# Q Codes vs SimpleFT8

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SimpleFT8 at 100% against Q Codes's 50%. SimpleFT8 also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 8 months). Q Codes's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleFT8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Q Codes asks for nothing beyond the download.

Q Codes ships an update every 8 months, SimpleFT8 every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Q Codes | SimpleFT8 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/q-codes/id1195337244/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jonathan Gibbs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1111944472) | [Jeroen Rombouts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863358112) |

## What reviewers say

### Q Codes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/q-codes/id1195337244)

Access a comprehensive collection of standardized radiotelegraph communication codes, primarily for amateur radio use. This utility allows for rapid searching and lookup of any Q Code.

**Highlights:** Standardized Q Code collection, Radiotelegraph communication codes, Amateur radio focus, Quick lookup functionality, Comprehensive code database

**In-app purchases:** none


### SimpleFT8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpleft8/id6768739415)

This app enables ham radio operators to send and receive digital signals using FT8 and FT4 modes. It facilitates long-distance communication even in challenging conditions, allowing for local logging and optional global propagation mapping.

**Highlights:** Live decode table, Slot-aligned transmitter with QSO composer, Built-in waterfall display, Local QSO logbook with ADIF export, Map of decoded stations, Optional PSK Reporter integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SimpleFT8 Pro | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Q Codes free?

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

### Is SimpleFT8 free?

SimpleFT8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Q Codes or SimpleFT8 have ads?

Q Codes shows ads; SimpleFT8 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Q Codes or SimpleFT8?

Q Codes ships an update every 8 months, and SimpleFT8 every 3 days. Most recently, Q Codes was updated on October 17, 2026 and SimpleFT8 on September 21, 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.*