# ClearNode vs RS

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.

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

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClearNode | RS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearnode/id1450732334/reviews)** | [3.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rs-ms3i/id6670289770/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **32** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 14.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 7 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gerry Filby](https://appshunter.io/developer/962195315) | [ICOM INCORPORATED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1193842631) |

## 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


### RS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rs-ms3i/id6670289770)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*