PommeCore vs Nelos
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PommeCore
This app enables decentralized, off-grid messaging and communication using LoRa radio technology. It allows direct device-to-device messaging, group chats, and a mesh map to visualize contacts and link quality, all without requiring internet or cell service.
- Decentralized off-grid messaging
- Real-time delivery tracking
- Group and channel messaging
- Contact organization and management
- Interactive mesh map with link quality
- LoRa radio configuration and tools
- Over-the-air firmware updates
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PommeCore is the full-featured companion app for MeshCore LoRa mesh radios — a decentralized, off-grid messaging network that works without internet, cell towers, or servers. Everything runs over long-range LoRa radio, directly between devices. MESSAGING Send and receive direct messages with real-time delivery tracking (Sending → Sent → Delivered, with round-trip time). Channel (group) messages broadcast to everyone on the mesh. Reactions and quoted replies are interoperable with MeshCore One. Undelivered messages retry automatically, then flood the mesh. CONTACTS & CHANNELS Organise contacts with favourites, nicknames, notes, and groups. Mute or block individuals. Each group and channel has its own notification mode and sound. Export and import contacts via QR code or meshcore:// URLs. MESH MAP See all contacts with GPS on an interactive map. Tap a pin to open that contact's chat. Enable position trails for movement history. The link quality overlay draws colour-coded lines (SNR) to contacts in range. RADIO SETTINGS & TOOLS Configure frequency, spreading factor, bandwidth, coding rate, and TX power from the app. Radio Stats, RF Monitor with Packet Log, Line of Sight analysis, Radio Calculator, Airtime Calculator, and Frequency Scanner are all included. BACKUP & UPDATES Export your radio configuration as a .meshprofile file. Firmware update checker alerts you when a new release is available. Over-the-air ESP32 firmware updates via WiFi. REMOTE MANAGEMENT Administer repeaters and room servers over the mesh — change names, frequencies, routing scope, and advert intervals without physical access. WIDGETS & WATCH Home screen and lock screen widgets show connection status, battery, and unread count. The watchOS companion lets you read and reply to DMs and channel messages from your wrist. iPHONE, iPAD & MAC One app runs natively on iPhone, iPad, and macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel). Connects via Bluetooth LE, WiFi, or USB serial on Mac. LANGUAGES English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Czech, Polish, Ukrainian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese. ACCESSIBILITY VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, Differentiate Without Color Alone, Dark Mode, Voice Control. PRIVACY No account required. No servers. No data collection. All communication is peer-to-peer over LoRa radio. iCloud sync for nicknames, notes, groups, and settings uses your private iCloud account. HARDWARE REQUIRED A MeshCore-compatible LoRa radio running Companion firmware is required. Recommended: Compatible Mesh radio with latest MeshCore Companion firmware IN-APP PURCHASES Tip Jar ($0.99–$9.99) — voluntary support, no functional gating. PommeCore for Apple Watch ($1.99, one-time) — unlocks the watch companion app. All other features are free.
Nelos
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Stay connected, even beyond cell coverage. Nelos helps families and small teams share locations, exchange messages, and coordinate using MeshCore-compatible LoRa radios—even without mobile coverage or internet access. YOUR TEAM, TOGETHER • View teammates and compatible trackers on one map • Exchange team and direct messages • Track family members, pets, and personal belongings using compatible devices • Send help requests and coordinate with responders • Set up and join teams offline using QR codes READY FOR THE OUTDOORS • Download offline maps worldwide • Mark campsites, meeting points, and hazards with waypoints • View the last 24 hours of location history MORE WITH NELOS PRO Unlock multiple active teams on one map and up to 90 days of location history with a one-time lifetime purchase. PRIVACY-FOCUSED No account required. No central message server. Built for families, hiking, outdoor adventures, travel, volunteer teams, and off-grid situations. COMPATIBLE HARDWARE REQUIRED Off-grid communication requires MeshCore-compatible LoRa hardware. Download maps before heading out. Tracking and message delivery depend on your devices, radio conditions, terrain, and permissions. Help requests go to your teams, not emergency services. Nelos should not be your only means of communication or safety in critical situations.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Nelos at none against PommeCore's 5. Nelos also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs monthly) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. PommeCore sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Nelos asks for nothing beyond the download.
PommeCore ships an update monthly, Nelos every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on June 27, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PommeCore | Nelos |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 19 MB | 56 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Michael Bedworth | The Quyen Le |
In-app purchases
PommeCore
- Decent Try!$0.99
- Watch Companion$1.99
- Nice App!$2.99
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- Great Job!$4.99
- I Want to Help!$9.99
Nelos
No in-app purchases





