Comparison

AA Armed Response vs REM

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

Head to head
About

AA Armed Response

This app provides immediate access to emergency assistance from a network of over 160 partners. Simply press a button within the app to receive help when you feel unsafe, regardless of your location or vehicle ownership. Subscriptions are affordable and can be gifted to loved ones.

Highlights
  • One-touch emergency button
  • Network of 160+ response partners
  • Location-based assistance
  • Subscription for self and loved ones
  • Usable anywhere with data signal
Read full description

What is AA Armed Response? With AA Armed Response, you get the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing the AA is looking after you and your loved ones, Anywhere, Anytime. You can use AA Armed Response anywhere, as long as you have an active data signal with location services. You don't need to own a vehicle to subscribe - our service is available to you whether you're home, out shopping, in your car or commuting. With a network of over 160 partners who will come to your aid when you feel unsafe, all you need to do is press the AA Armed Response button in the AA app. How much does it cost? From only R35 per month (AA Members pay R25), you have access to our service. You can also subscribe to AA Armed Response on behalf of your loved ones and gift a subscription to show you care.

About

REM

This app connects to wearable devices that provide emergency security and medical services. It allows users to summon help at the press of a button, with real-time location tracking and fall detection capabilities. It's designed for personal safety in various situations.

Highlights
  • SOS panic button activation
  • Real-time GPS tracking
  • Geofencing alerts
  • Accident and fall detection
  • SMS notifications for emergencies
  • Integration with 180+ security providers
Read full description

The Rem-i range of devices are small, wearable security and emergency devices with built-in GPS and GSM/GPRS technology. The Rem-i range of devices are intended to provide emergency security services to protect people and property and can be used in a variety of different settings including at home, while at a shopping centre, or while travelling. Its application extends to many different groups including mobile nursing staff, by children, by the elderly, or by people running, walking, or cycling for leisure or sport. The Rem-i range of devices summons emergency medical and/or security services at the press of a button from more than 180 security providers across South Africa. The closest security service provider to the user’s location is dispatched to assist. The Rem-i range of devices includes the Rem-i Amica and Rem-i Wasp device. These device features were specifically designed around the needs of South Africans. FEATURES OF THE REM-I AMICA Once activated, the Rem-i Amica device sends an SMS message to two pre-loaded contacts alerting them to the fact that a panic response has been activated. This alert includes sending a pin of your current location. On-demand emergency services Rem-i Amica’s personal tracker can activate an SOS signal which immediately deploys emergency services such as armed security or emergency medical services. Get access to a national network of armed security and emergency medical responders, including more than 180 vetted security partner companies. All alarms are managed and facilitated by the CASi 24-hour Emergency Management Control Room. Tracking & Geofences With Rem-i Amica you can create geofencing and tracking to receive a notification when the device either enters or leaves a specific designated area. Alerts provide live, online location tracking. The geofencing function with Rem-i Amica provides real-time tracking via an online web-based tracking platform or smartphone app. Stand-alone System The personal tracker is fully stand-alone with its own sim card and GSM module and offers up to seven days of battery life with SMS notifications when the battery runs low. Accident & Fall Detect Rem-i Amica is supported by a 24-hour Emergency Management Control Room to monitor any fall detection signal created. Accident and Fall Detect includes vehicle crashes, cycling falls or falling at home. Once an accident and/or fall is detected, the Emergency Management Control Room immediately calls the device to determine the nature of the emergency and to dispatch the relevant emergency service to the Rem-i Amica’s exact location. For more information please visit our website www.aa.co.za/remi FEATURES OF THE REM-I WASP Gps tracking GPS enabled tracking and tracing allows for location verification. Stand-alone device No phone required to send panic alerts with a pre-installed IoT Sim Fully integrated Full integration with over 180 Armed Response Partners across South Africa. Lightweight Small wearable device that can fit in your pocket, on a lanyard or key. 24-hour emergency centre Subscription includes 24/7 call centre assistance and tracking in real time after panic initiated. Battery life Up to 10 days battery life and receive low battery alerts. Water resistant Safe for outdoor use; small, rugged and inconspicuous design.

Screenshots

AA Armed Response4 screens
REM4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: REM at 5.0 against AA Armed Response's 4.6. REM also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). AA Armed Response's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

REM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AA Armed Response has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AA Armed Response ships an update every 3 months, REM every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
AA Armed Response versus REM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAA Armed ResponseREM
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (9 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews28.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.412.4
Further details — not scored
Size41 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Automobile Association of South AfricaThe Automobile Association of South Africa

Customer experience

AA Armed Response

All ratings9 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive28.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative71.4%

REM

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

AA Armed Response

No in-app purchases

None

REM

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is AA Armed Response free?
AA Armed Response is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is REM free?
REM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, AA Armed Response or REM?
REM is rated higher. AA Armed Response averages 4.6 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while REM averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do AA Armed Response or REM have ads?
Neither AA Armed Response nor REM shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AA Armed Response or REM?
AA Armed Response ships an update every 3 months, and REM every 6 weeks. Most recently, AA Armed Response was updated on October 3, 2026 and REM on September 25, 2026.

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