Comparison

MX Map Mobile vs SARLOC

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MX Map Mobile

This navigation app works with desktop GIS software to provide a comprehensive mapping system. It currently supports Ordnance Survey maps of Great Britain and Ireland, with more regions and features planned. Users can acquire additional maps through in-app purchases.

Highlights
  • Integrates with Mapyx Quo and MX Map GIS
  • Supports Ordnance Survey GB and Ireland maps
  • In-app map purchases
  • Comprehensive GIS and mobile system
  • Future map and functionality updates
Features
Read full description

The MX Map Mobile system is designed to be used with Mapyx Quo and MX Map GIS software packages. Maps can be acquired through in-app purchase. This combined solution of Mapyx Quo and MX Map Mobile, provides a comprehensive combined system of full GIS software and a Mobile Application which are fully compatible. Currently only Ordnance Survey GB, and Ordnance Survey Ireland maps are supported but others maps and more functionality will follow. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. If you experience any problems please contact our help desk in the first instance before posting any negative reviews. You should always provide alternative means of navigation, and not rely on the app in any role that is critical to the safety of life or property. This product does not support any maps purchased before 2015. The Quick Start guide for this app can be found at the link below: http://www.mapyx.com/user_manuals/MXMapMobileQuickStartGuideiOS.pdf

About

SARLOC

This app helps you share your location with Search and Rescue teams, even without a data signal. If you have voice contact, you can relay your position. With a SARKey, you can directly share your location to their mapping systems.

Highlights
  • Location sharing without data signal
  • Voice communication relay
  • SARKey integration
  • Direct mapping system sharing
  • Offline location display
Features
Read full description

SARLOC was originally developed in 2009 by Russ Hore as a web application that allowed Search & Rescue (SAR) teams to locate you if you were unsure of your position. If you had a data signal, the SAR team could send you a message that allowed SARLOC to obtain your location and add it to the SAR teams mapping systems. Although it has been hugely successful, it does require a data signal to show you a location before it can be passed to the SAR teams. The SARLOC App will show you a location even if you do not have a data signal. If you are in voice communication with the SAR team you can tell them your location. If they provide you with a SARKey to enter into the App, you can share your location with them directly to their mapping systems. SARLOC is not a substitute for knowing how to navigate the outside world and it is essential that you learn proper navigation techniques before venturing into the wild. SARLOC requires you to be in contact with a SAR team before you can share your location with them. Starting SARLOC will not automatically notify anybody you require assistance.

Screenshots

MX Map Mobile1 screens
SARLOC3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SARLOC at 100% against MX Map Mobile's 11%. SARLOC also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). MX Map Mobile's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 8 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. MX Map Mobile sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SARLOC asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MX Map Mobile ships an update fortnightly, SARLOC every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and June 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences Β· 3 level
MX Map Mobile versus SARLOC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMX Map MobileSARLOC
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews11.1% of reviews100.0% of reviews β€” better
Update frequencyFortnightly β€” betterEvery 8 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 β€” better15.6
Further details β€” not scored
Size137 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMapyx LtdRussell Hore

Customer experience

MX Map Mobile

Written reviews9 reviews
Positive11.1%
Neutral11.1%
Negative77.8%

SARLOC

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

MX Map Mobile

One-time1
  • OSM Great Britain Overview v09Free
None

SARLOC

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MX Map Mobile free?
MX Map Mobile is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SARLOC free?
SARLOC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MX Map Mobile or SARLOC have ads?
Neither MX Map Mobile nor SARLOC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MX Map Mobile or SARLOC?
MX Map Mobile ships an update fortnightly, and SARLOC every 8 months. Most recently, MX Map Mobile was updated on September 20, 2026 and SARLOC on June 6, 2026.

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