SwiftConvert vs Packet Commander
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SwiftConvert
Easily convert numbers between binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal bases. Input a number in one base and instantly view its representation in all supported bases. Features a specialized binary keyboard with a 64-bit grid for direct bit manipulation.
- Multiple number base conversion
- Simultaneous display of all bases
- Base-specific keyboard adjustment
- 64-bit binary grid display
- Copy converted numbers
Read full descriptionHide full description
SwiftConvert is a nice simple app for people who need to swiftly convert between different number bases, as programmers often do. It supports bases of 2, 8, 10 and 16. Enter a number in any of those bases, and simultaneously see the number in every base. Just touch the display for the base you want to use for entry - the keyboard will adjust to fit that base. The binary keyboard even has a 64-bit grid display which lets you toggle any bit directly with your finger, giving you a key for each bit. You can copy the resulting number in any base, just hold your finger on the display you want and the "copy" menu item will appear.
Packet Commander
This app provides a classic terminal experience for packet radio communication on mobile devices. It offers powerful terminal features, smart connection management, and real-time over-the-air traffic monitoring. It's designed for amateur radio operators to connect with nodes, BBS, and decode traffic.
- Full-screen terminal for packet nodes and BBS
- Classic color themes and adjustable layout
- YAPP protocol support for file transfers
- Location-aware digipeater routing
- Seamless iCloud sync
- Over-the-air traffic decoding
- Auto-discovery of TNCs
Read full descriptionHide full description
Packet Commander brings a classic terminal experience for packet radio to your iPhone or iPad. Try it free. The download includes 5 full connection sessions so you can explore the features and confirm compatibility before purchasing. After that, a purchase is required to continue connecting. Note: An amateur radio license is required to operate on the air. Powerful Terminal • Full-screen terminal for interacting with packet nodes and BBS over amateur radio • Classic color themes inspired by iconic computers • Adjustable fonts and layout for readability and screen efficiency • YAPP protocol support for file transfers • Dictation-ready for composing messages hands-free • Smart filename selection — double tap to highlight and copy Smarter Packet Connections • Location-aware digipeater routing: automatically recalls the last-used path at each location • Seamless iCloud sync for nodes and digipeaters across all your devices • Compatible with popular packet node software including BPQ32, URONode, and others Over-the-Air Monitor Connect to your radio and decode over-the-air traffic in real time. AX.25 frames are decoded and presented in an easy-to-read format. • Filter traffic to display exactly what you’re looking for • Search by address or content • Export the log to a file for later analysis Works with the Gear You Love • Auto-discovery of Bluetooth and TCP TNCs, including Dire Wolf on DigiPi • Automatic frequency set/restore on supported radios • Built-in, high-performance 1200 baud AFSK software modem • Optimized for VHF/UHF packet at both 1200 and 9600 baud Compatible with the Following Radios and TNCs: Radios with Built-in TNCs (Auto-sets and restores frequency on those radios) · BTECH UV-PRO, UV-50PRO · VERO VR-N76, VR-N7600 · RADIODITY GA-5WB, DB50-B · Kenwood TH-D74*, TH-D75* · PicoAPRS V4 *Requires B.B. Link Bluetooth adapter Portable KISS TNCs · Mobilinkd TNC3, TNC4 · LiNK500 TNC · DigiPi · Dire Wolf Software TNC Audio Interfaces (Using built-in software modem) · Digirig Lite · Digirig VOX PTT Cable · AIOC (All-In-One Cable) Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Packet Commander at Free against SwiftConvert's $0.99. Packet Commander also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.0) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 15 months). SwiftConvert's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.2). On 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
Packet Commander is free to download; SwiftConvert costs $0.99 up front. Packet Commander sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per year. SwiftConvert asks for nothing beyond the download.
Packet Commander holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Packet Commander has 44 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
SwiftConvert ships an update every 15 months, Packet Commander every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SwiftConvert | Packet Commander |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.0 (1 ratings) | 4.9 (44 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 44 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 18.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Planetary Code LLC | Island Magic Co. |
Customer experience
SwiftConvert
Packet Commander
In-app purchases
SwiftConvert
No in-app purchases
Packet Commander
- Yearly Subscription$8.991 Year
- One-Time Purchase$24.99









