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AllTrails vs Gaia GPS

AllTrails logo

AllTrails

Software

Discover the best hiking and biking trails

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Gaia GPS logo

Gaia GPS

Software

Premium backcountry navigation for outdoor adventurers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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.; Gaia GPS gaia GPS Premium requires an Outside+ subscription and account, per the App Store listing
  • They diverge on capability: AllTrails covers Trail discovery, Gaia GPS covers Topo maps.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AllTrails and Gaia GPS actually diverge.

Attributes where AllTrails and Gaia GPS differ
AttributeAllTrailsGaia GPS
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Founded20102008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Ios, Android, Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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
  • GPS navigation
  • Activity recording
  • Trail reviews
  • Apple Health
  • Garmin
  • Fitbit
  • Location privacy

Only in Gaia GPS

  • Topo maps
  • Satellite imagery
  • Track recording
  • Waypoint management
  • Garmin inReach
  • Garmin Connect
  • Cloud backup

Both cover

  • Offline maps
  • Apple Watch
  • SSL encryption
  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

AllTrails

  • Trail discoverynot Gaia GPS
  • Hiking navigationnot Gaia GPS
  • Outdoor fitness trackingnot Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS

  • Offline topographic map navigation for hiking and backcountry travelnot AllTrails
  • Trail discovery and uploading in remote areasnot AllTrails
  • 4x4 off-road and overlanding navigationnot AllTrails
  • Ski touring and backcountry skiing navigationnot 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.

Gaia GPS

  • Gaia GPS Premium requires an Outside+ subscription and account, per the App Store listing
  • Subscription auto-renews unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, per the App Store listing

Pricing, plan by plan

AllTrails

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

Gaia GPS

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Gaia GPS 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 gps navigation.
AllTrails review

Choose Gaia GPS if

  • You need topo maps.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want satellite imagery.
Gaia GPS review

Questions people ask

Is AllTrails or Gaia GPS better?
Neither clearly leads. AllTrails starts at Free and Gaia GPS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AllTrails or Gaia GPS?
AllTrails starts at Free and Gaia GPS at Free.
Does AllTrails or Gaia GPS run on more platforms?
AllTrails runs on Ios, Android, Web. Gaia GPS runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use AllTrails for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Gaia GPS is typically brought in for.
What can AllTrails do that Gaia GPS cannot?
AllTrails covers Trail discovery, GPS navigation, Activity recording, Trail reviews. Gaia GPS covers Topo maps, Satellite imagery, Track recording, Waypoint management. Both handle Offline maps, Apple Watch, SSL encryption, Ios support.
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