Comparison

Grid Ref UK and Ireland vs SARLOC

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

Head to head
About

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

Pinpoint your exact map reference location in the UK and Ireland. Displays GB and Irish Grid References, along with OSGB36 and WGS84 Latitude/Longitude. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts needing precise location data.

Highlights
  • GB Grid Reference
  • Irish Grid Reference
  • WGS84 Latitude/Longitude
  • OSGB36 Latitude/Longitude
  • Location sharing via Twitter
  • Graphical grid guides
Features
Read full description

Pinpoint your current map reference location anywhere in the United Kingdom or Ireland. App Provides: GB Grid Ref, Irish Grid Ref, OSGB36 and WGS84 Latitude and Longitude values. GB Grid Reference Values are used on Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps in Great Britain (Mainland). Irish National Grid Values are used on Ordnance Survey Ireland and Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI) Maps. Grid References will be given to 3 Digits. The Accuracy of Readings, as indicated by your device, will also be shown. Tweet to Share your Location via Twitter! Grid Ref UK and Ireland - Your Grid Reference App! App will operate internationally, but the "Grid Reference" information is intended for use in the British Isles (UK and Republic of Ireland). App includes a graphical guide to the GB and Irish National Grids. Ideally suited for use by walkers, hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is recommended that you should always carry a map and physical compass when on outdoor pursuits. For best results, use in a flat position, not an upright position. Much like a traditional compass. Use in an open space, where possible, away from trees, buildings and sources of interference. The screen can, optionally, be set to stay on, for continued on-screen display of Grid Reference information. Compatible with handsets that feature GPS hardware. You may have to grant the app permission to use this information. -- Ad Supported. Users can opt to Get 10 Figure Grid References and Remove All Ads from the App, via an In-App Purchase.

About

SARLOC

This app helps you share your location with Search and Rescue teams, even without a data signal. If you have voice contact, you can relay your position. With a SARKey, you can directly share your location to their mapping systems.

Highlights
  • Location sharing without data signal
  • Voice communication relay
  • SARKey integration
  • Direct mapping system sharing
  • Offline location display
Features
Read full description

SARLOC was originally developed in 2009 by Russ Hore as a web application that allowed Search & Rescue (SAR) teams to locate you if you were unsure of your position. If you had a data signal, the SAR team could send you a message that allowed SARLOC to obtain your location and add it to the SAR teams mapping systems. Although it has been hugely successful, it does require a data signal to show you a location before it can be passed to the SAR teams. The SARLOC App will show you a location even if you do not have a data signal. If you are in voice communication with the SAR team you can tell them your location. If they provide you with a SARKey to enter into the App, you can share your location with them directly to their mapping systems. SARLOC is not a substitute for knowing how to navigate the outside world and it is essential that you learn proper navigation techniques before venturing into the wild. SARLOC requires you to be in contact with a SAR team before you can share your location with them. Starting SARLOC will not automatically notify anybody you require assistance.

Screenshots

Grid Ref UK and Ireland4 screens
SARLOC3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SARLOC at none against Grid Ref UK and Ireland's 1. SARLOC also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 81%). Grid Ref UK and Ireland's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Grid Ref UK and Ireland sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SARLOC asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Grid Ref UK and Ireland ships an update every 9 months, SARLOC every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Grid Ref UK and Ireland versus SARLOC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGrid Ref UK and IrelandSARLOC
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews81.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 8 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMike IrvingRussell Hore

Customer experience

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive81.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative19.0%

SARLOC

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

One-time1
  • 10 Figure Grid Refs, no ads$0.99
None

SARLOC

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Grid Ref UK and Ireland free?
Grid Ref UK and Ireland is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SARLOC free?
SARLOC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Grid Ref UK and Ireland or SARLOC have ads?
Neither Grid Ref UK and Ireland nor SARLOC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Grid Ref UK and Ireland or SARLOC?
Grid Ref UK and Ireland ships an update every 9 months, and SARLOC every 8 months. Most recently, Grid Ref UK and Ireland was updated on November 6, 2026 and SARLOC on November 2, 2026.

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