# BlueDV vs Igloo

The clearest difference is rating: Igloo at 3.7 against BlueDV's 3.1. Igloo also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (119 vs 24). BlueDV's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and review sentiment (52% vs 43%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Igloo sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. BlueDV asks for nothing beyond the download.

Igloo holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24 and 119 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of BlueDV's written reviews are positive against 43% of Igloo's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

BlueDV ships an update every 4 months, Igloo every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BlueDV | Igloo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluedv/id1186753798/reviews) | **[3.7 (119 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **119** |
| Positive reviews | **52.2% of reviews** | 43.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 39 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [David Grootendorst](https://appshunter.io/developer/930678749) | [Eskimo Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037652122) |

## What reviewers say

### BlueDV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluedv/id1186753798)

Transform your Apple device into a DMR and Fusion hotspot. This app enables seamless connectivity with a DVMEGA and iBlueStack for amateur radio communication.

**Highlights:** DMR hotspot functionality, Fusion hotspot functionality, Works with DVMEGA, Works with iBlueStack, Utilizes Apple device

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Igloo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igloo/id6475702560)

This IRC client has been completely re-engineered for enhanced performance and stability. It offers a refined user experience with a redesigned interface, simultaneous file transfers, and optimized bouncer integration. Enjoy secure communication, versatile file sharing, and extensive customization options.

**Highlights:** Multi-file DCC/XDCC transfers, Redesigned user interface with themes, Optimized for bouncers (ZNC), Comprehensive network support, SSL/TLS encryption, Inline media viewing, VoiceOver accessibility

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly License | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly License | $7.99 | per year |
| Free Trial | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime License (Upgrade) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime License | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Clean, minimalistic, and modern interface
- 🚀 Fast and responsive app performance
- 🔗 Seamless bouncer integration with IRCv3 support
- 📱 Best IRC client available for iOS/iPadOS
- 💬 Active developer with responsive support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive pricing compared to competitors
- 🔄 Forced upgrade from previous version with license non-transfer
- 😤 Developer has dismissive and snarky attitude in responses
- 📵 Cannot stay connected in background (Apple limitation)
- 🚫 Misleading 'free' app store listing (trial only)

**Reported bugs**

- App disconnects when screen turns off or app backgrounded
- Theme selection not persisting between app launches
- User list menu jumps unexpectedly on tap
- Link opening requires multiple taps instead of single tap
- Copy/paste functionality hidden and unintuitive

**Requested features**

- Restore /ignore command for blocking users
- IRCv3 CHATHISTORY extension implementation
- DCC file transfer support
- Ability to hide/disable Slap function
- Color customization for usernames


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BlueDV free?

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

### Is Igloo free?

Igloo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, BlueDV or Igloo?

Igloo is rated higher. BlueDV averages 3.1 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Igloo averages 3.7 from 119 ratings.

### Do BlueDV or Igloo have ads?

Neither BlueDV nor Igloo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BlueDV or Igloo?

BlueDV ships an update every 4 months, and Igloo every 2 weeks. Most recently, BlueDV was updated on October 8, 2026 and Igloo on October 7, 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.*