Comparison

SARLOC vs Romer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” 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

Romer

Features
Read full description

Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone. Stay Connected. Stay Coordinated. Romer makes it easy to share live locations within a group β€” helping you stay connected, organised, and informed in real time. Designed for families, teams, events, and outdoor activities, Romer provides secure, reliable, and battery-efficient location sharing when it matters most. FREE ACCESS β€” Get Started Instantly Create or join a group and start sharing locations in seconds. Free access includes: β€’ Up to 5 group members β€’ Interactive maps (Street, Satellite, Terrain) β€’ QR code group invites β€’ Public map sharing and embedding β€’ Cross-platform access β€’ Battery-optimised background location sharing β€’ Secure account-based access EXPANDED GROUP CAPABILITIES Larger groups and advanced features are available through extended access options, allowing you to scale Romer to suit your needs. Depending on your setup, this can include: β€’ Larger group sizes β€’ Enhanced map detail (including OS mapping where available) β€’ Advanced group management and permissions β€’ Email and bulk member invites β€’ Improved visibility and organisation tools SMART ORGANISATION β€’ Custom member categories with colour coding β€’ Category-based filtering and search β€’ Activity tracking and event history β€’ Drag-and-drop group organisation β€’ Bulk member management SECURITY & PRIVACY β€’ Granular privacy controls β€’ Automatic location expiration β€’ Controlled visibility between members SMART TECHNOLOGY β€’ Battery-efficient background location sharing β€’ Works when the app is closed or minimised β€’ Intelligent session handling β€’ Native iOS integration INTERACTIVE MAPS β€’ Multiple map layers β€’ Smart zoom-based clustering β€’ Custom pinned locations β€’ Shareable and embeddable maps REAL-WORLD USES Romer is ideal for: β€’ Family safety and coordination β€’ Event and volunteer management β€’ Outdoor groups and expeditions β€’ Delivery and mobile teams β€’ Sports teams and tours β€’ Emergency coordination BUILT FOR RELIABILITY β€’ Cloud-based infrastructure β€’ Real-time updates β€’ Cross-platform compatibility β€’ Offline support with auto-sync Download Romer and create your first group in under 30 seconds. Privacy: https://romerlive.co.uk/privacy Terms: https://romerlive.co.uk/terms

Screenshots

SARLOC3 screens
Romer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Romer at every 3 days against SARLOC's every 8 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SARLOC ships an update every 8 months, Romer every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 7 level
SARLOC versus Romer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSARLOCRomer
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews100.0% of reviewsβ€”
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 3 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeβ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size1 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRussell HoreBenjamin Miller-Glentworth

In-app purchases

None

SARLOC

No in-app purchases

None

Romer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SARLOC free?
SARLOC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Romer free?
Romer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SARLOC or Romer have ads?
Neither SARLOC nor Romer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SARLOC or Romer?
SARLOC ships an update every 8 months, and Romer every 3 days. Most recently, SARLOC was updated on October 11, 2026 and Romer on October 7, 2026.

Other comparisons