GPS Rally Computer vs Virtual Marshal
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GPS Rally Computer
This app aids in navigating traditional time-speed-distance (TSD) automobile rallies by simplifying complex computations. It allows for odometer calibration, precise speed tracking, and real-time error correction to help drivers stay on pace.
- Odometer calibration
- Precise speed tracking
- Real-time error correction
- Adjustable clock and distance units
- Customizable speed changes
- Time and distance recording
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GPS Rally Computer is a Universal app designed to simplify computations necessary to navigate a traditional time-speed-distance (TSD) automobile rally. The design and implementation is based on specifications outlined by Clarence Westburg and Rich Bireta, commonly known as the Simple Rally Computer or its acronym SRC. The User's Manual is available on the app detail page linked at http://www.msyapps.com. A TSD rally is comprised of stages set along a route defined by written instructions. The first stage is the Odometer Check stage that allows you to calibrate your car’s odometer with that of the Rally Master’s odometer. In later stages you will follow a course at a particular average speed that will change from time to time at places that are generally unknown in advance. In order to drive the course at the prescribed speeds. Odometer measurement is obtained from Apple’s GPS receiver or third-party devices via Bluetooth. The GPS Rally Computer allows you to do all this and much, much more. For additional documentation, download the User’s Guide. Features of the GPS Rally Computer: - Clock time in either minutes and seconds to tenths of a second or decimal minutes to thousandths of a minute - The clock is a 24-hour clock to simplify computations - Distance measurements in either miles or kilometers to either two- or three-digit precision - One button click to reset default conditions for starting a rally - The internal computer clock can be adjusted to match the official rally clock - The distance between the GPS receiver and the position on the car where the rally measurements are taken (the front wheels, for example) can be added for improved distance precision - A "sprocket" button in the top menu bar allows access to the app settings from within the running application including settings for display of certain items - Calibrate the car's odometer to the official rally odometer on the odometer check stage via a popup - Change average speed (CAST) on a custom popup keypad - Preselect the next CAST to simplify the process of changing speed on each stage and setting CAST to zero for transit zones - As time passes and as the car's odometer is incremented, the actual speed over the course is compared with the expected speed. The difference in seconds or hundredths of a minute is displayed along with an indication to either “Early” or “Late” to stay on pace. - Time errors may be displayed in either of two modes selectable in the app Settings - Pause or Gain time or take a Time Allowance on any leg or within a transit zone - Handle off-course corrections to time and distance with a Reverse button - Record "splits" of time and error at any time with a Split button - Record "control" and reset time error and distance to zero and increment next starting time 5 minutes later (distance and time are modifiable) with a Control button. - Set next starting time for the Next CAST and have the time tick down on the master clock and autostart CAST, or override with a manual button click - Optionally, use a Dual GPS receiver via Bluetooth to supplement or substitute for the Apple internal GPS - Connects to TSD Remote app that serves as a driver's heads-up display connected via local network. Note: Use of the GPS Rally Computer during any particular rally will be subject to the rules and instructions governing the rally and may also define your category or class among race participants. Some rallies may, in fact, prohibit use of this app. This app has been tested with Bluetooth connectivity to a Dual XGPS150A Universal GPS Receiver. Disclaimer: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
Virtual Marshal
This app provides automatic timing for sports events, ensuring accurate timestamps for participants and organizers. It offers navigation tools, event discovery, and results recall, supporting various outdoor activities.
- Automatic timing with +/- 1 second accuracy
- Navigation tools with map layers
- Information on nearby events
- Web-based event setup for organizers
- Checkpoint notifications
- Results recall
- Multi-language support
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The Virtual Marshal app is auto timing app that is free to download and use by participants in sports events. For participants Virtual Marshal ensure snag free time stamping while they concentrate on the event route and navigation. Multiple map tools are at hand to help navigate using familiar map background on screen. Users also get information of nearby events that could interest them. For event organisers Virtual Marshal is a substitute for deploying physical marshals to note time of passage along the route. Virtual Marshal is quick and convenient to setup and deploy. Virtual Marshal retains accuracy of time stamping at all checkpoints set up at along the route. Easy and intuitive web based setup for events on sign up with our official Website. Use case scenarios are car or bike rally, trail driving, treasure hunts, cross country cycling, sailing regatta, hiking, trail blazing, clue hunts etc. Any activity that needs series of timing checkpoints from start to finish. Specifications: * Timing accuracy with +/- 1 second * Requires data connectivity at start and finish only * Multiple events sign-up * Navigation to start point * Popup checkpoint notifications * Live location map with map layers and distance tools * Results recall * Multiple languages - English, Español, Deutsche, Français, عربى, Pусский, 日本語 * Overspeed logging * Team details from one to four people
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Virtual Marshal at Free against GPS Rally Computer's $24.99. On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Virtual Marshal is free to download; GPS Rally Computer costs $24.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
GPS Rally Computer ships an update monthly, Virtual Marshal every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GPS Rally Computer | Virtual Marshal |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.8 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 54 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | MSYapps | Incarnation Sports Private Limited |
Customer experience
GPS Rally Computer
Virtual Marshal
In-app purchases
GPS Rally Computer
No in-app purchases
Virtual Marshal
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is GPS Rally Computer free?
Is Virtual Marshal free?
Do GPS Rally Computer or Virtual Marshal have ads?
Which is updated more often, GPS Rally Computer or Virtual Marshal?
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