Comparison

RST Decoder 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 Decoder

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
Read full description

This is an App that decodes Morse code input from the microphone. It is a Morse practice App that you can use to check if you are keying the correct code. Signals with good S/N can be decoded correctly, but signals with bad S/N cannot be decoded correctly. Also, the performance will be degraded for extremely slow or fast signals. Usually about 5 to 10 characters are required for speed synchronization of Morse Code. Adjust the input signal so that the peak value changes from level 6 to level 7. Make fine adjustments to each parameter according to the reception status. [Additional Functions] -In addition to the decoder using BPF, a new decoder using FFT has been added so that it can be switched according to the usage. -AFD (Auto Frequency Detector) function has been added to the decoder using BPF, and BPF can be set automatically by pressing the AFD button. -The decoder using FFT automatically follows the strongest signal in the band by AFD (Auto Frequency Detector) and AGC (Auto Gain Control). You can also hold the AFD / AGC parameters by pressing the Lock button. * There will be a time lag of about 1 to 2 seconds for AFD tracking. [Control parameters] 1. Audio Input Level 2.BPF ON/OFF 3.BPF of Center Frequency 4.BPF of Band Width 5.CW Speed Control ON/OFF 6.CW Speed Control Low, Mid1, Mid2 or High 7.Delete All Decoded Text 8.Realtime CW Signal Display 9.Input signal recording / playback function *Japanese/KANA text is not supported. [Note] Since the signal after BPF is output to the audio output, it can also be used as an AF-CW filter. [URL of this App working example video] https://youtu.be/Pwp7W4m-m34

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 Decoder4 screens
Head Copy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: RST Decoder at 5.0 against Head Copy's 3.5. RST Decoder also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 25%) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). Head Copy's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement 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

Both are free to download. Head Copy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. RST Decoder asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

RST Decoder holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 13 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of RST Decoder's written reviews are positive against 25% of Head Copy's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RST Decoder ships an update every 2 months, Head Copy weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
RST Decoder versus Head Copy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRST DecoderHead Copy
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (7 ratings) — better3.5 (13 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings713 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.016.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB8 MB
Age rating17+4+
Developerkoji kamogawaCCE3D LLC

Customer experience

RST Decoder

All ratings7 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

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 Decoder

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 Decoder free?
RST Decoder is free to download, 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 Decoder or Head Copy?
RST Decoder is rated higher. RST Decoder averages 5.0 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Head Copy averages 3.5 from 13 ratings.
Do RST Decoder or Head Copy have ads?
RST Decoder shows ads; Head Copy does not.
Which is updated more often, RST Decoder or Head Copy?
RST Decoder ships an update every 2 months, and Head Copy weekly. Most recently, RST Decoder was updated on September 8, 2026 and Head Copy on September 11, 2026.

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