Comparison

REFSIX vs Elite Ref

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

Head to head
About

REFSIX

This app helps soccer referees manage matches with a timer, incident logging, and performance tracking. It syncs with other referee platforms and offers detailed statistics for analysis. Available on phone and smartwatch.

Highlights
  • Match timer with injury time tracking
  • Record match incidents (goals, cards, substitutions)
  • Smartwatch and phone compatibility
  • Performance statistics and analysis
  • Match and roster management
  • Temporary dismissal (sin-bin) tracking
Features
Read full description

The soccer referee app that combines timer, notebook and performance tracking into a single, easy-to-use app, which you can use on your smartwatch or phone, letting you concentrate on the match. See your Assignr and Ref Insight matches directly in the REFSIX app! REFSIX Features: - Add matches and rosters on your iPhone - Create matches for 5-a-side to 11-a-side football - Choose half length from 5 mins to 45 mins as well as the half time interval - Select if the match has extra time or penalties - Create templates of matches for different competitions - Add lineups for the game - Record match incidents in game on your smartwatch or phone - Record temporary dismissals (sin-bins) and be notified when the time is completed - Continuous timer, additional time timer and half time timer - Record injury time with a tap of the screen - Optionally record goal scorers - See all match incidents on your phone after the match - See your total distance covered - Track your fitness through the Apple Health and Activity apps Referee’s Process - Automatically see your upcoming matches from Assignr and Ref Insight or alternatively you can add them into the iPhone app manually. - On match day, select the match, add rosters and send to your smartwatch or phone - During the match you can record all of the key match incidents including goals, cards and substitutions as well as track the game time and injury time - After the match you can view a match report on your phone - The results page automatically updates giving you a running record of all of your matches REFSIX PRO is the advanced version of REFSIX that gives you enhanced analysis of your performance with the ability to see: - Your positioning on a heatmap - The location of your cards on the pitch - Your heart rate through the match - The distance covered in each half as well as every 5 minutes - View distance of walking, running, jogging and sprinting - View season and career statistics screen including average cards given per match REFSIX PRO also gives you even more functionality. With REFSIX PRO you'll get every feature in the free tier as well as the ability to: - Choose up to 3 timers from countup, countdown, elapsed and additional timers - Select team colours - Referee games with quarters REFSIX PRO is available with a monthly or annual subscription (price available in-app). You can subscribe and pay through your iTunes account. Payment will be charged to iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription will automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renew may be turned off after purchase by going to the ‘Manage Subscription’ page in settings. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. The subscription will renew at the same cost. Terms of service: https://refsix.com/terms-conditions/ Privacy policy: https://refsix.com/terms-conditions-1/ FAQs + Can I use REFSIX without a smartwatch? Yes, you can use your phone in a match if you don’t have a compatible smartwatch. + Do I need my phone with me while refereeing a match if I’m using a smartwatch? No, we’ve designed the app to work in such a way you only need your smartwatch with you on the pitch. You can sync data between your iPhone and smartwatch before and after the match. + Do I need access to wi-fi or an internet connection? No, on match day no internet connection is necessary. + What if I don't receive teamsheets before a game? No problem, you can simply select player numbers without player names.

About

Elite Ref

Features
Read full description

Elite Ref is the professional platform built for referees who love the game — and the federations committed to developing them. Refereeing is more than enforcing rules. It takes preparation, continuous learning, and a support system that keeps up with you. Elite Ref brings it all together. AI-POWERED MATCH ANALYSIS Get intelligent insights on your performances. Our AI co-pilot helps you break down key decisions, identify patterns across matches, and accelerate your development — going beyond traditional assessor feedback. VIDEO HUB & LEARNING Access a dedicated video library of match clips, training footage, and teaching materials curated by your federation. Study real match situations, review your own performances on video, and learn from the best — anytime, anywhere. QUIZZES & LAWS OF THE GAME Sharpen your decision-making with interactive quizzes on the Laws of the Game. Stay current with rule changes, test yourself before match day, and track your knowledge over time. MESSAGING & COLLABORATION Forget the WhatsApp groups and scattered email threads. Elite Ref gives your federation a secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging system with structured conversation threads — purpose-built for referee communication. MEETINGS & EVENTS Schedule and join meetings, training sessions, and seminars directly in the app. Access agendas, materials, and recordings in one place — no more digging through inboxes. FITNESS & PHYSICAL READINESS Track your fitness, sync wearable data, and ensure you're physically ready for every appointment. CAREER PROFILE & PROGRESSION Your assignments, evaluations, certifications, and development path — all organized and always up to date. BUILT FOR FEDERATIONS, LOVED BY REFEREES Trusted by football federations across Europe, South America, North America, and the Middle East. Each federation gets a dedicated, branded environment to manage and develop 10,000+ officials worldwide. • AI-powered analysis and insights • Video hub with match clips and training content • Interactive Laws of the Game quizzes • End-to-end encrypted messaging • Meeting scheduling with materials and recordings • Fitness tracking with wearable integration • Offline-first — works without a connection • Multi-language support Stop juggling spreadsheets, messaging apps, and email. Elite Ref is the single platform where referees prepare, learn, connect, and grow. Love the game. Ref it better.

Screenshots

REFSIX4 screens
Elite Ref4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Elite Ref at none against REFSIX's 5. REFSIX's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.4). On price, update cadence, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. REFSIX sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Elite Ref asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
REFSIX versus Elite Ref: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterREFSIXElite Ref
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (252 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews58.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings252 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size116 MB132 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperREFSIX LtdAlgo Dynamics Srl

Bugs and requests

REFSIX

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes after updates
  • Unable to create or sync matches
  • Issues with entering cards and events
  • Subscription not working as expected

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add support for other sports like futsal and handball
  • Improve heat map accuracy and positioning data
  • Allow importing/saving of team rosters
  • Implement countdown timer and more timer options
  • Add ability to track goal scorers and assist providers

Elite Ref

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

REFSIX

Subscriptions4
  • REFSIX PLUS subscription$2.991 Month
  • REFSIX PRO Subscription2 variants$11.991 Month
  • REFSIX PRO Subscription14 Days trial$79.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • REFSIX PRO Subscription$79.991 Year
None

Elite Ref

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is REFSIX free?
REFSIX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Elite Ref free?
Elite Ref is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do REFSIX or Elite Ref have ads?
Neither REFSIX nor Elite Ref shows ads.
Which is updated more often, REFSIX or Elite Ref?
REFSIX ships an update every 6 weeks, and Elite Ref every 6 weeks. Most recently, REFSIX was updated on October 17, 2026 and Elite Ref on September 29, 2026.

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