Comparison

RST 599x vs Head Copy

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

Head to head
About

RST 599x

This app simulates real-time CW QSO interactions for amateur radio enthusiasts. It offers various QSO styles, realistic signal conditions, and customizable station settings for an authentic experience. Features include pile-up reproduction and RIT/filter functions.

Highlights
  • CW QSO simulation
  • Pile-up reproduction
  • Multiple QSO styles
  • RIT and CW filter
  • Realistic signal meter
  • Spectrum scope display
Features
Read full description

This app is a real CW QSO simulator for Amateur Radio. "599BK type QSO", "Rubber stamp type QSO" and "Contest type QSO" are supported. In addition, the call sign, signal level, CW speed, etc. that occur differ for each QSO in order to achieve realism. Furthermore, the call sign and CW speed of your own station that issues CQ can be set arbitrarily. 【Characteristic】 1. Reproduction of pile-up (Called from up to 3 stations at the same time) 2. "599BK","Rubber Stamp" and "AADX Contest" style support. 3.RIT and CW filter functions  Band Width(300Hz/600Hz) control supported. 4.Realistic signal meter according to audio signal level. 5.Status display showing TX / RX operation. 6.The spectrum scope display 【Other features】 1. Function to select the number of QSOs to communicate (5, 20) 2. QRN ON / OFF selection function 3. Function to select the call area (JA's, W / W) 4. Judgement of "RST, QRA and QTH" or "RST, QRA and WX" information. 5.Supported the ESC button for escaping from the long TX/RX. 6.Supported the Score Clear button of your Hi-Score Data. 7.Support the capture function of Hi-Score dialog. 8.Supported the QSB in the mode of "599BK / AADX" and "W/W" Supported keyboard input from Apple Silicon Mac. (Not compatible with iOS) [Support Key] A-Z, 0-9, / Enter:return ESC:esc BS:delete CQ:UpArrow AGN:DownArrow TU:[ LEFT:LeftArrow RIGHT:RightArrow

About

Head Copy

Master Morse code with realistic QSO simulations and professional training modes. Practice with authentic callsigns, radio conditions, and contest simulations. Ideal for amateur radio operators looking to improve their CW skills.

Highlights
  • Realistic QSO simulator with real callsigns
  • Professional training modes (POTA, SKCC, Contest)
  • Authentic radio experience with QSB, QRN, and vintage effects
  • Adjustable WPM speeds (5-50 WPM)
  • CarPlay integration for practice on the go
  • Background learning with sleep timer
Features
Read full description

Master Morse code with Head Copy, the most comprehensive CW training app designed specifically for amateur radio operators. Whether you're preparing for your first QSO or training for competitive contests, Head Copy delivers authentic, realistic practice that mirrors real on-air conditions. REALISTIC QSO SIMULATOR Experience industry-first realistic CW conversations with actual callsigns from CWops, SKCC, and contest participants. No more artificial practice text - train with the same callsigns you'll encounter on the air. PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MODES - POTA (Parks on the Air): Practice authentic park-to-park contacts - SKCC (Straight Key Century Club): Master straight key techniques with realistic key characteristics - Contest Training: WPX, CWops CWT, SST, MST, and NCCC Sprint simulations - LICW Specialized Training: Advanced learning methods - Words List Training: Build fundamental skills with curated word lists AUTHENTIC RADIO EXPERIENCE Head Copy simulates real radio conditions with QSB (signal fading), QRN (atmospheric noise), and vintage radio effects. Choose between modern crystal-clear audio or vintage tube radio warmth. Practice with straight key simulation that includes realistic contact bounce and timing variations. ADVANCED FEATURES - Adjustable WPM speeds from 5 to 50 WPM - Farnsworth timing for character vs word speed control - Wordsworth spacing for advanced timing control - Head-copy mode: text display delay for authentic copying practice - Background learning with sleep timer - CarPlay integration for commute practice - Unlimited practice time (Premium) COMPREHENSIVE CONTENT All training content is regularly updated with fresh callsign databases and contest exchanges. Practice with thousands of real amateur radio callsigns and authentic contest exchanges used in actual competitions. CONVENIENT ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION Stop juggling multiple apps, MP3 files, or YouTube videos. Head Copy puts everything you need for serious CW training in one professional application. Practice anywhere, anytime, with or without internet connection. PERFECT FOR - New amateur radio operators learning CW - Contest operators preparing for competitions - POTA and SOTA activators - SKCC members practicing straight key techniques - Anyone serious about improving their Morse code skills EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Built-in learning materials include Morse code fundamentals, head-copy study guides, learning tips and tricks, and comprehensive reference charts. Everything you need to progress from beginner to expert. SUBSCRIPTION FEATURES Premium subscription unlocks all training modes, unlimited practice time, advanced audio features, and priority support. Free version includes basic training with time limits. Head Copy is developed by active amateur radio operators who understand the real challenges of learning and maintaining CW skills. Join thousands of hams worldwide who trust Head Copy for their Morse code training. Download Head Copy today and experience the difference that realistic, professional CW training makes. Your on-air confidence starts here. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://head-copy.com/privacy-policy.html

Screenshots

RST 599x4 screens
Head Copy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Head Copy at Free against RST 599x's $1.99. Head Copy also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (15 vs 1). RST 599x's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 3.7) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads and device support 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

Head Copy is free to download; RST 599x costs $1.99 up front. Head Copy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. RST 599x asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

RST 599x holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Head Copy has 15 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RST 599x ships an update every 2 months, Head Copy weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
RST 599x versus Head Copy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRST 599xHead Copy
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better3.7 (15 ratings)
Positive reviews—25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings115 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size71 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerkoji kamogawaCCE3D LLC

Customer experience

RST 599x

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Head Copy

All ratings13 ratings
Positive61.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative38.5%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

In-app purchases

None

RST 599x

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Head Copy

Subscriptions2
  • Head Copy Premium Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Head Copy Premium Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is RST 599x free?
RST 599x costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Head Copy free?
Head Copy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, RST 599x or Head Copy?
RST 599x is rated higher. RST 599x averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Head Copy averages 3.7 from 15 ratings.
Do RST 599x or Head Copy have ads?
Neither RST 599x nor Head Copy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RST 599x or Head Copy?
RST 599x ships an update every 2 months, and Head Copy weekly. Most recently, RST 599x was updated on November 3, 2026 and Head Copy on October 30, 2026.

Other comparisons