Comparison

RS vs Beartooth for iPhone

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

Head to head
About

RS

Control compatible transceivers, share voice and pictures, and view station locations on a map. Access received station information, send text messages, and manage call sign and repeater lists. Customize transceiver and application settings for a streamlined experience.

Highlights
  • Transceiver DR functions
  • Send and receive voice and pictures
  • Map repeater and station locations
  • Read and edit received station information
  • Send and receive text messages
  • Manage call sign and repeater lists
  • Import/Export data
Features
Read full description

Functional overview of the application DR functions You can use some transceiver’s DR functions. Share pictures Send and receive voice and pictures. Map See the location of repeater sites or other stations on a map using received position data, or your transceiver’s repeater list. Automatically set the transceiver’s “FROM” and “TO” fields by tapping a repeater site or a station on the map. Receive History In the DV mode, read and edit the received station’s information. Download additional information from an Internet database, such as QRZ.com or APRS.fi. Text messaging Send and receive text messages. Call Sign list Edit call signs and names used in the DR function. Also, you can add a call sign and a name in the Call Sign list. Repeater list See the detailed data entered in the Repeater list. Transceiver settings Change some of the transceiver’s function settings. Application settings Select application software settings. Import Import a Repeater list or a Call Sign list. Export Export a Repeater list, a Call Sign list, or Receive History. See the transceiver’s instruction manual for details. The instruction manual can be downloaded from the ICOM web site. Device requirements The RS-MS1I operating requirements are as follows: iOS16 or later Usable transceivers (As of May 2026) - ID-4100A/E + Bluetooth unit (UT-137) - ID-52A or ID-52E *1 - ID-52A PLUS or ID-52E PLUS *2 - ID-5200A or ID-5200E *3 - IC-705 *4 *1 Supported in RS-MS1I Ver.1.1.0 or later. *2 Supported in RS-MS1I Ver.1.3.0 or later. *3 Supported in RS-MS1I Ver.1.4.0 or later. *4 Supported in RS-MS1I Ver.1.2.0 or later. Preparation To use the RS-MS1I with a supported transceiver, you need an optional Bluetooth unit. See your transceiver’s instruction manual for details. Transceiver’s settings Set the following functions as shown below to use the RS-MS1I. [Function] > [CI-V] > [CI-V Transceive]: ON [Bluetooth Set] > [Data Device Set] > [Serial Port Function]: CI-V (Echo back OFF) Note: - The RS-MS1I may not work with all iPhones or iPads, even if they are one of the tested devices. This is because an application program on your device may conflict with the RS-MS1I. - The RS-MS1I may not be used, depending on the OS version, installed application, and so on. - Bluetooth LE is used for the connection with the transceiver, so there may be a time delay between the transceiver’s operation and the display on the iPhone or iPad. - When sending or receiving pictures using “FAST mode,” the headset audio will be temporarily interrupted because of the transceiver’s Bluetooth unit limitations. - You may need to connect to the Internet through a Wireless LAN, an LTE network or a 5G network for some functions. - The RS-MS1I supports only portrait orientation with the iPhone. It does not support Auto Rotate. However, landscape orientation and Auto Rotate are supported with the iPad.

About

Beartooth for iPhone

This application connects to a specialized handheld device, enabling communication without cellular service. It offers push-to-talk voice calls and text messaging for groups or individuals, extending connectivity for outdoor adventures.

Highlights
  • Push-to-talk voice communication
  • One-on-one and group text messaging
  • Topographic maps for explorers
  • Connects to Beartooth handheld device
  • Works without cell service
Features
Read full description

Official iPhone application for Beartooth devices. Beartooth is a handheld device that works with your smartphone to keep you connected when there is no cell service. Voice - Push-to-talk means quick communication between you and your crew up to 5 miles away. Text - One-on-one or group texts to any Beartooth users up to 10 miles away. Maps - The topographic Beartooth maps are made for the explorer.

Screenshots

RS4 screens
Beartooth for iPhone4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Beartooth for iPhone at 2.8 against RS's 1.9. Beartooth for iPhone also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months) and review sentiment (30% vs 15%). RS's advantage is ratings volume (76 vs 9). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Beartooth for iPhone holds the better App Store score, 2.8 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RS has 76 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 15% of RS's written reviews are positive against 30% of Beartooth for iPhone's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RS ships an update every 8 months, Beartooth for iPhone every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
RS versus Beartooth for iPhone: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRSBeartooth for iPhone
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.9 (76 ratings)2.8 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews14.7% of reviews30.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings76 — better9
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB64 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperICOM INCORPORATEDBeartooth Radio INC

Customer experience

RS

All ratings74 ratings
Positive18.9%
Neutral8.1%
Negative73.0%
Written reviews68 reviews
Positive14.7%
Neutral5.9%
Negative79.4%

Beartooth for iPhone

All ratings9 ratings
Positive44.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative55.6%
Written reviews63 reviews
Positive30.2%
Neutral4.8%
Negative65.1%

User reviews

RS

From 76 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Works with IC-705
  • 👍 Works with ID-52
  • 👍 Map feature useful
  • 👍 Past contacts visible
  • 👍 Quick bug fixes

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes on map screen
  • 🐛 Crashes when sending photos
  • 🐛 Bluetooth connectivity issues
  • 🐛 Not connecting to ID-52
  • 🐛 Not connecting to iPhone

Beartooth for iPhone

From 9 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🗺️ Great map feature
  • 🗣️ Excellent voice quality
  • 💡 Innovative concept
  • 🚀 Setup is simple

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Does not work
  • 💸 Overpriced
  • 🔋 Poor battery life
  • 🔌 Connection issues
  • 📉 Limited range

Bugs and requests

RS

Reported bugs

29 issues
  • App crashes when using map function
  • App crashes on map screen
  • App closes when opening map
  • Not staying connected to the app
  • Connection unsuccessful error message
Show 24 more
  • Bluetooth pairing not working
  • Connects and immediately disconnects
  • Does not download full repeater list
  • Bluetooth connection fails
  • App crashes when selecting a picture to send
  • Photo import force closes app
  • App bombing out when trying to add a photo
  • Attempting to transfer photos crashes every time
  • Cannot get app to pair
  • App sees radio but won't connect
  • App won't connect
  • Cannot connect app to iPhone
  • ID-52A not pairing
  • App instantly sees device but fails to connect
  • Bluetooth connection does not happen
  • App crashes trying to share photo
  • App picture send capability is INOP
  • App force closes / crashes on photo import
  • Cannot get it to connect on either device
  • App doesn't work with ICOM ID-5100
  • App doesn't work with 4100 on iOS 15
  • App doesn't work with iPhone 6s+
  • Bluetooth connection does not happen after lengthy labours
  • App has not been updated in almost a year

Requested features

12 requests
  • Add support for ID-5100
  • Add support for ID-51A Plus 2
  • Add support for ID-50
  • Add support for IC-705
  • Improve repeater list
Show 7 more
  • Import repeater lists via Files/OneDrive/Dropbox
  • Serial port support via USB
  • Add support for ID-4100A with BT module
  • Add support for IC-2820
  • Update for iOS 15
  • Update for iOS 16
  • Update for iOS 18

Beartooth for iPhone

Reported bugs

28 issues
  • App crashes when scanning for other users
  • App crashes when scanning for contacts
  • Device does not stay connected via Bluetooth
  • Device disconnects after half an hour
  • Firmware update didn't work with iPhone
Show 23 more
  • One device will update, one will not
  • App no longer compatible with Wi-Fi only iPads
  • App crashes when you scan for other users
  • App no longer shows battery of Beartooth
  • App causes Apple Watch to continuously reboot
  • App will not stay connected to Beartooth
  • App impacts Airpods connectivity
  • App gives error messages when attempting to check firmware, battery life, signal and output power
  • One device constantly disconnects its Bluetooth connection
  • Battery life abysmal
  • Cannot connect
  • Cannot maintain connection
  • Out of the box, not able to connect to iPhone
  • App isn't functional on 11.0.1
  • One radio stays paired and the other drops Bluetooth connectivity
  • Drafting a message is buggy and not usable
  • App crashes when you scan for contacts
  • Manually adding contacts doesn't appear to work
  • App crashes every single time that I try to scan for other devices
  • Device information for my device won't load
  • Firmware update says Error
  • Signal and battery level never update
  • When I turn off the Beartooth, I need to restart the whole Bluetooth connection process

Requested features

6 requests
  • iPad compatibility
  • Adjust power settings to be more user friendly
  • Update dull colors on the app, offer color selection options
  • Improve UI and interface simplicity and function
  • Add dark mode option
Show 1 more
  • Allow users to select other color options for the app

In-app purchases

None

RS

No in-app purchases

None

Beartooth for iPhone

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RS free?
RS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Beartooth for iPhone free?
Beartooth for iPhone is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, RS or Beartooth for iPhone?
Beartooth for iPhone is rated higher. RS averages 1.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Beartooth for iPhone averages 2.8 from 9 ratings.
Do RS or Beartooth for iPhone have ads?
Neither RS nor Beartooth for iPhone shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RS or Beartooth for iPhone?
RS ships an update every 8 months, and Beartooth for iPhone every 3 weeks. Most recently, RS was updated on October 13, 2026 and Beartooth for iPhone on October 1, 2026.

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