Best 8 Hiking GPSes in 2026: Compare Trail Navigation

Introduction

For hiking GPS, AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run is a strong all-around option for people who hike, bike, and run. This roundup compares eight apps for trail maps, route planning, offline use, and different hiking needs. The best fit depends on where you hike, which phone you use, and whether you want phone-only navigation or an app that works with a compatible device.

Quick comparison

The apps take different approaches to hiking GPS. Some focus on finding and planning trails, while others center on offline maps or navigation with outdoor hardware. Features and availability can vary by platform, subscription, or compatible device, so check the app listing before counting on a particular function.

1. AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run

Best for: Hikers who also want an app for biking and running.

AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run covers three outdoor activities, which makes it a practical choice if hiking isn’t your only pursuit. You can use one app for hiking, biking, and running instead of picking a separate app for each activity. Check the current listing for features on your platform and see whether any require a subscription.

2. Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps

Best for: Hikers looking for a mobile trail-map app.

Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps is geared toward hiking, overlanding, and camping, so it may suit trips beyond day hikes. Consider it if your outdoor plans vary and you want a mapping app for different kinds of outings. Its appeal is that broad trail-map focus. Check the listing to see which maps and features are available for your device and plan.

3. onX Backcountry: 3D Trail Maps

Best for: Hikers who value 3D maps and offline navigation.

onX Backcountry pairs GPS navigation with interactive maps for outdoor trips. Its 3D offline maps give you another way to review terrain and plan a route before setting out. If you need offline access, check the app’s current requirements and confirm that you can download the maps you need for your trip.

4. komoot - hike, bike & run

Best for: Hikers who want route planning for more than one activity.

komoot - hike, bike & run is listed as a hiking and route-planning app, with biking and running included in its name and activity focus. It may suit people who want to plan different kinds of outings in one place. Check the Android listing for current availability and details on included features.

5. Wikiloc - Trails of the World

Best for: Hikers looking for an outdoor-trails app.

Wikiloc - Trails of the World is a trails-focused option for hikers comparing outdoor apps. Its stated focus is outdoor trails, rather than navigation connected to specific hardware. If your main goal is to find a trails app, it’s one to look into. Review the Android listing to see which trail and navigation features are available before choosing it for a particular trip.

6. HiiKER: The Offline Hiking app

Best for: Hikers who want offline maps and route-planning tools.

HiiKER brings hiking maps and route planning together with route sharing and waypoints. You can use those tools to mark points along a planned outing or share a route with someone else. Its main draw is having maps, route sharing, and waypoints in one hiking-focused app. Check the Android listing for details on offline map access and any feature requirements.

7. Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping GPS Navigation & Trail Maps

Best for: Hikers prioritizing offline mapping and GPS navigation.

Avenza Maps is described as an offline mapping and GPS-navigation app, with trail maps among its stated uses. It’s worth considering if you expect to use maps without a live connection. Check the iOS listing to confirm which maps and features fit your needs.

8. Garmin Explore™

Best for: Hikers who use a compatible Garmin device.

Garmin Explore supports trip planning, map downloads, waypoints, tracking, and route navigation. It connects phone-based planning and navigation with compatible Garmin hardware. Since some features require a compatible device, it’s a more specific choice than a phone-only hiking app. Check device compatibility and the app’s current requirements before building it into your trip plan.

How we picked these apps

This roundup covers trail mapping, GPS navigation, route planning, offline use, and apps that connect with outdoor hardware. We considered each app’s stated features and intended uses rather than treating them as interchangeable. A trails-focused app may suit a different need from one built around offline maps or a compatible Garmin device. Availability and capabilities vary by platform, and some features may require a subscription or compatible hardware. Check the current app listing before downloading.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a hiking GPS app?

Compare offline maps, route planning, GPS navigation, and the types of trails or trips you take. Check platform availability and device requirements, especially if a feature depends on specific hardware.

Do I need internet access to use a hiking GPS app?

Before heading somewhere with limited service, check whether the app lets you download maps for offline use. Offline maps don’t necessarily mean every feature works without a connection, so confirm what’s available offline.

Can a phone replace a dedicated GPS device?

A phone-based app may be enough for your needs, while some apps pair navigation and planning with compatible outdoor hardware. Think about battery life on your trip, and check device compatibility if the app requires it.

Which app is best for planning and sharing routes?

komoot is listed for route planning across hiking, biking, and running. HiiKER offers route planning, sharing, and waypoints. Choose based on whether multi-activity planning or sharing and marking points matters more to you.

The verdict

AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run is a strong all-around choice for its focus on hiking, biking, and running. For interactive 3D offline maps, consider onX Backcountry. For offline hiking maps with route planning, sharing, and waypoints, consider HiiKER. Before choosing, weigh your offline needs, trip style, and platform, and check whether your preferred features require compatible Garmin hardware.