Comparison

SARLOC vs S2Cells Map

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

Head to head
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.

About

S2Cells Map

Visualize S2 cell boundaries globally for augmented reality and gaming applications. Compare real-world locations to S2 cell divisions and optionally integrate with the Ingress Intel Map to check existing portals for new submissions.

Highlights
  • View S2 cell boundaries globally
  • Compare landmarks to S2 cells
  • Augmented reality app assistance
  • Gaming application support
  • Optional Ingress Intel Map integration
  • Check portal/stop locations
Features
Read full description

Easily view S2 cell boundaries anywhere in the world. S2 cells are used for a variety of services, including augmented reality apps and games. This app can assist when comparing real-world landmarks to S2 cell boundaries. With optional integration to the Ingress Intel Map, you can easily view existing portals/stops to ensure new submissions are in clear cells.

Screenshots

SARLOC3 screens
S2Cells Map4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: SARLOC at Free against S2Cells Map's $0.99. On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

SARLOC is free to download; S2Cells Map costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SARLOC ships an update every 8 months, S2Cells Map every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on June 6, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
SARLOC versus S2Cells Map: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSARLOCS2Cells Map
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating—4.3 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 months — betterEvery 14 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.614.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRussell HoreSimon Frost

Customer experience

SARLOC

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

S2Cells Map

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

SARLOC

No in-app purchases

None

S2Cells Map

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SARLOC free?
SARLOC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is S2Cells Map free?
S2Cells Map costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do SARLOC or S2Cells Map have ads?
Neither SARLOC nor S2Cells Map shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SARLOC or S2Cells Map?
SARLOC ships an update every 8 months, and S2Cells Map every 14 months. Most recently, SARLOC was updated on June 6, 2026 and S2Cells Map on September 15, 2026.

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