BaseMap and OnX both apps have something unique to offer to their users. The OnX map app is more users friendly and reliable as it allows you to change maps with just one click.
On the other hand, the BaseMap app has 3D and offers nationwide land ownership layers at a significantly lower price.
If you are into hunting or hiking, a map loaded with nationwide land ownership layers, routes, and other necessary markers will help you get lost in the wilderness. Not only will it empower you, but it will also help to achieve your goal.
In this article, I will show the differences between two direct competitors- BaseMap and OnX. So, let’s dive in.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | BaseMap | OnX |
| App Features | Public & Private Land Boundaries in All 50 States, Live Location Sharing, All 50 States With 1 Membership. | Public & Private Land Boundaries Across the USA & Canada, Allows Mark, Customize, and Share Waypoints, A Hunt Specific Marks. |
| Available Maps | 14 Available Maps | 3 Available Maps |
| Apps User Interface | A Bit Slow & Clunky | Better User Interface |
| Maps Resolution | Offers High-Resolution Imagery & Satellite | Only Offers High-Resolution Imagery |
| Items In The Maps | Less Information Available | More Information Available |
| Offline Map | 3D Maps Available Offline | No 3D Maps in Offline |
| App Compatibility | iOS, Android, Desktop | iOS, Android, Desktop |
| Rescue Option | Global Rescue Available | No Rescue Option |
| Price (May Vary) | $34.99 | $99.99 |
Key Differences Between BaseMap And OnX
- App Features
BaseMap allows you to navigate through the public and private land boundaries with nationwide color-coded maps.
This map can record distance, elevation, speed, and many other aspects of hunting and hiking so that you can safely return to your base in less time.
Using the rangefinder, you can accurately mark long-distance targets, which helps you forge a rock-solid plan.
The HuntWind feature will allow you to check real-time wind information and a 7-day forecast. The XDR navigation measures the distance and targets with an innovative compass and line scale bar.
On the other hand, OnX is a hunt-specific map with many exciting features. You will get nationwide public and private land boundaries data in this app.
Besides, you will be able to mark, share, and customize your waypoints.
The app allows you to save maps for future offline use. You will get VPA overlays for Wisconsin. Because of its land boundary feature, you can easily plan or discover hiking and backpacking routes as well.
Also Read: Differences Between HuntWise And HuntStand Hunting Apps.
- Available Maps
BaseMap app has much more maps than OnX. You will get TOPO maps, Land maps, water maps, roads & trails, Points of Interest, Wildfires & Timber cuts, Hunting maps, etc., from BaseMap. There are about 14 different maps in this app.
On the contrary, OnX only has 3 maps in it. They are onX Hunt, onX Offroad, and onX Backcountry. These are specific apps for specific outdoor activities. However, OnX is a hunting-specific app developed by hunters.
The main challenge of many maps in these two apps is switching between them. Changing BaseMap maps are not very easy. You have to switch it from the layer menu. There are so many map options and layers that you might feel confused.
But changing maps in the OnX app is pretty easy, convenient, and fast. You will find the map options on your screen, and you have to select a map to switch.
- Apps User Interface
The user interface or UI is very crucial for an app. Your app experience will depend on this factor. OnX UI may not be butterscotch, but it’s smooth and fast compared to BaseMap. Because of the fewer maps, this app doesn’t feel so heavy. So you can use it pretty smoothly.
In contrast, the BaseMap app is a bit heavy and slow. The app contains so many apps and other features it becomes slow, and you might sometimes experience lagging. Besides, it has high-resolution imagery. But it does not affect distance calculation or location information.
- Maps Resolution
You will get excellent image quality from the BaseMap app.
It offers high-resolution imagery.
On the other hand, it also provides high-resolution satellite imagery to your BaseMap app.
So you will get clear pictures and real-time satellite data while hunting or hiking.
Conversely, OnX does not have any hi-res satellite imagery options.
So you won’t get any real-time high-resolution imagery from this app while hunting or hiking.
However, other options and maps are pretty high-resolution and clear.
They won’t cause any trouble.
- Items In The Maps
The OnX app has more information available in its maps compared to BaseMap. You will get public land boundaries, private land boundaries, VPA overlay for Wisconsin, etc., in the BaseMap. There are also HuntWind, XDR Navigation, and Unit Boundaries available in this app.
On the other hand, OnX maps are equipped with public land boundary information, private land boundaries, acreage information, owner information, etc. Besides, a VPA overlay for Wisconsin, markers, and various other tools with more information about the maps and lands.
- App Compatibility
App compatibility means on which platforms these two apps will work. Both apps work perfectly with iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, etc. They also work on Android devices, including phones and tablets. But not all the features are available on the android versions.
For example, some 3D maps do not work on Android devices. These two apps are also compatible with desktops. You can run them on iMacs and Windows desktops. So, app compatibility is not an issue here.
You can basically run them on any smartphone and tablet. However, since they’re heavy apps loaded with many information, smartphones with higher specifications will run them smoothly and without any lag.
- Rescue Option
Sometimes when you are hiking or hunting alone in the wilderness and fall into some sort of accident or become sick, you might be unable to get yourself to safety.
In that case, you would need someone to rescue you.
BaseMap has partnered with the Global Rescue team so that you can contact them directly from its app.
With some yearly charge, you will get Global Rescue insurance, medical advisory, and most importantly, field rescue when you are alone and vulnerable.
However, OnX does not have the Global Rescue feature or any other rescue option. So, you will have to call the cops or your family in case of any trouble.
- Price
As you can see from the table, BaseMap costs way too lower than OnX. You will have to spend $34.99 annually to get the pro subscription. There is another pro bundle at $69.99.
On the contrary, OnX costs $99.99 for Elite Subscription with maps across all 50 states plus Canada. It also comes with exclusive services and benefits. There is another premium subscription at $29.99 for 1 state only.
Also Read: Differences Between HuntWise And OnX Hunting App.
Which App Will Be Best For You?
With exciting features on both apps, you might become baffled about choosing the right app. There is no need for confusion; you should go with the BaseMap app.
Let me clear out the reasons for that.
Firstly, this app has a lower subscription price; you will get all 50 states with 1 membership. Secondly, there is high-resolution satellite feeds in this app.
Thirdly, you get direct access to Global Rescue through this app. Here is another nice review of it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
OnX and BaseMap hunting GPS apps are very good in terms of functionality. You will find some unique features of both apps that are exclusive to each other. However, OnX is a bit more user-friendly and reliable. Its UI is faster than BaseMap. Again BaseMap has 3D offline maps and high-res satellite imagery.
The accuracy in BaseMap app is really good. Because of the high-resolution satellite imagery, you can pin the exact location through this app. The positional accuracy of this map is close to the specifications of the PlanetScope Visual Ortho Tile product as they use the same PlanetScope imagery to orthorectify.
There are two versions of the BaseMap app. One is a free version with basic maps and information. And the other one is a paid subscription Pro version where you will get detailed apps with lots of information like who owns a property, 3D maps, etc. are missing from the free version.
Gaia has far more available maps compared to OnX. Besides, you will get a free premium trial membership from Gaia. But there are no high-resolution satellite maps or google maps in the Gaia app. However, it has a better user interface than OnX, which is smooth, clean, and responsive. Gaia is specifically better for hiking.
Final Thoughts
Between BaseMap and OnX, my suggestion for you is BaseMap. Yes, it is a heavy app and sometimes lags because of it. But you won’t face them if you have a high-spec phone.
Most importantly, the BaseMap app is getting there, and soon it will be better than OnX in every aspect. So, no need to spend way too much money on a hunting GPS app when BaseMap offers so much more at a lower cost.
Also Read: onX Elite Reviews.
