Comparison

Sentinel vs CheckedSafe

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

Head to head
About

Sentinel

Access and verify Network Rail Sentinel smartcards. Check your own card details or authenticate team members and conduct spot checks. Works online for real-time data or offline for card access and stored check history.

Highlights
  • Read Sentinel smartcards via NFC
  • Scan QR codes for card data
  • Verify cardholder information
  • Authenticate team members
  • Perform spot checks
  • Check TVPs (Track Vacancy Permits)
  • Offline access to card data
Read full description

This app is designed specifically to read Sentinel smartcards for Network Rail’s Sentinel system. It allows anyone to check their own Sentinel card and allows authorised card checkers to authenticate their team as well as undertake spot checks and check TVPs. When online, the app shows the most up to date information for each cardholder either by scanning the card’s QR code or by reading the details stored in the smartcard using NFC. Even without mobile internet access, the information stored on the card can still be accessed, any recently scanned card details can also be reviewed, and all checks will be stored and uploaded to the database when back online.

About

CheckedSafe

This app digitizes daily vehicle walk-around checks, replacing paper-based systems with a user-friendly mobile interface and a cloud-based back office. It ensures legal compliance, provides auditable records, and promotes best practices for driver and company protection.

Highlights
  • Digital walk-around checks
  • Legally defensible records
  • Cloud-based management system
  • Offline app functionality
  • Date, time, and location stamping
  • PDF and Excel reporting
Features
Read full description

CheckedSafe has combined the latest technology, industry standards and legal compliance requirements to create a simple to use App and integrated back office system which provides:- β€’ A fully integrated and simple compliance solution, to replace the archaic and old fashioned paper based daily walk around checks β€’ A straight forward walk through check system known as β€œCheckedSafe” β€’ A system providing companies with a legally defensible and fully auditable position β€’ An integrated and sustainable approach to driving best practice and behaviour which provides protection for both driver and company. β€’ A cloud based case management web interface for Companies and Senior Management to view and action where appropriate. β€’ Continuous updates to software to future proof for changes in legislation β€’ The software can be used for PCV/HGV/LGV/Taxi/Car Hire/Fleets β€’ An adaptable platform that can be adopted for any compliance service required β€’ The App is free, there is a charge for the MI system on a license basis per unit The system β€’ Works on cloud based software β€’ Unique log-in per client β€’ Can be used off line for the App as it stores data on the handheld device β€’ Date, time and location stamp for full traceability β€’ Reports in PDF and Excel β€’ Full cloud secure data storage

Screenshots

Sentinel4 screens
CheckedSafe4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: CheckedSafe at 50% against Sentinel's 10%. Sentinel's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

Sentinel ships an update every 4 months, CheckedSafe every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on June 8, 2026 and July 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 5 level
Sentinel versus CheckedSafe: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSentinelCheckedSafe
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews9.8% of reviews50.0% of reviews β€” better
Update frequencyEvery 4 months β€” betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree β€” betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 β€” better15.6
Further details β€” not scored
Size6 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperReference Point LimitedParagus Limited

Customer experience

Sentinel

Written reviews41 reviews
Positive9.8%
Neutral9.8%
Negative80.5%

CheckedSafe

Written reviews10 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative30.0%

In-app purchases

None

Sentinel

No in-app purchases

None

CheckedSafe

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sentinel free?
Sentinel is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CheckedSafe free?
CheckedSafe is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Sentinel or CheckedSafe have ads?
Neither Sentinel nor CheckedSafe shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sentinel or CheckedSafe?
Sentinel ships an update every 4 months, and CheckedSafe every 6 months. Most recently, Sentinel was updated on June 8, 2026 and CheckedSafe on July 17, 2026.

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