Comparison

ClearNode vs RS

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

Head to head
About

ClearNode

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
Read full description

The ClearNode App allows you to: - Set up your ClearNode with your AllStar, Echolink and DMR credentials and settings - Configure important parameters for Asterisk and USB Audio - Connect and disconnect your ClearNode device from remote nodes and servers - Keep a catalog of the nodes you have connected to - Search the AllStar, Echolink and DMR active node lists - Control the integrated radio: Tx/Rx frequency, CTCSS codes, Squelch, Volume, Emphasis, High Pass and Low Pass, bandwidth - Power down or reboot your ClearNode Device - Play a delayed stream (~20 sec) of the audio traffic on your ClearNode (Tx and Rx), also play the stream to your public Broadcastify account - The ClearNode App detects and displays your ClearNode's current IP Addresses - If you have multiple ClearNode devices you can monitor and control them all from a single ClearNode Mobile App This application is a support/remote control utility for ClearNode devices built by Gerry Filby/W6WNG.

About

RS

This app expands D-STAR transceiver capabilities over the internet using Terminal or Access Point modes. It allows communication even outside of repeater range by routing signals through your device via cellular or Wi-Fi networks.

Highlights
  • Terminal mode for internet-based transceiver communication
  • Access Point mode to function as a Wireless LAN access point
  • Expands D-STAR capabilities beyond repeater range
  • Utilizes internet, LTE, or 5G networks for signal transmission
  • Requires public IP address for gateway operation
Features
Read full description

[Features] The RS-MS3I is an iPhone or iPad application designed to expand the DV mode capability of a D-STAR transceiver using a Terminal or an Access Point mode. These modes enable D-STAR operations by sending signals from the D-STAR transceiver over the Internet, even when that transceiver is out of the range of a D-STAR repeater. The transceiver sends your voice signals using an Internet, LTE, or 5G network, through an iPhone or iPad. 1. Terminal mode By operating the D-STAR transceiver through the iPhone or iPad, you can contact other D-STAR transceivers. In the Terminal mode, the transceiver will not transmit an RF signal, even if [PTT] is held down, because the microphone audio signal is transmitted through an Internet, LTE, or 5G network. 2. Access Point mode In this mode, the D-STAR transceiver functions as a Wireless LAN access point. The D-STAR transceiver repeats the received signal from the iPhone or iPad, to other D-STAR transceivers. Refer to the instruction manual (PDF) for setting details. The instruction manual can be downloaded from the ICOM website. (URL: https://www.icomjapan.com/support/manual/) [Device requirements] iOS15 or later [Usable transceivers] (As of March 2026) - ID-52A PLUS or ID-52E PLUS Note: - This application operates on iPhone or iPad as a gateway server on the D-STAR system. Therefore, a public IP address must be set on either the iPhone, iPad, or the Wireless LAN router. - Ask your mobile carrier or ISP for a public IP address. According to the contract, communication charges and/or communication packet limits may occur. - Ask your mobile carrier, ISP, or manufacturer of your iPhone, iPad, or router about public IP setting details. - Icom does not guarantee that the RS-MS3I works on all iPhone and iPad. It may not work properly, depending on the OS version, installed applications, or other reasons. - When a Bluetooth headset is connected to the transceiver, depending on the combination of your iPhone or iPad and the Bluetooth headset, sound may be interrupted, and communication may not be possible. In such cases, please disconnect the Bluetooth headset before use. - Turn OFF the Wireless LAN function when communicating through an LTE or 5G network. - Operate your transceiver with the RS-MS3I in compliance with appropriate regulations. - Icom recommends that you operate them with a club station license.

Screenshots

ClearNode4 screens
RS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ClearNode at 100% against RS's 14%. ClearNode also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.0) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). RS's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). 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

ClearNode holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ClearNode has 32 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of ClearNode's written reviews are positive against 14% of RS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
ClearNode versus RS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterClearNodeRS
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (32 ratings) — better3.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better14.3% of reviews
Number of ratings32 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS26.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGerry FilbyICOM INCORPORATED

Customer experience

ClearNode

All ratings32 ratings
Positive96.9%
Neutral3.1%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

RS

All ratings3 ratings
Positive33.3%
Neutral33.3%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive14.3%
Neutral14.3%
Negative71.4%

In-app purchases

None

ClearNode

No in-app purchases

None

RS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ClearNode free?
ClearNode is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RS free?
RS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ClearNode or RS?
ClearNode is rated higher. ClearNode averages 4.8 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while RS averages 3.0 from 3 ratings.
Do ClearNode or RS have ads?
Neither ClearNode nor RS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ClearNode or RS?
ClearNode ships an update every 2 weeks, and RS every 4 months. Most recently, ClearNode was updated on August 29, 2026 and RS on September 2, 2026.

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