AllTrails, the popular hiking and walking app, has over 90 million users worldwide and offers a Plus subscription at £2.99 per month (billed annually at £35.99). For casual walkers, the question is whether this paid tier adds enough value over the free version to justify the cost.
What AllTrails Plus Offers
The free Base version of AllTrails lets users save trails, compile lists, and navigate to stay on course. The Plus subscription unlocks downloadable offline maps, off-route alerts, custom route creation on desktop, and 3D maps. A higher Peak tier (£79.99/year) adds community heatmaps, in-app route building, plant identification, and mobile route editing.
For most casual hikers, Plus provides the essential features. Offline maps are crucial for areas with poor signal, and GPS functionality works without a data connection, ensuring accurate location tracking even in remote areas.
How AllTrails Compares to Google Maps
AllTrails excels for outdoor navigation where Google Maps falls short. Google Maps is designed for efficient point-to-point travel, not for discovering circular walking routes through hills and points of interest. AllTrails users can search by area, distance, and difficulty rating to find curated trails with user reviews and photos.
However, AllTrails maps lack the detail of Ordnance Survey (OS) maps, which include natural and man-made features. The OS Maps app offers similar features at the same price but is UK-only. AllTrails has a global reach but may show fewer routes in developing countries.
Real-World Testing
During testing with Plus membership, off-route alerts appeared on both iPhone and Apple Watch, allowing the user to keep their phone tucked away. The Apple Watch integration proved non-intrusive, with map and alerts displayed on the wrist. Android users with WearOS smartwatches (e.g., Google Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch) get the same functionality.
AllTrails also supports route transfer to Garmin and Coros sports watches. Testing on a Coros watch showed seamless performance: routes could be started from the watch, and activity data uploaded automatically to AllTrails, eliminating the need to use a phone during walks.
Is It Worth the Subscription?
For casual walkers who want to explore the outdoors without investing in expensive gear or detailed maps, AllTrails Plus provides a low-cost entry point. The app does enough to guide users to enjoyable walks and then steps back, letting them enjoy the experience. Continuous GPS use drains phone battery, so a portable power bank is recommended.
According to the tester, the £2.99 monthly subscription is worthwhile for anyone keen to start walking and maintain that enthusiasm. The app's strength lies in its simplicity and motivation without being condescending or overwhelming.
