Compare mapping apps
mapper.one vs the paid mapping apps
Honest, side-by-side comparisons of mapper.one against Avenza Maps, onX, Gaia GPS, AllTrails, and CalTopo — including where each paid app still wins. mapper.one is free, open-source, and offline-first.
The quick matrix
Free tier, offline access, custom data import, and licensing across the popular options.
| App | Paid plan | Free tier | Offline maps | Custom import | Open source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mapper.one | Free | Free forever | Free | KML/KMZ/GeoJSON/GPX | Yes |
| Avenza Maps | $49.99/yr (Plus) | 3 maps | Your maps | Geo-PDF/GeoTIFF/KML | No |
| onX | $34.99–$99.99/yr | Trial only | Paid | Limited | No |
| Gaia GPS | ~$39.99/yr | Limited | Premium | Yes | No |
| AllTrails | $35.99/yr (+) | No offline | Paid | Limited | No |
| CalTopo | $20–$100/yr | Desktop only | Paid (mobile) | Yes | No |
Pricing reflects publicly listed rates (checked 2026) and can change; verify with each vendor.
Head-to-head comparisons
vs Avenza Maps
The georeferenced-PDF standard. See where a free, unlimited, open-source app fits.
Read comparison →vs onX (Hunt / Backcountry / Offroad)
Subscription-only with proprietary landowner data. Honest take on the free, open trade-offs.
Read comparison →vs Gaia GPS
Deep premium layer catalog vs. free offline OSM and your own data.
Read comparison →vs AllTrails
A trail-discovery network vs. a bring-your-own-data field tool. Different jobs.
Read comparison →vs CalTopo
The desktop/SAR planning powerhouse vs. a free phone-first field companion.
Read comparison →Free, offline, and open for the wild places
No subscription, no account required. Import your own maps and carry them where there is no signal.