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Maps · head to head

AllTrails vs QGIS

AllTrails logo

AllTrails

Maps

Discover the best hiking and biking trails

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Q

QGIS

Maps

Free, open-source desktop GIS application that supports viewing, editing, and analysis of

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.; QGIS requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • They diverge on capability: AllTrails covers Trail discovery, QGIS covers Core Functionality.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AllTrails and QGIS actually diverge.

Attributes where AllTrails and QGIS differ
AttributeAllTrailsQGIS
Starting priceFreeOn request
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIos, Android, WebWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded2010Unknown

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 QGIS

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

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

AllTrails

  • Trail discoverynot QGIS
  • Hiking navigationnot QGIS
  • Outdoor fitness trackingnot QGIS

QGIS

  • Creating thematic maps showing population density by regionnot AllTrails
  • Digitizing building footprints from satellite imagery for urban planningnot AllTrails
  • Analyzing proximity of retail stores to competitor locationsnot AllTrails
  • Performing spatial analysis of wildlife habitat suitabilitynot 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.

QGIS

  • Requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Desktop application does not include built-in web publishing capabilities

Pricing, plan by plan

AllTrails

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

QGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the QGIS 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 QGIS if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want user interface.
QGIS review

Questions people ask

Is AllTrails or QGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. AllTrails starts at Free and QGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AllTrails or QGIS?
AllTrails has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AllTrails and On request for QGIS.
Does AllTrails or QGIS run on more platforms?
AllTrails runs on Ios, Android, Web. QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use AllTrails for free?
Yes. AllTrails has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. QGIS 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 QGIS is typically brought in for.
What can AllTrails do that QGIS cannot?
AllTrails covers Trail discovery, Offline maps, GPS navigation, Activity recording. QGIS 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
QGIS: Is QGIS free and open source?

Yes. QGIS is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU General Public License, available for download and modification by anyone.

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
QGIS: What operating systems does QGIS support?

QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installers available for each platform.

Source
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