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

GPS Tracks vs Avenza Maps

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

Avenza Maps is generally preferred for professional and dedicated offline mapping, despite recent pricing changes, while GPS Tracks offers a more straightforward tracking experience for casual use.

Full reviews: GPS Tracks · Avenza Maps

Avenza Maps excels in professional-grade offline mapping and accuracy, though recent changes to its free tier have frustrated many users. GPS Tracks provides reliable tracking and navigation, but struggles with usability and bugs for some.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: Avenza MapsR2R4R5R13
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks offers smooth and accurate tracking for activities like biking, walking, hiking, and even professional field work R2R5R20. Users appreciate its ability to save offline maps, including a 'house version' when Google and Apple Maps are unavailable R20R59. It's praised for showing elevation changes and keeping track of data . However, some users report issues with specific features, such as NOAA charts not zooming well R4, inability to add waypoint pictures , and difficulties with KMZ/KML file imports R13. There are also complaints about the app getting stuck or freezing R18 and slow waypoint loading .
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is highly valued for its ability to import and use geo-referenced PDF maps offline, making it popular for backpacking, river trips, and wildland fire safety . It's recognized for impressive accuracy and real-time tracking . Professional users, including those in forestry and the military, find its maps and tools comparable to paper maps . However, recent updates have removed the ability to import custom maps in the free version, forcing users to pay for a subscription R61R63R66R69. Some users also find the annotation tools limited and cumbersome , and there are reports of issues with coordinate entry and map sorting accuracy .
Ease of Use & Interface tieR3R6R11R12
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks receives mixed reviews on ease of use. Many users find it easy and user-friendly for tracking and navigation R3R11. However, a significant number of users describe it as not intuitive, difficult to learn, and requiring external help like ChatGPT to figure out R12R35. Some complain about poor instructions R6 and a messy interface .
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is praised by some for being easy to use and understand, with fast map downloads . However, a notable portion of users find its interface complicated, clunky, and inefficient, especially for field notes and edits . There are specific complaints about difficulties finding maps , issues with dropping pins , and problems with font size on smaller devices .
Reliability & Performance edge: Avenza MapsR5R7R17R18
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks is generally seen as reliable for tracking, with users reporting smooth and accurate performance R5R17R20R42. It's noted for not eating battery life too badly . However, there are numerous reports of bugs, freezing, and crashes R18. Some users experience issues with tracking accuracy R7 and slow loading times . Synchronization issues across devices are also a concern .
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is lauded for its accuracy and reliability in offline navigation . It's considered functional for field work . However, some users report significant problems, including maps randomly disappearing or not opening after years of use . There are also complaints about data freezes and publishers being prevented from updating maps . One user reported a scam where a $170 pro subscription expired after a month instead of a year R100.
Price & Value tieR8R10R16R17
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks is free to download but requires payment for many features, leading to user frustration about hidden costs and a perception of being 'greedy' R10R16R53. Some users feel it's pricey for what it offers, especially compared to free alternatives R24. However, those who pay for the subscription often find it to be good value, worth the annual fee, and 'phenomenal' R8R17R59.
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps is free to download but has recently moved many core features, particularly custom map imports, behind a paywall, which has caused widespread user backlash R61R63R66. Users feel it's overpriced for occasional use R69R95 and that the company engaged in 'corporate greed' or 'bait and switch' tactics . The subscription price is cited as $34/year or $165-$170 for a 'pro' version R95R100R104R119. Some users still find value in paid maps or the overall functionality, despite the cost R104.
Support & Updates edge: GPS TracksR6R7R35R42
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks users report quick and efficient service response R42. However, there are complaints about a lack of notification for necessary app updates R6 and issues with recent macOS and watchOS updates causing tracking problems R7. Some users also note limited documentation R35.
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps has faced criticism regarding its recent pricing model changes, which many users perceive as a negative update R61R63R66. There are reports of issues with the newest update making pin dropping more annoying and a lack of address for bugs like the broken import function .
Pick GPS Tracks if

You need a reliable GPS tracker for personal outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or walking, and are willing to pay for a subscription to access full features, especially if you prioritize good customer support R2R5R17.

Pick Avenza Maps if

You are a professional or dedicated outdoor enthusiast who needs to import and use geo-referenced PDF maps offline for navigation, especially in fields like forestry, wildland fire, or serious backpacking, and are prepared to pay a subscription fee for these advanced capabilities .

Evidence note: Avenza Maps has a significantly higher number of ratings, and its recent negative reviews are heavily skewed by changes to its free tier and pricing model. GPS Tracks, while having fewer reviews, also shows a clear divide between users satisfied with the paid version and those frustrated by hidden costs and usability challenges.

Frequently asked

Is Avenza Maps still free?
Avenza Maps is free to download, but recent changes mean that core features like importing custom PDF maps are now behind a paywall, making the free version nearly useless for many previous users R61R63R66R69.
How much does Avenza Maps cost?
Avenza Maps offers subscription plans, with users citing prices around $34 per year for basic access or $165-$170 for a 'pro' subscription R95R100R104R119.
Can GPS Tracks be used offline?
Yes, GPS Tracks allows users to save and use offline maps, including a 'house version' when Google and Apple Maps are not available offline R20R59.
Is GPS Tracks truly free?
GPS Tracks is free to download, but many users report that essential functions and offline maps require an additional annual fee or in-app purchases, leading to frustration about hidden costs R10R16R24R53.

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. [R2] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Excellent GPS App: I use it when biking and walking to track progress. Also used it in the woods behind my house to see where things came out on the other side.
  2. [R4] GPS Tracks 2/5 · US NOAA charts: They do not work well zooming in and out
  3. [R5] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Extremely phenomenal: Smooth tracking, refreshing!
  4. [R13] 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.
  5. [R3] GPS Tracks 3/5 · US Use it almost every day: Track walks in forest. Never lost. Easy
  6. [R6] GPS Tracks 3/5 · US Poor instructions: I have paid for this and been unable to use it. Finally figured out that the app needed to be updated. I would have expected notification
  7. [R11] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Easy to use: Very user friendly suits our purpose
  8. [R12] GPS Tracks 3/5 · US I want it to be better: It’s just not intuitive. Even simple things are difficult. I have to go to ChatGPT many times to ask things I need. If I ever figure it out, I would love to give it five stars. Very frustrated.
  9. [R7] GPS Tracks 2/5 · US Not working so well with recent macOS and watchOS updates the watch forgets it is tracking the last: Track did not match real life last time out
  10. [R17] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Patriot17 FAVE FOR ONBOARD GPS: I paid. I love this program. Really accurate and valuable for sharing OPERATIVE MAPPING.
  11. [R18] GPS Tracks 3/5 · US Average due to weak programming: I deleted this app when it got stuck on a screen and became a brick. The programming is headed in the right direction but is not well implemented. Still, good feature set just not worth paying for until the freezing is resolved.
  12. [R8] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Compass on steroids: Nice tracking app…if you have acreage to oversee, it’s worth it
  13. [R10] 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
  14. [R16] 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.
  15. [R35] GPS Tracks 1/5 · US Not good: Not intuitive. Buggy. Can't export. Limited documentation. Do NOT recommend.
  16. [R42] 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..
  17. [R61] 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.
  18. [R63] 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.
  19. [R66] 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.
  20. [R69] 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.
  21. [R95] 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. [R100] 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. [R104] 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. [R119] 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.
  25. [R20] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Great App: I was looking for an app to trace my route as I travel. This app draws a perfect line showing my route. Lots of great features too. I’m using the pro feature so I can use the offline maps. Note that Google and Apple Maps are not available offline, but there is a house version that is, and it works fine.
  26. [R59] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Terrific navigation app!: I had MotionX-GPS but they stopped supporting the iOS in 2021 so it won’t even launch on my iPad with iOS 15. I downloaded GPS Tracks and after a few uses, I upgraded to GPS Tracks Premium. Feature rich, ability to save offline maps, tracking, waypoints, just a great NAV app!! I highly recommend it!
  27. [R24] GPS Tracks 3/5 · GB Good app but pricey: Quite expensive for what it is. Haven’t yet discovered much extra value over free similar apps
  28. [R53] 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.

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