# ClearNode vs Hydrive Connect

The clearest difference is update cadence: ClearNode at every 2 weeks against Hydrive Connect's every 4 months. Hydrive Connect's advantage is iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

ClearNode ships an update every 2 weeks, Hydrive Connect every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on August 29, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClearNode | Hydrive Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearnode/id1450732334/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **32** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 7 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gerry Filby](https://appshunter.io/developer/962195315) | [J2C Engineering LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1200273616) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Hydrive Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydrive-connect/id1457363149)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ClearNode free?

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

### Is Hydrive Connect free?

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

### Do ClearNode or Hydrive Connect have ads?

Neither ClearNode nor Hydrive Connect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ClearNode or Hydrive Connect?

ClearNode ships an update every 2 weeks, and Hydrive Connect every 4 months. Most recently, ClearNode was updated on August 29, 2026 and Hydrive Connect on September 8, 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.*