# ClearNode vs Packet Commander

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ClearNode at none against Packet Commander's 2. ClearNode also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). Packet Commander's advantage is iOS requirement (18.2 vs 26.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Packet Commander sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per year. ClearNode asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for ClearNode against 4.9 for Packet Commander. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 44 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

ClearNode ships an update every 2 weeks, Packet Commander every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 29, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClearNode | Packet Commander |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearnode/id1450732334/reviews) | **[4.9 (44 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packet-commander/id6743951365/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **44** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gerry Filby](https://appshunter.io/developer/962195315) | [Island Magic Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529387252) |

## 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


### Packet Commander

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packet-commander/id6743951365)

This app provides a classic terminal experience for packet radio communication on mobile devices. It offers powerful terminal features, smart connection management, and real-time over-the-air traffic monitoring. It's designed for amateur radio operators to connect with nodes, BBS, and decode traffic.

**Highlights:** Full-screen terminal for packet nodes and BBS, Classic color themes and adjustable layout, YAPP protocol support for file transfers, Location-aware digipeater routing, Seamless iCloud sync, Over-the-air traffic decoding, Auto-discovery of TNCs

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly Subscription | $8.99 | per year |
| One-Time Purchase | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ClearNode free?

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

### Is Packet Commander free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ClearNode or Packet Commander?

Packet Commander is rated higher. ClearNode averages 4.8 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while Packet Commander averages 4.9 from 44 ratings.

### Do ClearNode or Packet Commander have ads?

Neither ClearNode nor Packet Commander shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ClearNode or Packet Commander?

ClearNode ships an update every 2 weeks, and Packet Commander every 2 months. Most recently, ClearNode was updated on August 29, 2026 and Packet Commander 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.*