In an era of constant technological growth, smartphones have become multifaceted devices that can perform an array of tasks. One of these is measuring altitude, thanks to numerous altimeter apps available for Android devices. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a climber, or simply someone who loves to travel, having a reliable altimeter app on your Android device can be very useful. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best altimeter apps for Android in 2023, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and more.
Top 3 Recommendations
1. Just a Compass
Overview
A perfect blend of simplicity and efficiency, Just a Compass is more than an ordinary compass app. It includes a very precise and reliable altimeter feature that provides accurate altitude readings.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Just a Compass is the ideal altimeter app for users seeking a simple yet accurate app. Although it might lack advanced features, its simplicity and high accuracy make it a top contender.
Pro Tip: While using this app, ensure your device’s GPS is on and has a clear view of the sky to achieve the most accurate readings.
3. Altimeter Free
Overview
Altimeter Free is an intuitive app that measures altitude and atmospheric pressure, offering features that can be useful for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
For those seeking a free, easy-to-use altimeter app with offline functionality, Altimeter Free is a great choice. However, you may need to tolerate ads and potential accuracy limitations depending on your device’s hardware.
Overview
Barometer and Altimeter is a multi-functional app that not only measures altitude but also monitors atmospheric pressure, which can be helpful in predicting weather changes.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Barometer and Altimeter is a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts who need to keep an eye on weather conditions. While the interface might be slightly complex for some, the wealth of features makes it a worthy consideration.
6. Altimeter
Overview
Simply named Altimeter, this app provides accurate altitude readings and offers an array of other useful features for outdoor enthusiasts.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Altimeter is a comprehensive app for adventurers who need more than just an altimeter. While some may find the interface cluttered, the additional features make it a versatile tool for outdoor activities.
7. My Elevation
Overview
My Elevation is an app that uses web services to get precise information about your current elevation. It also provides additional geographical data.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
My Elevation is the right choice for those who need detailed geographical information along with altitude data. Despite requiring an internet connection for the full feature set, the precision, and additional capabilities make it an excellent option.
8. Altimeter GPS
Overview
Altimeter GPS is a multi-functional app that measures altitude and offers several other features useful for outdoor activities, including GPS tracking and speed measurement.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Altimeter GPS is an excellent tool for outdoor enthusiasts who need diverse data. It provides an array of information, making it an all-in-one companion for any adventurer.
9. DS Barometer
Overview
DS Barometer is a unique app that serves as both an altimeter and barometer, with the ability to provide air pressure and altitude measurements.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
DS Barometer is an ideal choice for users who require air pressure readings in addition to altitude measurements. The interface may appear dated, but the app’s comprehensive feature set makes it a valuable tool for outdoor activities.
10. Altimeter Pro
Overview
Altimeter Pro is a professional-grade altitude measuring tool. Its clean design and accurate readings make it a great choice for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Altimeter Pro is a perfect choice for those who require high–precision altitude measurements and a professional-grade app. Although it lacks a weather forecast feature, the high accuracy and data export capabilities make it stand out.
11. Smart Altimeter
Overview
Smart Altimeter is a versatile app designed to provide an accurate measurement of altitude, atmospheric pressure, and more, making it a handy tool for any outdoor trip.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
With its wide range of features and user-friendly interface, Smart Altimeter is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a comprehensive altitude measurement tool.
12. Spyglass
Overview
Spyglass is a unique and advanced tool that combines a high-tech viewfinder, milspec compass, gyrocompass, GPS, maps, and celestial tracking into one indispensable app.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
For those who desire a multi-functional tool with a broad range of capabilities, Spyglass is the perfect choice. While it may take some time to get accustomed to, its advanced features make it an indispensable outdoor companion.
13. Runtastic
Overview
Known primarily as a fitness tracking app, Runtastic also provides altitude measurement features, making it an excellent tool for runners and cyclists who also want to monitor elevation changes.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Runtastic is the perfect tool for fitness enthusiasts who also need to monitor altitude changes during their workouts. Although it’s primarily a fitness app, the addition of altitude tracking makes it a versatile tool.
14. Altimeter Ler
Overview
Altimeter Ler is an easy-to-use app that offers precise altitude measurements along with other features like a compass and GPS coordinates, ideal for any outdoor enthusiast.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Altimeter Ler is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a wide range of features, including altitude tracking, GPS coordinates, and weather forecasts. While ads are present in the free version, the app’s broad capabilities make it a solid option.
15. Altimeter Offline
Overview
As the name suggests, Altimeter Offline provides accurate altitude measurements without the need for internet connectivity, making it great for remote outings where data connection might be an issue.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Altimeter Offline is perfect for those who need accurate altitude measurements in areas without internet connectivity. Despite potential accuracy limitations, the offline functionality and feature-rich design make it a standout choice.
16. Altimeter and Altitude Widget
Overview
Altimeter and Altitude Widget combines the functionalities of an altimeter app with a convenient widget for quick access. The app provides accurate altitude measurements and additional tools useful for outdoor activities.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Altimeter and Altitude Widget is a great choice for those who appreciate the convenience, with its widget providing quick access to altitude data. While some may find the interface cluttered, the additional features and offline functionality add value.
17. GPS Tools
Overview
GPS Tools is more than just an altimeter app; it’s a complete set of GPS-related tools that can provide altitude, location coordinates, speed, and even weather updates.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
GPS Tools is a comprehensive app for adventurers who require a wide range of GPS-related features, including accurate altitude measurement. Though some features require in-app purchases, the wealth of functionalities makes it an excellent option.
18. Just a Compass
Overview
Just a Compass is a simplistic app that provides a compass along with altitude measurement capabilities. The app’s simplicity makes it a great option for users who prefer a straightforward approach.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Just a Compass is a straightforward, easy-to-use app perfect for those who prefer simplicity over advanced features. While it might lack some advanced features, its straightforward approach makes it a reliable and user-friendly choice.
19. Accurate Altimeter
Overview
As the name implies, Accurate Altimeter is focused on providing highly accurate altitude measurements. It uses multiple data sources to provide the most precise readings possible.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Accurate Altimeter is ideal for those who prioritize precision in altitude measurements. Despite potential interface complexity and ads in the free version, the accuracy of its readings makes it a top contender among altimeter apps.
20. GPS Altimeter
Overview
GPS Altimeter is an altimeter app that uses GPS data to provide altitude measurements. It’s a simple, easy-to-use tool that can be useful for hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
GPS Altimeter is an excellent choice for those who prefer simplicity and functionality. Though it lacks certain features like weather updates, its ease of use and offline map feature make it a worthy consideration.
21. My Altitude App
Overview
My Altitude App is a reliable tool for altitude measurement. It uses GPS to provide accurate altitude data, making it a helpful companion for outdoor adventures.
Features
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
My Altitude App is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who value additional environmental data alongside altitude measurements. While it might lack offline functionality and possess a somewhat dated interface, the added environmental readings make it stand out.
Conclusion
Choosing the best altimeter app depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each app has unique features that differentiate it from the rest, and understanding these differences is essential in making the best decision. Whether you prefer a simple, user-friendly interface like Just a Compass or an app with more advanced features like GPS Tools or Accurate Altimeter, there’s an altimeter app out there for everyone.
Pro Tip: For higher altitude accuracy, try to compare the readings from your chosen app with a dedicated physical altimeter.
FAQs
Which altimeter app is the most accurate?
All the altimeter apps mentioned in this guide are known for their accuracy. However, external factors like GPS signal strength can affect the precision of the readings.
Are these altimeter apps free to use?
Most of these apps have free versions available. However, some may offer additional features or ad-free experiences at an additional cost.
Do I need an internet connection to use these altimeter apps?
Most altimeter apps use GPS data and do not require an internet connection to function properly. However, certain features may require internet access.
Can I use these apps on devices other than smartphones?
Most of these apps are compatible with any Android device with a GPS function, including tablets.
What factors can affect the accuracy of an altimeter app?
Factors like weather, GPS signal strength, and the device’s hardware can impact the accuracy of an altimeter app.
How often do these apps update the altitude data?
The frequency of data update depends on the specific app, but most update the altitude data in real-time or near real-time.
Can altimeter apps be used for professional purposes like aviation?
Altimeter apps should not be used for professional aviation or other critical applications where precision is paramount. They are designed for recreational and fitness purposes.
How does an altimeter app calculate altitude?
Altimeter apps typically use GPS data, atmospheric pressure readings, or a combination of both to calculate altitude.
Is there any way to improve the accuracy of my altimeter app?
Ensuring a clear GPS signal and calibrating the app as per the manufacturer’s instructions can improve accuracy.
Do these apps show altitude in feet or meters?
Most apps allow you to switch between different units of measurement, including feet and meters.