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, 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

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 July 9, 2026 and September 24, 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 MB56 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 July 9, 2026 and Nelos on September 24, 2026.

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