Comparison

SkillGuard 5 vs ThisLinks

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

Head to head
About

SkillGuard 5

Features
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The app can be used by approved access controllers, spot checkers and lone workers. Navigation controls and features are shown depending on the role. Location Search β€’ Search for nearby sites (if geo services are enabled on the mobile device), search for a site using a site name or code or select from recent sites. β€’ Get directions to the selected site. β€’ For sites containing zones, the site or zone can be selected as the location. Team features β€’ Start a team to optionally swipe in the access controller, then check and confirm/deny access to workers and visitors. β€’ System rules determine a worker’s eligibility to work on a site – the app checks these in real time when a card is swiped and highlights if any are not met. Relevant worker record can then be reviewed along with upcoming competency and other expiries. β€’ Access controllers can then confirm (if system rules are met) or deny access. Card Reading β€’ The app supports reading of supported cards via both NFC (where supported by the device) and QR code. β€’ Virtual cards stored in Vircarda are also supported. If located on the same mobile device as the SkillGuard app, the virtual card can be used to identify the user (e.g. an access controller). Please refer to the app store listing for Vircarda for more information. β€’ Use β€œforgotten card” functionality to swipe in workers who have forgotten their card by entering details provided by the worker. To read physical smartcards via NFC, for example when swiping in a worker: β€’ When prompted, hold the card in contact with the NFC area on the rear of your device until the card has been read successfully and any required card updates have completed. β€’ NFC functionality must be enabled on the device. Swipe Out Swipe out workers from site when their card is presented, even if they are not part of your team. Competency and Briefing Award β€’ Search for and award competencies and briefings to workers. β€’ Review and award competencies and briefings that have been scheduled for award. β€’ Attach files stored on the device or use photos as evidence. β€’ Use the same group evidence for awarding the same competency to multiple workers. Muster List Review workers currently on site, even if they have been swiped in by other access controllers. Other Features β€’ View requirements to swipe into the current location. β€’ Change location when moving to a new site. β€’ Travel information captured in the app is recorded centrally in SkillGuard, providing a basis for environmental and carbon emission reporting. β€’ Swipe history shows a history of recent swipes performed on the device. These can be cleared locally from the device if desired (swipes will always be retained centrally in SkillGuard). β€’ Navigation controls are readily available within the app to allow fast switching between features. β€’ Application security via two-factor authentication during login (email or SMS). β€’ Online help can be viewed to learn more about using the app. β€’ Internet access is not required to read smartcards using NFC – the last details stored in the smartcard’s microchip will be read if the app is offline. If internet access is available when an NFC card is read, any offline updates for that smartcard from the SkillGuard database are transferred automatically to it. β€’ Offline smartcard checks recorded in the app are uploaded automatically to SkillGuard when an internet connection is available. Access controllers can access all of these features. Spot checkers can spot check cards, view the muster list and change location. Lone workers can swipe themselves in and out of a site, change location and check their card details.

About

ThisLinks

Features
Read full description

The ThisLinks Employee App is your all-in-one tool for managing job assignments and tracking task completion. Designed for efficiency and ease of use, this app enables employees to receive, start, and complete jobs with a few simple taps. Stay connected, stay organized, and get notified instantly with every new job. Key Features: Instant Job Assignments & Notifications: - Receive real-time notifications as soon as a new job is assigned. - Job details, including location, description, and priority, are delivered straight to your phone. Easy Job Start & End Tracking: - Track job progress effortlessly by marking the start and end of tasks with a tap. - Keep accurate time logs for each job with automatic updates. Real-Time Job Updates: - Monitor your job status at all times and view upcoming tasks. - Supervisors can track the progress of assignments and ensure timely job completion. User-Friendly Interface: - Navigate through job tasks easily with a clean, intuitive interface. - View job lists, pending tasks, and completed jobs at a glance on your dashboard. Seamless Communication: - Quickly message supervisors or teammates to clarify details or report issues. - Provide feedback or update job status with ease. Task History & Analytics: - Keep track of completed jobs and view your performance over time. - Insights into completion times and productivity help improve efficiency. Why Choose ThisLinks Employee App? The ThisLinks Employee App is designed for seamless job management, ensuring your team stays organized, efficient, and productive. With instant notifications, task tracking, and simple communication tools, your employees can focus on delivering great results without the hassle.

Screenshots

SkillGuard 54 screens
ThisLinks4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ThisLinks at every 5 days against SkillGuard 5's every 7 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

SkillGuard 5 ships an update every 7 months, ThisLinks every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 6, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
SkillGuard 5 versus ThisLinks: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSkillGuard 5ThisLinks
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 5 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 β€” better15.6
Further details β€” not scored
Size6 MB145 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperReference Point LimitedThis Links

In-app purchases

None

SkillGuard 5

No in-app purchases

None

ThisLinks

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SkillGuard 5 free?
SkillGuard 5 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ThisLinks free?
ThisLinks is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SkillGuard 5 or ThisLinks have ads?
Neither SkillGuard 5 nor ThisLinks shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SkillGuard 5 or ThisLinks?
SkillGuard 5 ships an update every 7 months, and ThisLinks every 5 days. Most recently, SkillGuard 5 was updated on September 6, 2026 and ThisLinks on September 11, 2026.

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