Review Insights · App Store
iOverlander
iOverlander, LLC · 5,848 ratings · ★ 4.1
4.1
★★★★★
5,848 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 75 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"version"
22 negative reviews mention this · 29% of all complaints
★★★★★ "$100/ year is insane !!!. Gone are the good old days when the app was amazing, easy to use, and free !! The map download is only for a certain area and I can’t see the satellite version unless I pay an exorbitant amount of money. Many people, myself included, have r…" - Fvckyournicknames
2
"download"
19 negative reviews mention this · 25% of all complaints
★★★★★ ":( womp womp. This app used to be so helpful and easy to use… now it’s harder to use and requires a subscription to download info for more than one state" - imsohappyicouldie
3
"free"
18 negative reviews mention this · 24% of all complaints
★★★★★ "$100/ year is insane !!!. Gone are the good old days when the app was amazing, easy to use, and free !! The map download is only for a certain area and I can’t see the satellite version unless I pay an exorbitant amount of money. Many people, myself included, have r…" - Fvckyournicknames
4
"ioverlander"
17 negative reviews mention this · 23% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Reoccurring scam advertisements!. Second time I’ve been served a scam ad while using iOverlander. This one impersonates a Google Translate update warning - complete with broken grammar and the wrong logo - designed to trick users into tapping a fake “Update” button. This is…" - meandering_michael
5
"subscription"
16 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ ":( womp womp. This app used to be so helpful and easy to use… now it’s harder to use and requires a subscription to download info for more than one state" - imsohappyicouldie
6
"original"
16 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Insanely expensive paid plan, and basic functions like searching are locked behind a paywall. The original iOverlander was amazing. This new iOverlander (originally called iOverlander 2) absolutely sucks.The dev got greedy. Classic. $15/month for a subscription is way too much. No option for a single-time purchase. Way too many basi…" - md.hamerly
7
"people"
14 negative reviews mention this · 19% of all complaints
★★★★★ "$100/ year is insane !!!. Gone are the good old days when the app was amazing, easy to use, and free !! The map download is only for a certain area and I can’t see the satellite version unless I pay an exorbitant amount of money. Many people, myself included, have r…" - Fvckyournicknames
8
"better"
14 negative reviews mention this · 19% of all complaints
★★★★★ "OLD APP WAS BETTER. I don’t care about paying a little bit for the service- but common. The old app had such a better work flow. Who on earth designed this new one? It sucks" - daltonrustUF
9
"user"
14 negative reviews mention this · 19% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Reoccurring scam advertisements!. Second time I’ve been served a scam ad while using iOverlander. This one impersonates a Google Translate update warning - complete with broken grammar and the wrong logo - designed to trick users into tapping a fake “Update” button. This is…" - meandering_michael
10
"money"
11 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "$100/ year is insane !!!. Gone are the good old days when the app was amazing, easy to use, and free !! The map download is only for a certain area and I can’t see the satellite version unless I pay an exorbitant amount of money. Many people, myself included, have r…" - Fvckyournicknames
11
"places"
11 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "so sad to see old version go. I traveled the country for 2 years in my camper van. The app I used 99% of the time to find boondock and camp spots was the first iOverlander app. I understand the old one broke; I unfortunately don't understand the new app as the user face…" - squiggedydoo
12
"useless"
9 negative reviews mention this · 12% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Download app. You have to subscribe to download any information so it is useless. Unless you subscribe I get nothing. No free trial or lesser options." - JSoller
📋 All 75 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
:( womp womp
This app used to be so helpful and easy to use… now it’s harder to use and requires a subscription to download info for more than one state
$100/ year is insane !!!
Gone are the good old days when the app was amazing, easy to use, and free !! The map download is only for a certain area and I can’t see the satellite version unless I pay an exorbitant amount of money. Many people, myself included, have relied on this app during tough times. Can’t imagine charging so much for an app that helped people survive. Thumbs down.
Download app
You have to subscribe to download any information so it is useless. Unless you subscribe I get nothing. No free trial or lesser options.
Reoccurring scam advertisements!
Second time I’ve been served a scam ad while using iOverlander. This one impersonates a Google Translate update warning - complete with broken grammar and the wrong logo - designed to trick users into tapping a fake “Update” button. This is predatory advertising that targets the overlanding community. If the app can’t vet its ad network, I can’t recommend it. Disappointing, because the underlying tool is genuinely useful.
Used to be great
App has progressively gotten worse since they transitioned to the for-pay model. The app now is basically unusable. It crashes whenever I try to view a campsite. Sad to see the decline of what was a great app.
What once was great is no more
We used this app almost exclusively for years, it was amazing. It was simple, and easy to use, got the job done. Absolutely terrible interface now.
What once was
Was a great app used for many years but what was recognizable world wide has fell off to the greed of capitalism. Thanks to apps that offer much more for cheaper be the route
OLD APP WAS BETTER
I don’t care about paying a little bit for the service- but common. The old app had such a better work flow. Who on earth designed this new one? It sucks
Insanely expensive paid plan, and basic functions like searching are locked behind a paywall
The original iOverlander was amazing. This new iOverlander (originally called iOverlander 2) absolutely sucks.The dev got greedy. Classic. $15/month for a subscription is way too much. No option for a single-time purchase. Way too many basic functions are locked behind a paywall. Dude ruined what was a fantastic product. 👎
Deceptive charge for app.
In the planning phase of becoming a van camper. Downloaded this app because many van campers have used it. I was shocked to see that I was charged $32.49. I did not see any mention of a charge prior to installing the app. Very deceptive.
so sad to see old version go
I traveled the country for 2 years in my camper van. The app I used 99% of the time to find boondock and camp spots was the first iOverlander app. I understand the old one broke; I unfortunately don't understand the new app as the user face is not at all similar to the old app design.
I don't understand having to download one area at a time.. when you're mobile, you're planning a few days ahead if not a week and often you need to scope things out in advance. I'm not above paying money for the right app/info. Unfortunately, they have made such DRASTIC changes to the whole layout and orientation of the app it is no longer user friendly (imo).
I downloaded Dyrt and paid the $50/year to use that app as it wasn't nearly as confusing and I can search as many states I need at a time. it is a real shame the iOverlander developers couldn't even recreate their old app in the slightest. I miss having my collection of places I visited as well 😭
I don't understand having to download one area at a time.. when you're mobile, you're planning a few days ahead if not a week and often you need to scope things out in advance. I'm not above paying money for the right app/info. Unfortunately, they have made such DRASTIC changes to the whole layout and orientation of the app it is no longer user friendly (imo).
I downloaded Dyrt and paid the $50/year to use that app as it wasn't nearly as confusing and I can search as many states I need at a time. it is a real shame the iOverlander developers couldn't even recreate their old app in the slightest. I miss having my collection of places I visited as well 😭
Subscription Scam
Hot Trash with a Subscription Fee. It’s not a bug; it’s a feature.
Ruined a great app
I’ve been on the road for 5 years, Ioverlander went from a staple resource for finding places to stay while traveling to an absolute inconvenience to use. Reviews below say the same; app owners claim it’s part of a rebuild, but that’s total hogwash. I’m a software dev, this is clearly an attempt to monetize a previously free tool. Shame on you!
If it’s truly to solve an underlying infrastructure problem for a 10 year old app, my feedback: go back to the previous UI. This one is really tricky to select places by type, and the downloading and removing of maps is a total pain. If this weren’t just a money grab, you’d let users download all the maps they need.
If it’s truly to solve an underlying infrastructure problem for a 10 year old app, my feedback: go back to the previous UI. This one is really tricky to select places by type, and the downloading and removing of maps is a total pain. If this weren’t just a money grab, you’d let users download all the maps they need.
Goodbye to a great app
Used this app for multiple road trips across the country and it USED to be amazing! Do not download this anymore, it’s completely worthless. No pop ups, no searching, no campsites unless you pay $$$. Don’t waste your time, Google Maps is better and actually lets you put pins down. Owners of this app should be ashamed for ruining such a great resource
Zero stars
Single women on the road, people can see all your check-ins online! Another user stalked me. Not worth the safety risk. iOverlander does nothing to protect.
Delete all check-ins online - yes people can track you via unique usernames. It happened to me. IO does nothing to protect women
Delete all check-ins online - yes people can track you via unique usernames. It happened to me. IO does nothing to protect women
Why change? Other than to collect more revenue?
A new app discontinuing the old app and using all the info the USERS provided to move forward with the new app but in a much poorer form. Before you could just slide along the map and look at the icons… no more you have to select regions to download. Really just to generate a paywall
About To Delete It
the old version was much better. there are minimal settings unless you subscribe and the pop ups for amenity’s are so small, you can’t see anything. If the old app has bugs then please redesign this one to be similar! I have tried all the troubleshooting and nothing.
Paid app
Everybody said it was a free app, but in order to get any real information you have to pay
No Longer Useful
The 1st version was actually helpful. Now, nothing populates on the map and you have to pay for very basic features.
Horrible way to run an app
“So, take a deep breath. Have a cookie. Maybe wash it down with a scotch. You’re gonna be ok”
- Makers of iOverLander after removing the free original app from the App Store.
What an insane way to talk to your users. I guarantee users never asked for a second app. Instead of listening to user feedback (the only reason apps succeed), you guys talk down to users condescendingly to justify destroying the entire UX/UI. How about you fix your backend, connect it to the original SIMPLE front end, and charge for offline mode ONLY - something users would happily pay for.
Take a deep breath. It’s ok to admit you made a huge mistake. It’s ok to almost ruin a good app. You can still fix it. Listen to your users, and everything will be ok.
- Makers of iOverLander after removing the free original app from the App Store.
What an insane way to talk to your users. I guarantee users never asked for a second app. Instead of listening to user feedback (the only reason apps succeed), you guys talk down to users condescendingly to justify destroying the entire UX/UI. How about you fix your backend, connect it to the original SIMPLE front end, and charge for offline mode ONLY - something users would happily pay for.
Take a deep breath. It’s ok to admit you made a huge mistake. It’s ok to almost ruin a good app. You can still fix it. Listen to your users, and everything will be ok.
Doesn’t Work
I have tried every filter and every combination but I can’t get anything to show. Thankfully I was within the free trial and could still cancel before paying the subscription.
Ripoff and not trustworthy
Like many people, I used this app for years. Version 2 changed the everything. First problem is that this app uses data that was previously contributed for free by users and charges for it. That’s just not right. It’s one thing if it was a paid app to begin with. But it wasn’t. They use all of the work of the users to build a database that they now charge for. The functionality in the free mode is so limited that it’s ridiculous. Wanna search for a town? Sorry, premium only. Want to explore more than one state? Sorry, premium only. Want to switch to a better map, which actually shows the names of towns? Sorry, premium only.
Beyond that, the bigger issue is that the usefulness of this app has gone way downhill. I would even call it harmful for travelers. The reason is people post places they stay at and invariably that place gets a “no overnight parking” sign. So the way to ruin places around the country for vanlifers is to post the locations in this app!
Maybe it’s a victim of its own success, but that issue combined with the switch to a premium model while holding hostage previously collected data that was contributed by users under the free system is unacceptable.
Beyond that, the bigger issue is that the usefulness of this app has gone way downhill. I would even call it harmful for travelers. The reason is people post places they stay at and invariably that place gets a “no overnight parking” sign. So the way to ruin places around the country for vanlifers is to post the locations in this app!
Maybe it’s a victim of its own success, but that issue combined with the switch to a premium model while holding hostage previously collected data that was contributed by users under the free system is unacceptable.
Sleazy app operators
This is obviously a massive cash grab with no soul. Took the goods from the original app and stuck it behind a huge paywall. Betrayed the name they come from.
Not like the old- they ruined this app
This is the only way my husband and I have found to locate potable water on the road. The old app was PERFECT! Why fix something that wasn’t broken? This new app is always broken, constantly trying to make me pay, forces me to download the map(taking up valuable storage on my phone) and the interface is less user friendly.
Cash grab - made mobile app useless
This app has been getting worse by the year filled with ads and limiting downloads as a cash grab. They appear to now require a subscription to use it at all. The data they share is so so at best and the app is just poor quality and now this … perfect lesson in driving an app into the ground
Moneygrab betrayal
iOverlander (original) was the best dispersed camping app out there. Now, it is unsupported and the only option is an app that loads slower, is packed with “features” including full page unskippable ads, and a subscription fee to access COMMUNITY provided data. Big L for the camping community.
Old app was so much better
The old app was so simple to use and navigate and the new version is total garbage and difficult to navigate. Not intuitive layout. If the old app had a paid version then I would gladly pay but I would never pay for this difficult to use “redesign”. Every traveler I knew used to talk about iOverlander because it worked well and then they completely change the layout. Makes no sense. Stick with what people liked and charge them for that. Bring back iOverlander #1!!!
):
Since they updated it, it’s very difficult to use. The same old money grab.
Trash compared to the old IOverlander
It used to work so much better, and you didn’t have to pay for garbage features that used to be free
Not happy with iO2
Not the greatest new iOverlander2. Hate that you need to download each state you are in in order to view anything. I am on the boarder of two states and I have to delete and download each time. I used the first iOverlander all the time and now I dread using this app.
Bring back original
I’m trying to use this new version and it does not show any places and is not suitable in any manner. Bring back the original. This new version is terrible.
Unable to load waypoints
Even after paying a steep subscription fee for what was once a user-contributed app-one I supported for years-the new Version 2 fails at basic functionality. Map tiles load slowly despite relying on OpenStreetMap, and selecting waypoints produces no response. The original version at least worked reliably. I wouldn’t object to a reasonable fee for a functional app, but charging $100 a year for something this broken is unreasonable. At that price point, there are far better overlanding apps available that aren’t cluttered with Walmart parking lots.
Spam issue
You guys have a serious spam issue. I just got a popup “ your iPhone is infected with a Trojan virus”. If you’re gonna sell ads on the free version, then sell ads that are reputable not this bulls$&t. Wtf‽
Also, I once emailed you guys telling you i’d be happy to pay for the app if it was improved. well it’s not improved. It’s literally not any better than V1. The UI and UX are simply NOT BETTER! And you want $100 for unlimited?? Kick rocks.
Also, I once emailed you guys telling you i’d be happy to pay for the app if it was improved. well it’s not improved. It’s literally not any better than V1. The UI and UX are simply NOT BETTER! And you want $100 for unlimited?? Kick rocks.
Unethical / deceptive advertising
Will randomly pop up a screen saying “this app has an update available” if you select “later” you are taken to an app store download for some PDF app. Having to download the individual states in the free version is absolutely ridiculous especially considering how much they must be raking in via click-throughs in deceptive/invasive ads. The developers have completely sold out and should have left the old app alone. They bricked it just to force users to migrate to this cash-grab.
Don’t do it. Stay with 1
Talk about a butchering job. I’m so happy I kept iOverlander 1. A thing of beauty. Whereas 2 is Frankensteins monster.
Greed has made this unusable
Whomever is making decisions for this app should be fired. This app used to be usable and now it’s just a user nightmare.
Was great
Now $100 per year for what was free is silly. Why not charge $10 a year, then everyone might pay. My wife stopped using hers, and I hardly contribute to mine anymore. I guess it does in a few years
Ui issues, cash grab!
Couldn't press the buttons for the privacy policy, they were almost entirely off the screen. It took a bunch of fidgeting with the text box scroll to get them to show a bit more, however they were never fully on the screen. Seems pretty basic to get this right. Button and navigation issues in other areas of the app as well. If comments were imported from the original app, mine are deleted. The functionality seems a bit better but it's not up to today's standards with UI functionality. Certainly not something I would pay for.
Still sub par
Just updated. Still hard to read. No road names. Click on a site and still have stupid icons you cannot figure out (a garbage can=kitchen an X=restaurant). Look at The Dyrt. They have it right for phone use. This app used to be that simple. If you are using a phone with this app, good luck. They really messed this app up! Oh, no option to let people know if tent camping is acceptable. UGH…
SO disappointed
So completely and utterly disappointed in the direction the developers are going with this app.
I completely understand needing to make money but it feels as though the people in charge of making this app don’t actually use it.
My husband and I crossed 5 states in a weekend, driving until we couldn’t drive anymore, as I’m sure many other individuals do.
The way this is set up is we had to download Texas and then delete Texas and download New Mexico. And if you’re on the border, too bad. You have to download one state, look around, delete the download, and then download the next state. I’m sorry but that doesn’t even make sense. Especially in extremely remote places with no cell service. You can’t download anything… In setting it up this way you are eliminating a good portion of your demographic who now are unable to utilize your product. That seems like an oversight by the development team.
I was totally willing to purchase this app to help support a company that we’ve used for years but unfortunately there is no way I would purchase this the way they currently have it setup.
I am also fine to watch a few ads, but you went from having a product that was perfect - to moving in the complete wrong direction.
There are plenty of other apps that allow you to scroll across states without downloading. So until the mandatory download is removed, we won’t be using or paying for this app.
I completely understand needing to make money but it feels as though the people in charge of making this app don’t actually use it.
My husband and I crossed 5 states in a weekend, driving until we couldn’t drive anymore, as I’m sure many other individuals do.
The way this is set up is we had to download Texas and then delete Texas and download New Mexico. And if you’re on the border, too bad. You have to download one state, look around, delete the download, and then download the next state. I’m sorry but that doesn’t even make sense. Especially in extremely remote places with no cell service. You can’t download anything… In setting it up this way you are eliminating a good portion of your demographic who now are unable to utilize your product. That seems like an oversight by the development team.
I was totally willing to purchase this app to help support a company that we’ve used for years but unfortunately there is no way I would purchase this the way they currently have it setup.
I am also fine to watch a few ads, but you went from having a product that was perfect - to moving in the complete wrong direction.
There are plenty of other apps that allow you to scroll across states without downloading. So until the mandatory download is removed, we won’t be using or paying for this app.
Blah
This is so much more difficult than the original app, it’s not user friendly at all.
Money Oriented
Sourced numerous inputs from communities then hid them from said community behind a pay wall. Wack.
Unusable offline
After paying for the Pro version that “allows” me to download 2 map area and place area (why are these separate things?) I’m left with something that’s so glitchy as to be unusable. Even though it show my offline map is fully downloaded, most of it doesn’t appear. Sometimes places show up, sometimes not. Sometimes I have to use “online” mode while offline in order to see anything. Sometimes, while scrolling the map it just resets back to my location (repeatedly). Sometimes it says I haven’t downloaded an area when I have.
In a nutshell, it’s a mess and basically useless when offline.
In a nutshell, it’s a mess and basically useless when offline.
BAD
I HAVE USED THIS BEFORE FOR FREE, NOW IT WANTS MONEY OR IT IS SO COMPLICATED SO AS TO GET YOU TO PAY. YESTERDAY I GOT IT TO SHOW SITES AFTER A LOT OF FIDDLING TODAY IT WONT DOWNLOAD ANY AREAS, IT SAYS HAVE TO UPGRADE. IS THERE A FREE OPTION ANYMORE. DON’T USE ENOUGH TO HAVE ANOTHER FEE SITE.
Free version is trash
This version 2 absolutely ruined what was a great app. It’s all about subscriptions and payment now. The free version is absolute garbage with all the advertising which makes it nearly unusable. You have to close the app completely in order for ads to stop blocking the information. On top of all that, you can only have one state downloaded so if you’re near state lines with poor cell service then you’re screwed. What a shame, the app used to be great…
Download iOverlander original
Don’t download iOverlander 2. For this price there’s better options. The original app was better and worth paying for. I don’t know why an optional subscription wasn’t implemented into the original app. The original app acted like a forum on a map for people to share places and experiences, app 2 is clunky and useless. I can’t even get my map to show anything. I continue to use the old app, a real app worth paying for.
Useless now
I used to find the old app handy when looking for places to get gas, water, and other supply’s. Now the app shows nothing. I’m deleting the app and looking for another option.
Sell outs
This used to be a great app that brought safety and community to the nomad world. Now they’ve gotten greedy and taken advantage of a community who values life over material. They charge a ridiculous price to have access to the data which was once free. Sell outs.
New version is just a money grab
The old app was amazing. The new app is unusable and clearly just a quick money grab. RIP iOverlander
Sell out
There are better ways to make money than forcing users who generally try to live low cost to pay for a subscription to just download maps. If you’re going to charge users if you have a good product you offer an improvement, not just the ability to seamlessly use the product.
I.e. maybe just let everyone download maps but for “premium”
No ads,
Heat maps for recent spots rated?
Off-road maps/BLM maps, special maps
Weather planning/features?
Ability to write reviews and ratings
Ability to see photos of spots
Idk this is just stuff I thought of in 5 seconds that would make an app that used to be super special and amazing back into what it once was.
I.e. maybe just let everyone download maps but for “premium”
No ads,
Heat maps for recent spots rated?
Off-road maps/BLM maps, special maps
Weather planning/features?
Ability to write reviews and ratings
Ability to see photos of spots
Idk this is just stuff I thought of in 5 seconds that would make an app that used to be super special and amazing back into what it once was.
+ 25 more in the clipboard copy
Sentiment summary
79%
Positive (4-5★)
3%
Neutral (3★)
18%
Negative (1-2★)