# RST 599 vs SatNOGS

The clearest difference is ads: SatNOGS at none against RST 599's shown. SatNOGS also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). RST 599's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, 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.

SatNOGS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 4 respectively.

RST 599 ships an update every 2 months, SatNOGS every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on August 22, 2026 and June 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RST 599 | SatNOGS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rst-599/id1488919851/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/satnogs/id1669797826/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 41 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [koji kamogawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488210713) | [Victor Belov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1356487489) |

## What reviewers say

### RST 599

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rst-599/id1488919851)

This application simulates amateur radio CW QSOs with realistic call signs, signal levels, and CW speeds. It supports various QSO styles, including contest and rubber stamp types, with adjustable settings for a personalized training experience.

**Highlights:** Multiple QSO styles supported, Realistic signal meter, Spectrum scope display, Adjustable CW speed and call sign, Pile-up simulation, QRN presence toggle

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SatNOGS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/satnogs/id1669797826)

Access a global network of satellite ground stations to communicate with satellites and observe their data. The platform is open to all, with public observation results freely distributed. Resources are available for building your own ground station.

**Highlights:** Global ground station network access, Remote ground station operation, Satellite communication, Public observation data access, Ground station building resources

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RST 599 free?

RST 599 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SatNOGS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RST 599 or SatNOGS?

SatNOGS is rated higher. RST 599 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while SatNOGS averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do RST 599 or SatNOGS have ads?

RST 599 shows ads; SatNOGS does not.

### Which is updated more often, RST 599 or SatNOGS?

RST 599 ships an update every 2 months, and SatNOGS every 5 months. Most recently, RST 599 was updated on August 22, 2026 and SatNOGS on June 3, 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.*