Comparison

PulseModem A vs Vroom Ride

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

Head to head
About

PulseModem A

This application acts as an APRS client, enabling licensed amateur radio operators to send and receive location data and messages. It supports direct connection to the APRS-IS network or transmission via VHF amateur radio, with an optional off-the-grid mode.

Highlights
  • APRS client functionality
  • Send and receive location data
  • Send and receive messages
  • Direct APRS-IS network connection
  • VHF amateur radio transmission
  • AX.25 AFSK modem for off-grid use
Features
Read full description

PulseModem A is the APRS client for licensed Amateur Radio operators on iPhone and iPad. Connect to the global APRS-IS network and watch nearby stations appear on a live map in real time — each one drawn with its authentic APRS symbol icon and a country flag derived from its callsign prefix. LIVE APRS-IS FEED - Connects to rotate.aprs.net with a geographic filter centred on your GPS location - Displays raw packets as they arrive, colour-coded by type - Auto-connect on launch — PulseModem A is ready before you finish your coffee - Decodes uncompressed, Base91 compressed, and Mic-E packets (common in Kenwood and Yaesu radios) INTERACTIVE MAP - Every station plotted with its real APRS symbol PNG — car, hiker, weather station, digipeater, and hundreds more - Tap any pin to see a callout; tap the callout to open the full station detail - Centres on your location at city level the moment a GPS fix is available - Your own beacon appears on the map immediately after sending STATION LIST - Full searchable list of received stations - Country flag next to every callsign, resolved from the standard cty.dat prefix database - iPad split-view: select a station on the left, see full details on the right - One tap to look up any callsign on QRZ.com — right inside the app, no browser switch GPS BEACONING - Send your position to the APRS network with a single tap - Choose your station symbol from a searchable visual grid of all APRS symbols - Add an optional comment to your beacon packet - Encoded in Base91 compressed format for maximum compatibility SETTINGS & COMPATIBILITY - Callsign and passcode stored securely in the Keychain - Upgrading from an earlier version? Your callsign, passcode, and preferences carry over automatically - Adjustable filter radius, fallback coordinates for GPS-denied environments - Supports receive-only mode (passcode -1) — no transmit license required to monitor REQUIREMENTS A valid amateur radio license is required to transmit on APRS. Anyone may receive and monitor. RF Receive and RF Transmit (direct audio-port TNC operation) are under re-development and will return in an upcoming update. APRS is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga.

About

Vroom Ride

Features
Read full description

Vroom is a Safe, Simple, and Exciting way to rideshare. We have created a rider experience that is unlike anything else. Download Vroom Ride for: * Safety: On the ride panic button option * Affordability: gets you moving at a bargain! * Convenience: Ease of payment, clean and comfortable rides

Screenshots

PulseModem A4 screens
Vroom Ride4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Vroom Ride at daily against PulseModem A's fortnightly. Vroom Ride also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). PulseModem A's advantage is device support (4 vs 1). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PulseModem A ships an update fortnightly, Vroom Ride daily. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PulseModem A versus Vroom Ride: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPulseModem AVroom Ride
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (40 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews46.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings40 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPulsely ConsultingVroom Technologies Limited

In-app purchases

None

PulseModem A

No in-app purchases

None

Vroom Ride

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PulseModem A free?
PulseModem A is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Vroom Ride free?
Vroom Ride is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do PulseModem A or Vroom Ride have ads?
Neither PulseModem A nor Vroom Ride shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PulseModem A or Vroom Ride?
PulseModem A ships an update fortnightly, and Vroom Ride daily. Most recently, PulseModem A was updated on October 22, 2026 and Vroom Ride on October 14, 2026.

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