Comparison

Natco vs GuardOps

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

Head to head
About

Natco

Features
Read full description

The Natco App is the brand new way of quickly and securely placing your orders with Natco. Once registered, you can browse our product listings or search for products by product code, by description or by scanning a barcode with your device’s camera. Quickly and easily browse our stocklist availability, place orders and receive special promotions and discounts, all from your smartphone or tablet. How can the Natco App benefit you? β€’ Completely free to install and use. β€’ Fast order entry saving time and money β€’ Promotions and discounts are highlighted How does Natco App work? Register and process orders in 5 Easy Steps using the Natco App: 1. Open the App on your smartphone 2. Browse our product range or search by product code, name or barcode image 3. Check our stocklist pricing 4. Place your order, then click and submit (partial orders can also be saved in the cloud to finish at a later date, on any compatible device) 5. Your order will be quickly processed and goods dispatched in line with our usual delivery terms. Click Install - to start downloading the free App from the App Store and start saving time and money when ordering from Natco.

About

GuardOps

Features
Read full description

Description (4,000 char max): GuardOps is the all-in-one workforce management platform built specifically for the UK security industry. Replace spreadsheets, WhatsApp groups, and paper timesheets with a single app that handles everything from shift scheduling to compliance tracking. FOR SECURITY OFFICERS: - View and claim available shifts instantly - GPS clock-in and clock-out with geofenced verification - Digital signature capture at shift start and end - View your schedule, upcoming shifts, and shift history - Receive real-time notifications for new shifts and updates - Submit shift exchange requests - Track your SIA license status and expiry dates - Log leave requests and manage availability FOR MANAGERS & SUPERVISORS: - Create and assign shifts with conflict detection - Broadcast open shifts to available staff - Monitor active shifts in real time across all venues - Approve timesheets, shift swaps, and leave requests - Track SIA license compliance and Working Time Directive hours - Receive alerts for compliance violations before they happen - View venue coverage and staffing levels at a glance KEY FEATURES: - GPS Geofenced Check-In/Out: Staff can only clock in within 100m of the venue, eliminating buddy punching and time fraud - SIA Compliance Engine: Automated license validation, expiry alerts, and audit-ready records - Working Time Directive Monitoring: Tracks 48-hour weekly limits, 11-hour daily rest, and 24-hour weekly rest periods - Real-Time Shift Updates: Live notifications via push and in-app messaging - Shift Marketplace: Open shifts are broadcast to qualified, available staff who can claim them instantly - Multi-Venue Support: Manage staff across unlimited venues with venue-specific requirements - Offline Support: Core features work without internet β€” data syncs when connectivity returns BUILT FOR UK SECURITY: GuardOps is purpose-built for the regulated UK security industry. Every feature is designed around SIA licensing requirements, Working Time Directive compliance, and UK GDPR data protection standards. Whether you run a team of 10 or 1,000 guards, GuardOps gives you total control over your security operation from your pocket. Requires an active GuardOps subscription. Visit guardops.co.uk for pricing and to set up your company account.

Screenshots

Natco4 screens
GuardOps4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: GuardOps at every 2 weeks against Natco's every 3 months. Natco's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). 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

Natco ships an update every 3 months, GuardOps every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 4 level
Natco versus GuardOps: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNatcoGuardOps
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 β€” better15.1
Further details β€” not scored
Size45 MB36 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperAdventoris LimitedNinioritse Great Eruwa

In-app purchases

None

Natco

No in-app purchases

None

GuardOps

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Natco free?
Natco is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GuardOps free?
GuardOps is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Natco or GuardOps have ads?
Neither Natco nor GuardOps shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Natco or GuardOps?
Natco ships an update every 3 months, and GuardOps every 2 weeks. Most recently, Natco was updated on September 9, 2026 and GuardOps on September 22, 2026.

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