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Maps · head to head

AllTrails vs Apple Maps

AllTrails logo

AllTrails

Maps

Discover the best hiking and biking trails

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Apple Maps logo

Apple Maps

Maps

Web mapping and navigation application developed by Apple Inc

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only AllTrails has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: AllTrails the App Store listing shows AllTrails is a free download with an in-app Pro subscription; the visible listing text does not state the Pro price, so the reader must check in-app purchases for the current rate.; Apple Maps live traffic updates, public transit info, and satellite view all require an active internet connection, offline mode (iOS 17+) is limited to pre-downloaded areas for driving, walking, cycling, and transit directions
  • They diverge on capability: AllTrails covers Trail discovery, Apple Maps covers Core Functionality.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AllTrails and Apple Maps actually diverge.

Attributes where AllTrails and Apple Maps differ
AttributeAllTrailsApple Maps
Starting priceFreeOn request
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIos, Android, WebiOS, macOS, Web
Founded20102012

Identical on both: pricing model (freemium), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in AllTrails

  • Trail discovery
  • Offline maps
  • GPS navigation
  • Activity recording
  • Trail reviews
  • Apple Health
  • Garmin
  • Apple Watch

Only in Apple Maps

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

AllTrails

  • Trail discoverynot Apple Maps
  • Hiking navigationnot Apple Maps
  • Outdoor fitness trackingnot Apple Maps

Apple Maps

  • Turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigationnot AllTrails
  • Public transit directions with real-time schedules (subways, buses, trains, ferries)not AllTrails
  • Offline turn-by-turn directions for pre-downloaded areas (iOS 17+)not AllTrails
  • Augmented-reality immersive walking directions in supported citiesnot AllTrails
  • Saving custom hiking/walking routes, including U.S. national park hikes, for offline accessnot AllTrails

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

AllTrails

  • The App Store listing shows AllTrails is a free download with an in-app Pro subscription; the visible listing text does not state the Pro price, so the reader must check in-app purchases for the current rate.

Apple Maps

  • Live traffic updates, public transit info, and satellite view all require an active internet connection, offline mode (iOS 17+) is limited to pre-downloaded areas for driving, walking, cycling, and transit directions
  • Apple Maps for the web is only in public beta, not a full-featured release
  • Feature depth (e.g. immersive walking AR directions, detailed transit) is strongest on newer iPhones/iOS versions, leaving older devices with a reduced experience

Pricing, plan by plan

AllTrails

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Trail search
    • Community reviews
    • Basic maps
  • AllTrails+$35.99/year
    • Offline maps
    • Real-time navigation
    • Trail conditions

Apple Maps

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Apple Maps review.

Which should you pick?

Choose AllTrails if

  • You need trail discovery.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want offline maps.
AllTrails review

Choose Apple Maps if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You work on iOS, macOS, Web.
  • You also want user interface.
Apple Maps review

Questions people ask

Is AllTrails or Apple Maps better?
Neither clearly leads. AllTrails starts at Free and Apple Maps at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AllTrails or Apple Maps?
AllTrails has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AllTrails and On request for Apple Maps.
Does AllTrails or Apple Maps run on more platforms?
AllTrails runs on Ios, Android, Web. Apple Maps runs on iOS, macOS, Web.
Can I use AllTrails for free?
Yes. AllTrails has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple Maps starts at On request.
What is AllTrails best used for?
AllTrails is most often used for trail discovery, hiking navigation, outdoor fitness tracking. Of those, trail discovery and hiking navigation are not what Apple Maps is typically brought in for.
What can AllTrails do that Apple Maps cannot?
AllTrails covers Trail discovery, Offline maps, GPS navigation, Activity recording. Apple Maps covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AllTrails: Is AllTrails free to use?

AllTrails offers both free and paid membership options. The basic free tier allows users to explore trails, see maps, and access core features for discovering hiking and outdoor activities.

Source
Apple Maps: Is there a cost to integrate Apple Maps into my app?

The Apple Maps pricing page does not disclose whether MapKit or MapKit JS integration is free or paid. You would need to consult Apple's developer documentation for current pricing and licensing terms.

Source
AllTrails: Can I create custom routes on AllTrails?

Yes, AllTrails allows users to build and edit custom trails. The platform provides route converter tools and options to print custom maps for your own trail designs.

Source
Apple Maps: What are the usage limits for Apple Maps integration?

The pricing page does not specify any rate limits, monthly minimums, or usage caps for MapKit or MapKit JS. This information is available in Apple's developer documentation.

Source
Apple Maps: Are there different pricing tiers for MapKit and MapKit JS?

The Apple Maps page mentions MapKit for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS apps, and MapKit JS for websites, but does not provide pricing details or tier information for either option.

Source
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