RST Decoder Pro vs CW Runner QT
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RST Decoder Pro
This application decodes Morse code from your device's microphone, offering two decoding methods (BPF and FFT) with adjustable parameters. It includes features like automatic frequency detection, gain control, and real-time signal display for accurate Morse code practice and reception.
- Microphone Morse code decoding
- BPF and FFT decoding methods
- Auto Frequency Detector (AFD)
- Auto Gain Control (AGC)
- Real-time CW signal display
- Waterfall display (Pro version)
- Adjustable control parameters
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This is an App that decodes Morse code input from the microphone. I recommend that you try the basic functions and usage with the free version before purchasing. 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. * The Pro version also supports waterfall display. [Control parameters] 1.Language select English and Japanese(KANA) 2.Audio Input Level 3.BPF ON/OFF 4.BPF of Center Frequency 5.BPF of Band Width 6.BPF of Shape 7.Notch ON/OFF 8.Notch of Center Frequency 9.CW Speed Control ON/OFF 10.CW Speed Control Low, Mid1, Mid2 or High 11.Delete All Decoded Text 12.Realtime CW Signal Display 13.Input signal recording function. 14.Playback function from the file list. 15.Support the Garbage Data reduction function [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(Free version) working example video] The GUI is slightly different, but the basic functionality is the same. https://youtu.be/Pwp7W4m-m34
CW Runner QT
This app simulates realistic Morse code contests for amateur radio operators. It enhances copying accuracy, contest rhythm, and on-air confidence with practical, contest-style practice and real callsigns.
- 4 contest training modes
- Multi-language support
- Optional guidance
- Auto CQ support
- 8,000+ real contest callsigns
- Adjustable CW settings
- Realistic signal effects
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Train Morse code for real CW contests. CW Runner QT is a realistic Morse code training app built for amateur radio operators. It helps you improve copying accuracy, contest rhythm, and on-air confidence through practical contest-style practice. Now with multi-language support and built-in guidance, CW Runner QT is easier to understand and get started with—while still preserving the realism and workflow of real CW contest operation. Whether you are preparing for your first contest or trying to sharpen your skills for serious operation, CW Runner QT gives you a focused training environment designed around real CW contest use. FEATURES • 4 contest training modes Practice with Pile-up, Single Calls, WPX, and HST modes. • Multi-language support Use the app in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, or Japanese, with terminology tailored for amateur radio. • Optional guidance Enable built-in explanations for modes, controls, signal effects, and keyboard actions to better understand how the app works. • Auto CQ support Automatically send CQ with adjustable interval to simulate real contest calling and improve operating rhythm. • 8,000+ real contest callsigns Train with more than 8,000 real callsigns collected from real CW contest logs for more realistic callsign copying practice. • Adjustable CW settings Customize speed and pitch to match your current level and training goals. • Receiver simulation Adjust RX bandwidth and RIT for a more authentic radio operating experience. • Realistic signal effects Simulate QRN, QRM, QSB, flutter, and lids to practice under challenging band conditions. • Logging and accuracy review Log QSOs during practice and review your copying accuracy and mistakes afterward. • QSO rate statistics Track your performance with a visual QSO rate chart for each session. WHY CW RUNNER QT CW Runner QT is not just a basic Morse practice app. It is designed to help you build practical contest skills that transfer to real operating situations. Instead of isolated character drills, it gives you structured practice with realistic contest pressure and radio conditions. If you want to improve callsign copying, contest response speed, and overall CW confidence, CW Runner QT is a powerful daily training tool. Start training and take your CW contest skills to the next level. This app includes components based on code distributed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0 (MPL-2.0). Source code for the MPL-covered files used in this app is available at: https://github.com/WGGao/CWRunner-MPL
Screenshots
Verdict
RST Decoder Pro and CW Runner QT both sit at 5.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of CW Runner QT's written reviews are positive against 50% of RST Decoder Pro's. CW Runner QT also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). RST Decoder Pro's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $2.99). On rating, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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
RST Decoder Pro costs $1.99 and CW Runner QT $2.99 up front. 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 Pro against 5.0 for CW Runner QT. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 50% of RST Decoder Pro's written reviews are positive against 100% of CW Runner QT's.
RST Decoder Pro ships an update monthly, CW Runner QT every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RST Decoder Pro | CW Runner QT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | koji kamogawa | 伟光 高 |
Customer experience
RST Decoder Pro
CW Runner QT
In-app purchases
RST Decoder Pro
No in-app purchases
CW Runner QT
No in-app purchases





