Comparison

RFSBuddy vs RFSPager

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

Head to head
About

RFSBuddy

This app provides essential GPS mapping and field note-taking tools for firefighters and anyone needing location services. It works offline, converts GPS coordinates into standard formats, and allows for easy sharing of locations and points of interest.

Highlights
  • Offline GPS functionality
  • Multiple GPS coordinate formats
  • Field notes with location icons
  • Grid reference to Lat/Long conversion
  • Location sharing via email
  • Movement tracking
  • Bearing tool for triangulation
Features
Read full description

GPS Mapping Co-ordinates - Record & Share, Field Notes, Movement Tracking & Handbook FEATURES • RFS Buddy works anywhere • The RFS Buddy app does not need wifi or any phone carrier’s reception to work. • RFS Buddy works directly from the iPhone’s internal GPS. • Easily share your location with others via email. (Requires subscription) • Simple "one click" to start tracking your movement. (Requires subscription) • "Add Bearing" tool with camera zoom. With 2 or more Bearings you can triangulate the position of a point of interest in the distance, e.g. Smoke Sighting. Developed to assist Australian volunteer Bushfire Fighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), and also anyone that need GPS location services. RFS Buddy translates your GPS location into the main RFS MGRS standard, including the LPI Map name and number. Also includes a number of other formats, and a Fire-ground Field Notes feature to record reference points of interest such as hazards, smoke etc. GPS CO-ORDINATES IN 5 FORMATS 1. RFS Mapping The Standard MGRS format used to match the RFS maps used in the field. Includes: - Full RFS Grid Reference (100m). - Short RFS Grid Reference - LPI Map Name, Reference Number & Scale - GPS Accuracy 2. Aviation 3. Standard GPS 4. Degrees, Minutes, Seconds 5. Easting Northing 6. What3Words (NEW) FIELD NOTES Name and record your current position in a list that (on swipe right) shows all 5 GPS formats. - Ability to Select Location Reference Type Icon. - Text to Convert for Location feature. Convert a Grid Reference into Lat-Long or Lat-Long into Grid easily, quickly and accurately – and immediately check it on the included map for confirmation. - Share / Publish location to your preferred setting of either State, District or Brigade. (required in-app subscription) - Saved Locations now expand to show all Lat/Long formats plus map. For more information, see Apple's standard Terms of use https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ and our Privacy Policy https://vtsa.org.au/rfsbuddy-privacy-policy/

About

RFSPager

Access real-time NSW PSN Emergency Services Pager messages and radio streams. Receive push notifications for subscribed capcodes and incidents within custom alert zones. Share incident details and get directions.

Highlights
  • Real-time push notifications
  • Custom alert zones
  • Map view for incidents
  • Live radio stream
  • Respond to incidents
  • Share incident details
  • Get directions
Features
Read full description

The RFS Pager mobile application gives you real-time access to the NSW PSN Emergency Services Pager messages. Features: - Real-time push notifications for subscribed capcodes *RFSPager Pro - Create Alert Zones with up to a 100km radius for real-time notifications for any incident within that area *RFSPager Pro - Monitor NSW RFS Major Incidents and Hazard Reduction burns in Map View - Live Stream the NSW PSN Radio Stream - "Respond" to incidents to let fellow app users know you are on the case - Share incidents to social platforms - Get directions to incidents - Filter messages based on subscribed capcodes ------------------- RFSPager Pro is a subscription service billed through your iTunes account. Subscriptions will automatically renew unless turned off in Account Settings at least 24 hours before the current period ends. You may cancel any time. ------------------- Privacy Policy: https://rfspager.app/privacy-policy Terms of Service: https://rfspager.app/terms-of-service

Screenshots

RFSBuddy4 screens
RFSPager2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: RFSBuddy at none against RFSPager's shown. RFSBuddy also leads on review sentiment (64% vs 38%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). RFSPager's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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. RFSBuddy sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $1.49 per year and RFSPager sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RFSBuddy ships an update every 2 months, RFSPager every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
RFSBuddy versus RFSPager: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRFSBuddyRFSPager
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews63.6% of reviews — better38.5% of reviews
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size46 MB69 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperVolunteer Technology Services Australia LtdThe IT Dept Pty Ltd

Customer experience

RFSBuddy

All ratings2 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral9.1%
Negative27.3%

RFSPager

Written reviews13 reviews
Positive38.5%
Neutral15.4%
Negative46.2%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

RFSBuddy

Subscriptions1
  • Annual Bronze (auto-renew)$1.491 Year
2 purchases

RFSPager

Subscriptions2
  • MONTHLY3 Days trial$2.491 Month
  • YEARLY7 Days trial$25.491 Year

Questions

Is RFSBuddy free?
RFSBuddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is RFSPager free?
RFSPager is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do RFSBuddy or RFSPager have ads?
RFSPager shows ads; RFSBuddy does not.
Which is updated more often, RFSBuddy or RFSPager?
RFSBuddy ships an update every 2 months, and RFSPager every 5 days. Most recently, RFSBuddy was updated on November 5, 2026 and RFSPager on November 6, 2026.

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