# RST Decoder vs SatNOGS

The clearest difference is ads: SatNOGS at none against RST Decoder's shown. SatNOGS also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and device support (3 vs 1). RST Decoder's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for RST Decoder against 5.0 for SatNOGS. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 4 respectively.

RST Decoder ships an update every 2 months, SatNOGS every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RST Decoder | SatNOGS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rst-decoder/id1519587362/reviews) | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/satnogs/id1669797826/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 6 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [koji kamogawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488210713) | [Victor Belov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1356487489) |

## What reviewers say

### RST Decoder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rst-decoder/id1519587362)

This application decodes Morse code from your microphone, acting as a practice tool to verify your keying accuracy. It offers advanced features like BPF and FFT decoders with automatic frequency and gain control, allowing for fine-tuning of reception parameters.

**Highlights:** Microphone Morse code decoding, Morse practice and keying check, BPF and FFT decoder options, Auto Frequency Detector (AFD), Auto Gain Control (AGC), Real-time CW signal display, Input signal recording/playback

**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 Decoder free?

RST Decoder 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 Decoder or SatNOGS?

RST Decoder and SatNOGS are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 7 and 4 ratings respectively.

### Do RST Decoder or SatNOGS have ads?

RST Decoder shows ads; SatNOGS does not.

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

RST Decoder ships an update every 2 months, and SatNOGS every 5 months. Most recently, RST Decoder was updated on September 27, 2026 and SatNOGS on October 1, 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.*