MARLVEL

Garmin Explore™ vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Garmin Explore™'s closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Garmin Explore™
This App
Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps
Nemesis
Footpath Route Planner
Contender
Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping
Contender
Wikiloc - Trails of the World
Contender
calimoto Motorcycle Navigation
Peer
Geocaching®
Peer
Bikemap: Bicycle Tracker & GPS
Peer
MapXplorer: Map Radar Navigate
New Kid
Core Identity
DeveloperGarminTrailBehindHalf Mile Labs LLCAvenza Systems Inc.Wikiloc Outdoor SLcalimoto GmbHGroundspeak Inc.Bikemap GmbHGoldlab Applications Yazilim Bilişim Anonim Şirketi
CategoryNavigationNavigationNavigationNavigationNavigationNavigationNavigationNavigationNavigation
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.1 / 54.8 / 54.8 / 54.8 / 54.8 / 54.6 / 54.8 / 54.7 / 54.5 / 5
Ratings Count89531,85521,040124,6865,07794163,5769,33428,252
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateOct 15, 2018May 22, 2017May 7, 2013Sep 19, 2010May 19, 2011Mar 15, 2018Sep 16, 2009Apr 16, 2013Sep 6, 2023
Last UpdatedApr 1, 2026Feb 17, 2026Apr 9, 2026Nov 5, 2025Apr 13, 2026Apr 3, 2026Apr 2, 2026Apr 13, 2026Apr 10, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixed--mixedmixed-mixed--
Score45/100--45/10055/100-55/100--
Praises
  • Syncing activity data with wearable devices provides essential utility for outdoor navigation and tracking
--
  • Offline GPS functionality enables reliable navigation in remote areas without cellular service
  • Reliable trail navigation and offline map access provide confidence for outdoor exploration
-
  • Outdoor exploration mechanics encourage users to visit new locations and trails daily
--
Complaints
  • Frequent application crashes and freezing during active navigation sessions disrupt critical outdoor safety tasks
--
  • Recent updates restrict free custom map imports and force users toward the store
  • GPS tracking inaccuracies and straight-line rendering issues disrupt the utility of recorded routes
-
  • Aggressive paywall restrictions limit access to basic caches for free-tier users
--
Requests
  • Granular control over synchronization to prevent unnecessary data transfer during remote off-grid expeditions
--
  • Native vehicle dashboard integration to allow hands-free navigation during outdoor activities
  • Granular privacy controls for activity uploads to prevent automatic public sharing of home locations
-
  • Driving navigation integration within the app to simplify travel between cache locations
--
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Hardware-software bridge justifies high-margin device sales
  • Cloud-sync library increases user switching costs
  • LiveTrack safety feature reinforces hardware utility
--
  • Professional-grade map store partnerships sustain high-intent user acquisition
  • Offline-first architecture creates a functional moat in remote environments
  • 77 million trail database creates a high barrier to entry
  • Hardware-integration partnerships with Garmin and COROS lock in power users
-
  • Global community network effect creates a treasure hunt barrier
  • Physical-digital hybrid experience increases switching costs
  • 25-year brand history sustains organic install velocity
--
Weaknesses
  • Frequent navigation crashes during active use
  • 0.7★ Android-iOS rating gap
  • Sync failures between mobile and GPS hardware
--
  • Premium tier gating of custom imports creates high churn risk
  • Lack of vehicle dashboard integration limits usage in off-road segments
  • Public-by-default activity sharing drives privacy complaints
  • 0.7★ Android-iOS rating gap indicates platform-specific UI/UX neglect
-
  • Premium tier at category-median pricing
  • 0.2★ Android-iOS rating gap
  • Login failures post-update
--
Pricingfreefreefreemiumfreemiumfreemiumsubscriptionsubscriptionfreemiumsubscription
MomentumIntenseActiveIntenseIntenseIntenseIntenseIntenseIntenseIntense
Update Cadence5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions

Compare Garmin Explore™ head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Garmin Explore™, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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