Comparison

GL Connect vs RTKapp

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

Head to head
About

GL Connect

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GL Connect is the official companion app for full featured control and setup of RTK GNSS receivers GLRM and GLR from General Laser. It provides a powerful and intuitive interface to configure, monitor, and operate your GLRM and GLR receiver across a range of professional applications including surveying, mapping, and construction. NTRIP client included, right from your phone or tablet. Real-time accuracy for surveying, mapping, and geolocation on the go. Configure your GNSS receiver, manage NTRIP connections, monitor RTK status, and capture accurate positionsβ€”all in one app. Key Features: * Instant Bluetooth Pairing: Connect quickly and securely to your GLRM device using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). * NTRIP RTK Support: Configure and manage your NTRIP client to receive real-time correction data and achieve centimeter-level accuracy. * Full GNSS Control: Select satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, etc.), configure signal bands, and apply elevation and SNR masks to optimize your fix. * Real-Time Status Monitoring: * GNSS fix type, number of satellites, and position accuracy * RTK status indicators with LED sync * Battery level and temperature readouts * Device firmware and hardware info * Tilt Compensation (FW 1.7+): Accurately capture GNSS points with up to 60Β° of pole tilt using real-time IMU calibration. View compensated coordinates and heading directly in-app. * Custom Configuration Options: * Set antenna type, offset, and height * Adjust position/satellite info streaming rates (1 Hz / 2 Hz) * Personalize your device name for easier tracking * Firmware Updates: Manual firmware update flow to keep your GLRM receiver running the latest features and fixes. * 2D Mapping Interface: Visualize antenna and tilt-compensated positions on an OpenStreetMap-based view. Applications: Field engineers, surveyors, GIS professionals, and construction teams who demand accurate GNSS data in a streamlined, mobile workflow. Supported Devices: GLRM and GLR GNSS Receivers

About

RTKapp

Features
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Welcome to RTKapp --------------------- Centimeter Precision in your Pocket RTKapp is the ultimate solution for surveyors, engineers, and GNSS enthusiasts who need professional workflows without the burden of desktop software. Connect, record, process, and analyze satellite data directly from your iPhone or iPad in a fast, private, and powerful way. Powered by the robust RTKLIB engine (Demo5), RTKapp allows you to execute RTK positioning, Post-Processing (PPK/PPP), and raw data conversion in seconds, wrapped in a modern, streamlined interface. REAL-TIME RTK ---------------- - Total Connectivity: Connect your GNSS receiver via Bluetooth (BLE) or TCP, or get network corrections through the built-in NTRIP Client. - Live Quality Metrics: Monitor your signal status in real-time with AR ratio, HRMS/VRMS, DOP, SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), and Skyplot views. - VRS Support: Works seamlessly with Virtual Reference Stations by automatically sending your configured position (GGA) to the caster. - Transparent Recording: Natively capture and log raw data streams from the Rover, Base, and corrections simultaneously while you measure. INSTANT POST-PROCESSING ------------------------------ - Load your observation (Rover/Base) and navigation files on the fly. - Execute kinematic, static, or precise point positioning (PPP) with advanced algorithms. - Analytical Plotting: Dive deep with E/N/U position graphs, horizontal scatter plots, cycle slip detection, and post-fit phase residuals to ensure maximum survey-grade quality. FIELD PRO TOOLS ------------------- - RINEX Converter: Import binary logs from RTCM3 and export them to universal RINEX format with advanced versioning and frequency selections (L1/L2/L5). - NTRIP Caster Management: Browse sourcetables, save profiles for your favorite VRS networks, and even share data by forwarding corrections via Bluetooth. - Configuration Profiles: Save your processing settings, elevation masks, and ambiguity resolution parameters into custom profiles for instant field readiness. LOCAL PRIVACY FIRST ----------------------- Your data belongs to you. RTKapp processes all positioning locally right on your device. We do not rely on the cloud to calculate your position, we don't track your projects, and all exports to GPX, KML, CSV, or .pos coordinate files are performed purely on-demand. Master GNSS precision anywhere, no laptop required. Download RTKapp and streamline your data collection and processing today!

Screenshots

GL Connect4 screens
RTKapp4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: RTKapp at every 3 weeks against GL Connect's every 3 months. GL Connect's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). 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

GL Connect ships an update every 3 months, RTKapp every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 4 level
GL Connect versus RTKapp: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGL ConnectRTKapp
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 β€” better17.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size21 MB93 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGeneral Laser GmbHJuan Carlos Lopez Calvo

In-app purchases

None

GL Connect

No in-app purchases

None

RTKapp

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GL Connect free?
GL Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RTKapp free?
RTKapp is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GL Connect or RTKapp have ads?
Neither GL Connect nor RTKapp shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GL Connect or RTKapp?
GL Connect ships an update every 3 months, and RTKapp every 3 weeks. Most recently, GL Connect was updated on September 15, 2026 and RTKapp on September 13, 2026.

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