Undeniably, the wave of technology has touched every aspect of our lives and transformed it in ways we could only imagine. The outdoors, hunting, and overlanding sectors are no exception, with apps like onX leading the revolution.
This app is designed to make your outdoor adventures more immersive, providing all the tools and information you need right at your fingertips. But is it worth the investment, particularly its top-tier membership, the onX Elite?
Let’s dive deep into the details and see if the juice is worth the squeeze.
Pros of onX Elite
- Unparalleled Access to All 50 States
With onX Elite, your map will no longer be limited to one state. You can venture into any of the 50 states without having to purchase additional maps.
That means endless opportunities to explore the wilderness, a feature that’s particularly valuable for those who love cross-country trips.
- Rich in Features
From tracking your path to marking waypoints, the Elite membership offers a plethora of features. It allows users to share locations, view property boundaries, and get landowner information, all of which can significantly enhance your outdoor adventures.
- Off-Grid Use
Notably, onX Elite allows for map saving, providing the ability to use maps even in the remotest areas without a cell signal. This feature can be a lifesaver, literally and figuratively, for adventurers exploring off-grid territories.
Cons of onX Elite
- Cost
The onX Elite membership comes with a higher price tag compared to its Premium version. While it offers a more extensive array of features, the cost can be a deterrent for some, especially those who don’t travel across states frequently.
- Some Information May Not Be Current
The app depends on public records for data on property boundaries and ownership, which may not always be updated or accurate. This can sometimes lead to issues if land has recently changed ownership or boundaries have been modified.
- Learning Curve
While onX Elite is packed with features, it can be overwhelming for some users. It has a slight learning curve, which might be off-putting to technologically-challenged individuals or those who prefer a simpler interface.
However, I strongly recommend watching this video to understand its full benefits.
Comparing onX Elite with its Competitors
The outdoor GPS market is bustling with a range of applications, each claiming to provide a seamless outdoor experience. Below, we compare onX Elite with five of its closest competitors to help you make a more informed decision.
- onX Elite Vs. Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS is a renowned name in the realm of outdoor navigation. Like onX Elite, it offers offline maps, tracking, and waypoint features. However, where onX excels is its detailed property boundary and landowner information, a feature not provided by Gaia GPS.
Gaia, on the other hand, tends to be favored by hikers and backpackers for its topographic and trail maps.
- onX Elite Vs. BaseMap
BaseMap offers features similar to onX, including tracking, waypoints, offline maps, and property boundaries. However, onX Elite’s nationwide coverage gives it an edge for adventurers who frequent different states.
Additionally, some users find onX’s interface more intuitive than BaseMap’s.
- onX Elite vs. HuntStand
HuntStand, primarily targeted towards hunters, provides many of the same features as onX, but its focus is more narrow. It offers parcel boundaries and ownership details, but the data is not as comprehensive or accurate as onX.
The onX Elite also outperforms HuntStand in terms of nationwide coverage.
- onX Elite vs. ScoutLook Hunting
ScoutLook Hunting is a less comprehensive application compared to onX. It lacks the detailed property boundaries and extensive state coverage offered by onX Elite.
However, ScoutLook does have detailed weather forecasting, which is a bonus for those who need up-to-date weather information on their adventures.
- onX Elite vs. BackCountry Navigator
BackCountry Navigator is another contender in the outdoor navigation apps race. It offers offline maps and tracking, but it lacks the detailed property boundaries, landowner information, and multi-state coverage that onX Elite provides. Its interface is also less user-friendly compared to onX.
In summary, onX Elite stands out for its detailed property boundaries, landowner information, and coverage of all 50 states. However, your choice would ultimately depend on your specific needs and which features are most crucial for your outdoor pursuits.
Despite the cons and intense competitors, onX Elite’s positives far outweigh the negatives for most users. The detailed information provided by the app, its usability across all 50 states, and the myriad of features it offers makes it an invaluable tool for any outdoor enthusiast.
However, it’s essential to consider your personal needs and frequency of use to determine if the investment is worthwhile.
Also Read: Comparison of Spartan Forge And onX Hunting Apps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are two versions of the onX app, the Premium and the Elite. The Elite version offers features covering all 50 states, making it a better choice for those who travel extensively. The Premium version provides details for one state of your choice, which can be sufficient for more localized users.
With an onX Elite membership, you gain access to detailed maps of all 50 states, off-grid map usage, tracking, and waypoint marking features, among others. You can view property boundaries, get landowner information, and share locations, enhancing your outdoor experience.
The main difference between onX Elite and Premium is the access to map data. The Elite version provides maps for all 50 states, while the Premium version only offers data for one state.
The controversy surrounding the onX app primarily involves its reliance on public records for property boundaries and owner information. Some users have reported inaccuracies in the data, leading to potential legal issues or disputes. However, the company is continually working to update and improve its data accuracy.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the decision to invest in an onX Elite membership hinges heavily on your specific needs and how extensively you intend to use the app.
For frequent and adventurous explorers, the Elite membership can prove to be an indispensable tool, making your outdoor pursuits richer, safer, and more informed. However, for more localized adventurers, the Premium version may suffice.
You didn’t actually explain the benefits of the elite membership other than all 50 states. Unless that is the only benefit. The tracking, waypoints, and off grid maps are available on the lower end memberships.