Comparison

MeshCoreScanner vs Nelos

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

Head to head
About

MeshCoreScanner

This app maps LoRa mesh network coverage in real-time by connecting to compatible BLE radio devices. It plots scan points and discovered repeaters on a map, cataloging signal quality and discovery history. Organize scans into sessions and export data for external analysis.

Highlights
  • Live coverage mapping on OpenStreetMap
  • Repeater database with discovery history
  • Coverage visualization per repeater
  • Organized scan sessions
  • Background scanning with GPS/BLE
  • GeoJSON data export
  • Fully offline functionality
Features
Read full description

MeshCoreScanner is a companion app for MeshCore BLE radio devices that maps LoRa mesh network coverage in real time. Connect to your MeshCore companion radio via Bluetooth Low Energy and start scanning for nearby repeaters as you move. The app automatically triggers discovery scans based on distance traveled or time intervals, logging every repeater response with signal strength, SNR, and GPS coordinates. KEY FEATURES • Live Coverage Mapping — Scan points and discovered repeaters are plotted on an OpenStreetMap-based map as you travel • Repeater Database — All discovered repeaters are cataloged with signal quality, node type, coordinates, and discovery history • Coverage Visualization — View per-repeater coverage areas based on aggregated scan data • Scan Sessions — Organize your scanning activity into sessions for easy comparison and management • Scan-to-Repeater Lines — Tap any scan point to see connections to all repeaters heard at that location • Background Scanning — Continues scanning while the app is in the background using GPS and BLE • Distance or Time Trigger — Configure scans to trigger every X meters or every X seconds • Data Management — Delete repeaters by age or distance, filter imports, manage sessions • GeoJSON Export — Share your coverage data for analysis in external tools • Fully Offline — All data is stored locally on your device, no account or internet connection required REQUIREMENTS • A MeshCore-compatible BLE companion radio device • iPhone with Bluetooth Low Energy support • Location permission for GPS-based scan mapping MeshCoreScanner is built for the MeshCore LoRa mesh networking community. Whether you're planning repeater placement, verifying coverage, or exploring network reach — this app gives you the data you need.

About

Nelos

Features
Read full description

Stay connected beyond cell coverage. Nelos is an offline messaging, location sharing, and tracking app for families and small teams using MeshCore-compatible LoRa radios. Message your team, see everyone on a map, find trackers, and coordinate even when cell service or internet isn’t available. STAY TOGETHER OFF-GRID • See teammates and compatible trackers on one map • Send team messages and direct messages over LoRa • Track family members, pets, and personal belongings with compatible trackers • Find a tracker faster with Find Mode • Create Safe Zones and get alerts when a tracker leaves them • Send help requests and coordinate responses with your teams • Create and join teams offline using QR codes READY FOR THE OUTDOORS • Download detailed offline maps worldwide • Mark campsites, meeting points, hazards, and other locations with waypoints • Review the last 24 hours of location history MORE WITH NELOS PRO Unlock multiple active teams, unlimited offline maps, 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, camping, outdoor adventures, travel, volunteer teams, festivals, and other off-grid situations. COMPATIBLE HARDWARE REQUIRED Off-grid communication requires MeshCore-compatible LoRa hardware. Download maps before heading out. Location updates and message delivery depend on your devices, radio conditions, terrain, positioning availability, and permissions. Help requests are sent to your Nelos teams, not emergency services. Nelos should not be your only means of communication or safety in critical situations.

Screenshots

MeshCoreScanner2 screens
Nelos4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Nelos at every 4 days against MeshCoreScanner's monthly. Nelos also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MeshCoreScanner ships an update monthly, Nelos every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MeshCoreScanner versus Nelos: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMeshCoreScannerNelos
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS26.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB57 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperJaroslaw KarasThe Quyen Le

In-app purchases

None

MeshCoreScanner

No in-app purchases

None

Nelos

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MeshCoreScanner free?
MeshCoreScanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Nelos free?
Nelos is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MeshCoreScanner or Nelos have ads?
Neither MeshCoreScanner nor Nelos shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MeshCoreScanner or Nelos?
MeshCoreScanner ships an update monthly, and Nelos every 4 days. Most recently, MeshCoreScanner was updated on October 1, 2026 and Nelos on October 10, 2026.

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