Comparison

aprs.fi vs Mesh World

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

Head to head
About

aprs.fi

Access real-time APRS position data, weather reports, and telemetry graphs globally. Offers route guidance, station tracking, and map filtering. Some advanced features require an in-app subscription.

Highlights
  • Real-time APRS position data
  • Route guidance and driving directions
  • Search callsigns and addresses
  • Track multiple stations
  • Filter map information
  • View weather and telemetry graphs
  • Beacon your position
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

An additional in-app subscription is needed for some features, so please read this application description fully before purchasing. Navigate to addresses with clear step-by-step instructions. Obtain immediate, real-time access to current APRS position information, weather reports, telemetry graphs, and more. Zoom and browse around the world and see stations immediately – no waiting. • Route guidance / driving directions • Search callsigns and addresses, with quick search-as-you-type and search history features • Track multiple stations at the same time • Filter information shown on the map (weather stations, AIS, custom filters) • View weather, telemetry and statistic graphs • Beacon your position on aprs.fi • Attach to a transceiver with a wireless connection to a BLE TNC, receive and transmit position beacons without the Internet • Runs directly on top of the reliable and fast aprs.fi database • Tested to work great on all currently-supported iPhone and iPad models • Supports iOS 14/15/16/17/18/26 • Dark Mode support for an ergonomic viewing experience in low-light environments • High-resolution graphics for Retina and Retina HD displays with full APRS symbol set Buy the app – get the web site for free! Some new features require a subscription. All old and some new features will be available without a subscription fee. These features are currently included in the Extra Features subscription package: • APRS text messaging with a modern instant messenger-like experience, supports international text and emojis • High-performance software DSP modem • APRS-IS beaconing, with up to 10 callsign profiles • Offline maps • RX iGate functionality • Long time ranges in map and graph views Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. GPS is not required for viewing APRS information. Terms of service: https://aprs.fi/page/app_terms Privacy policy: https://aprs.fi/page/app_privacy

About

Mesh World

This app provides a premium mesh networking experience, supporting both Meshtastic and MeshCore protocols. It offers real-time user tracking, offline maps, encrypted messaging, and node management capabilities for various outdoor and community use cases.

Highlights
  • Dual Meshtastic and MeshCore protocol support
  • Real-time user and group tracking
  • Offline maps and waypoint sharing
  • Private encrypted direct and group messaging
  • Bluetooth device pairing and configuration
  • Channel management with permissions
Features
Read full description

Mesh World is the simplest and most powerful mesh networking app available. The first and only app that works with both Meshtastic and MeshCore protocols. Setting up mesh networking has always been a nightmare. Configuring 20 different radio settings just to join a group, clunky interfaces that make no sense, and maps that barely work. There is a better way. Mesh World simplifies everything. Connect your mesh radio, follow the step by step setup guide, and you are on the mesh in minutes. No headaches, no endless configuration, no buried settings or cryptic menus. HOW IT WORKS Download Mesh World, pair your Meshtastic or MeshCore device via Bluetooth, and follow the simple setup guide. Join public groups with one tap or create your own private channel. Your messages and location broadcast across the mesh network instantly. FEATURES Dual Protocol Support: The first and only app compatible with both Meshtastic and MeshCore. Use whichever works for your setup. Better Maps: Real-time tracking, satellite, terrain and street map types, 3D terrain view, offline maps, waypoint creation and sharing, and custom path routing through specific repeaters on MeshCore. Messaging: Direct and group messages, private encrypted channels, delivery confirmation, and full contact management. Node Management: Bluetooth pairing, battery and signal monitoring, hop count tracking, and over the air configuration. Channel Management: Create and join channels, manage members and permissions, with no buried settings or cryptic menus. Public Groups: Join preconfigured groups with one tap, no manual radio configuration required. AR View and Route Planning: Visualize your mesh network and plan routes in augmented reality. WHO THIS IS FOR Hikers, campers, emergency preparedness teams, ham radio operators, and community mesh networks. If you own a Meshtastic or MeshCore device, Mesh World is the app you have been waiting for. WHAT YOU NEED A Meshtastic or MeshCore compatible device. Download Mesh World free and experience mesh networking the way it should be. EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

aprs.fi4 screens
Mesh World4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: aprs.fi at 70% against Mesh World's 0%. aprs.fi also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.7) and ratings volume (1.2K vs 3). Mesh World's advantage is price (Free vs $6.99). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Mesh World is free to download; aprs.fi costs $6.99 up front. aprs.fi sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Mesh World sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

aprs.fi holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: aprs.fi has 1.2K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of aprs.fi's written reviews are positive against 0% of Mesh World's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, Mesh World weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
aprs.fi versus Mesh World: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameteraprs.fiMesh World
Price$6.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (1.2K ratings) — better1.7 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews70.4% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2K — better3
Update frequencyFortnightlyWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
Best chart rank#27 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB127 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperGainIOMeshworld LLC

Customer experience

aprs.fi

All ratings1,133 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral2.2%
Negative4.9%
Written reviews223 reviews
Positive70.4%
Neutral11.2%
Negative18.4%

Mesh World

All ratings3 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral33.3%
Negative66.7%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

aprs.fi

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Beacon not clickable
  • Freezing on settings screen
  • Incompatible with older iOS versions
  • Inconsistent behavior with VOX on radios

Requested features

6 requests
  • Offline maps support
  • Ability to change nickname without creating new account
  • Smart beaconing mode
  • Bulk message deletion
  • CarPlay support
Show 1 more
  • Automatic location detection

Mesh World

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

aprs.fi

Subscriptions3
  • Extra features, monthly$1.991 Month
  • Extra features, yearly7 Days trial$6.491 Year
  • Extra features, fair trade7 Days trial$13.491 Year
2 purchases

Mesh World

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Pro Annual Subscription7 Days trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is aprs.fi free?
aprs.fi costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Mesh World free?
Mesh World is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, aprs.fi or Mesh World?
aprs.fi is rated higher. aprs.fi averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Mesh World averages 1.7 from 3 ratings.
Do aprs.fi or Mesh World have ads?
Neither aprs.fi nor Mesh World shows ads.
Which is updated more often, aprs.fi or Mesh World?
aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, and Mesh World weekly. Most recently, aprs.fi was updated on November 1, 2026 and Mesh World on October 24, 2026.

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