# SmartSDR™ vs ClearNode

The clearest difference is price: ClearNode at Free against SmartSDR™'s $79.99. ClearNode also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). SmartSDR™'s advantage is ratings volume (132 vs 32) and iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On update cadence, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

ClearNode is free to download; SmartSDR™ costs $79.99 up front. SmartSDR™ sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. ClearNode asks for nothing beyond the download.

ClearNode holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 132 and 32 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of SmartSDR™'s written reviews are positive against 100% of ClearNode's.

SmartSDR™ ships an update every 2 weeks, ClearNode every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartSDR™ | ClearNode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $79.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.3 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartsdr-flexradio-systems/id1089157289/reviews) | **[4.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearnode/id1450732334/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **132** | 32 |
| Positive reviews | 76.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 64 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcus Roskosch](https://appshunter.io/developer/334053438) | [Gerry Filby](https://appshunter.io/developer/962195315) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartSDR™

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartsdr-flexradio-systems/id1089157289)

Control your FlexRadio SDR device from your iPad or iPhone. Access nearly all features of the desktop client, including digital modes, signal analysis, and remote operation via SmartLink. Requires compatible FlexRadio hardware.

**Highlights:** FT8 and FT4 support, SSTV TX and RX, APRS TX and RX, CW Decoder and keyer, Weather Fax decoder, Slice and Panadapter management, SmartLink remote access

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Region 1,2 and 3 Band Plan | Free | one-time |
| DX-Cluster | $5.99 | one-time |
| Griffin PowerMate BT Controller support | $5.99 | one-time |
| MidiController support | $5.99 | one-time |
| Logbook Add-on | $5.99 | one-time |
| Flic 2 Button support | $5.99 | one-time |
| Voice Macros | $5.99 | one-time |
| 4O3A Genius Device support | $9.99 | one-time |
| FT8 | $19.99 | one-time |
| FlexRadio Device access | $64.99 | one-time |


### ClearNode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearnode/id1450732334)

This app provides remote control and management for ClearNode devices, enabling users to configure settings, connect to nodes, and control integrated radio functions. It also allows for audio stream playback and monitoring of multiple devices.

**Highlights:** Configure AllStar, Echolink, and DMR credentials, Control radio parameters (frequency, CTCSS, volume), Connect/disconnect from remote nodes, Catalog and search active node lists, Monitor and control multiple devices, Play delayed audio streams, Power down or reboot device

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartSDR™ free?

SmartSDR™ costs $79.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is ClearNode free?

ClearNode is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SmartSDR™ or ClearNode?

ClearNode is rated higher. SmartSDR™ averages 4.3 out of 5 from 132 ratings, while ClearNode averages 4.8 from 32 ratings.

### Do SmartSDR™ or ClearNode have ads?

Neither SmartSDR™ nor ClearNode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SmartSDR™ or ClearNode?

SmartSDR™ ships an update every 2 weeks, and ClearNode every 3 weeks. Most recently, SmartSDR™ was updated on October 24, 2026 and ClearNode on October 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*