A Polarsteps alternative for iPhone and iPad
Polarsteps: A travel tracker and journal with automatic Trip Reels. Trip Motion turns a list of stops into a 3D map video, with a ride for every leg and routes that follow real roads, rails and sea lanes. Here is how they compare, including where Polarsteps is the better pick.
Why people look for a Polarsteps alternative
- Trip Reels are generated automatically, with little control over the look.
- Reviewers dislike routes drawn as straight lines between steps.
- It works best when the app tracked you during the trip.
Summarised from public App Store and Google Play reviews, October 2026.
Trip Motion vs Polarsteps
| Feature | Trip Motion | Polarsteps |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone and iPad | iPhone, Android, web |
| How you pay | Free (720p, 7 rides, small badge) or Pro. No rides sold separately | Free, Polarsteps Plus subscription for 3D maps and styles |
| 3D rides | 166 with Pro | Transport icons |
| Different ride per leg | Yes | Yes (icons) |
| Follows real roads automatically | Yes | Tracked GPS points |
| Trains follow real rail lines | Yes | No |
| Boats follow sea lanes | Yes | No |
| 3D globe | Yes | 3D maps (Plus) |
| Map styles | 4 (Muted, Standard, Satellite, Hybrid), on a 3D globe or 2D map | Plus only |
| Camera modes | 3 (North up, Behind the vehicle, World) | Automatic |
| Max resolution | 4K (Pro) | Not documented |
| Formats | 9:16, 1:1, 16:9 | Not documented |
| GPX import | Yes, free | No |
| Saved trips | Yes, every video saved | Yes |
Polarsteps details from its website, App Store and Google Play listings, checked October 2026. “Not documented” means we could not confirm it from Polarsteps's own materials. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Pick Trip Motion if
- You direct the video: the ride for each leg, the camera, the map style and the format.
- Routes follow real roads, rails and sea lanes instead of straight lines.
- Works for any trip, tracked or not.
Pick Polarsteps if
- Polarsteps tracks your trip automatically and keeps a full journal with photos.
- Family and friends can follow along, and you can print a travel book.
- It runs on Android and the web.
Questions
Can I use Trip Motion together with Polarsteps?
Yes. Many travelers track and journal with one app and make the shareable route video with another. In Trip Motion you add the same stops in order and pick a ride for each leg.
Trip Motion
Add your stops, pick a ride for every leg and export a 3D map video, up to 4K.
Get Trip Motion