  3. [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.
  4. [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.
  5. [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!
  6. [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.
  7. [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.
  8. [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
  9. [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.
  10. [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.
  11. [R4] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Corporate greed ruins everything: Time to find an alternative
  12. [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.
  13. [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!!!
  14. [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.
  15. [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
  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. [R66] MAPS.ME 3/5 · US Meh: You can download max two american states. And boy if you plan to use it with internet prepare to be hit with a promotion for their $4 a month subscription every time you open the app! Herewego is better, this one’s way too intrusive. P.S- They asked for my review and the system didn’t post it because it isn’t 5 stars.
  18. [R72] MAPS.ME 3/5 · US Ads!: Ads anywhere! Get rid of them. New update is awful because of all the ads
  19. [R90] MAPS.ME 3/5 · GB In decline: I used to love maps.me for navigating walks, I recommended it to everyone over other map apps, however…it’s becoming worse and worse with its constant “you should upgrade!” reminders and the fact you now can only download a few maps. I hope they try and make it more usable again but I’m close to ditching it
  20. [R93] MAPS.ME 3/5 · GB Great, but getting annoying: I’ve used this app for years for hiking. I’ve no problem with only being able to download a limited number of maps free, as that’s enough for me. But right now, for the last few weeks, every time I open the app it flashes up that I have only 4 hours left to get a bargain subscription deal. It’s a blooming long 4 hours! And the splash screen holds for several seco
  21. [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
  22. [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.
  23. [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.
  24. [R59] Avenza Maps 1/5 · US Get a user base who is happy with a fairly priced solid product and pull the rug out: Making users pay $170 for a pro subscription that’s is basically the same as the $25 subscription we’ve previously been using is a crime. Looking forward to an alternative app.

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