Software · head to head
Apple Maps vs AllTrails
Apple Maps
Software
Web mapping and navigation application developed by Apple Inc
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only AllTrails has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: 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; 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.
- They diverge on capability: Apple Maps covers Core Functionality, AllTrails covers Trail discovery.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apple Maps and AllTrails actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apple Maps | AllTrails |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS, Web | Ios, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2012 | 2010 |
Identical on both: pricing model (freemium), 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 Apple Maps
- Core Functionality
- User Interface
Only in AllTrails
- Trail discovery
- Offline maps
- GPS navigation
- Activity recording
- Trail reviews
- Apple Health
- Garmin
- Apple Watch
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
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
AllTrails
- Trail discoverynot Apple Maps
- Hiking navigationnot Apple Maps
- Outdoor fitness trackingnot Apple Maps
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
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.
Pricing, plan by plan
Apple Maps
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Apple Maps review.
AllTrails
Free- FreeFree
- Trail search
- Community reviews
- Basic maps
- AllTrails+$35.99/year
- Offline maps
- Real-time navigation
- Trail conditions
Which should you pick?
Choose Apple Maps if
- You need core functionality.
- You work on iOS, macOS, Web.
- You also want user interface.
Choose AllTrails if
- You need trail discovery.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want offline maps.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Maps or AllTrails better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apple Maps starts at On request and AllTrails at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Maps or AllTrails?
- AllTrails has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Apple Maps and Free for AllTrails.
- Does Apple Maps or AllTrails run on more platforms?
- Apple Maps runs on iOS, macOS, Web. AllTrails runs on Ios, Android, 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 Apple Maps best used for?
- Apple Maps is most often used for turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation, public transit directions with real-time schedules (subways, buses, trains, ferries), offline turn-by-turn directions for pre-downloaded areas (ios 17+), augmented-reality immersive walking directions in supported cities. Of those, turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation and public transit directions with real-time schedules (subways, buses, trains, ferries) are not what AllTrails is typically brought in for.
- What can Apple Maps do that AllTrails cannot?
- Apple Maps covers Core Functionality, User Interface. AllTrails covers Trail discovery, Offline maps, GPS navigation, Activity recording.