# ESS Mobile vs GF311

The clearest difference is ads: ESS Mobile at none against GF311's shown. ESS Mobile also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). GF311's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ESS Mobile | GF311 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[1.7 (343 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ess-mobile/id667448755/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **343** | — |
| Positive reviews | **2.9% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 1 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Attendance on Demand, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/675262405) | [City of Grand Forks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1573477910) |

## What reviewers say

### ESS Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ess-mobile/id667448755)

This app offers flexible time tracking for employees, allowing them to punch in/out, review hours worked, check schedules, and manage benefit balances. It facilitates communication with supervisors for attendance-related matters and supports various time entry methods.

**Highlights:** Flexible time tracking, Review hours worked, Check schedules and benefit balances, Request time off, Enter tips and mileage, Communicate with supervisor

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Simple and straightforward time tracking functionality
- 📧 Email records linked to time card
- ⚙️ Works reliably on Android devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connect button functions as text box instead of button
- ❌ App crashes frequently after updates
- ⚪ White screen loading issues
- 📍 Location detection inaccurate (4-5 miles off)
- 🔐 Login failures and credential issues

**Reported bugs**

- Connect button treats input as editable text field
- App fails to load or shows blank white screen
- Location services report incorrect location
- Login credentials rejected despite correct information
- Clock-in button disappears or becomes non-functional

**Requested features**

- Face ID or biometric authentication
- Remember me/stay logged in functionality
- Current time display on home screen
- Manager approval system for early out/late in requests
- Ability to view all punch times and historical data


### GF311

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gf311/id892896044)

Connect with your local government to report community issues like graffiti or potholes and access city services. Submit requests with photos, track their progress, and receive completion notifications. Stay informed with community news and events.

**Highlights:** Submit service requests with photos, Track request status and receive updates, Pay water bills, Report traffic concerns, Access community news and events

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ESS Mobile free?

ESS Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is GF311 free?

GF311 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do ESS Mobile or GF311 have ads?

GF311 shows ads; ESS Mobile does not.

### Which is updated more often, ESS Mobile or GF311?

ESS Mobile ships an update every 3 months, and GF311 every 3 months. Most recently, ESS Mobile was updated on October 17, 2026 and GF311 on September 27, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*