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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CW Runner QT is a CW contest training app for amateur radio operators. It is designed to improve callsign copying, exchange handling, contest serial number copying, response speed, operating rhythm, and overall accuracy under varied receiving conditions. FEATURES • Four CW contest training modes Pile-Up, Single Calls, WPX, and HST cover different operating scenarios, from handling multiple callers to high-speed telegraphy practice. • 8,000+ callsigns from real contest logs The app includes more than 8,000 amateur radio callsigns sourced from real CW contest logs, providing a broad range of prefixes, suffixes, and callsign structures for practical copying practice. • Twelve interface languages Supports English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Thai, and Portuguese. Localization is prepared with particular attention to established amateur radio and CW terminology. • Guidance Mode Optional contextual guidance explains training modes, radio settings, operating controls, signal effects, message functions, and relevant key actions without unnecessarily interrupting practice. • Auto CQ Automatically sends CQ at an adjustable interval to simulate repeated contest calling and help develop a stable operating rhythm. • Adjustable CW and receiver parameters Configure CW speed, pitch, RX bandwidth, RIT, QSK, station activity, and other supported settings to match different training objectives and receiving conditions. • Signal and interference effects Simulate QRN, QRM, QSB, Flutter, and LIDS to practice accurate copying under noise, interference, fading, and unstable signal conditions. • Nr Chaos Available in Pile-Up and Single Calls. When enabled, contest serial numbers become less predictable. In addition to the usual three-digit serial numbers, occasional two- and four-digit numbers may appear, reducing fixed-format anticipation and increasing the difficulty of number copying. • Minimum Caller Speed In Pile-Up and Single Calls, newly generated callers use a random speed between a configurable minimum and the CW speed; matching values produce a fixed speed, existing callers are unaffected, WPX and HST are unchanged, and on iPad the setting appears only in Detailed Settings, not on the home screen. • Contest messages and operating controls Dedicated controls are provided for common contest messages. Supported functions can also be operated with an external iPad keyboard for a workflow closer to physical-keyboard contest operation. • QSO records and review Record completed QSOs and review practice history, copied information, errors, and accuracy to identify areas for further improvement. • Statistics and QSO Rate Review cumulative statistics, personal best results, and a visual QSO Rate chart to evaluate operating efficiency, consistency, and session rhythm. • iCloud sync Supported practice records and related data can be synchronized through iCloud across supported devices using the same Apple Account. • Leaderboards, Game Center, and achievements Eligible scores can be displayed in the in-app leaderboards and synchronized with Game Center where supported. Achievements provide additional milestones for continued training. WHY CW RUNNER QT CW Runner QT is more than a basic Morse character practice tool. It is designed around the workflow of real CW contest operation, where operators must handle callsigns, exchanges, serial numbers, interference, timing, and continuous QSOs at the same time. Whether you are preparing for your first CW contest or refining existing operating skills, CW Runner QT provides a focused, systematic environment for long-term contest practice. OPEN-SOURCE LICENSING 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 October 6, 2026 and October 9, 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
Questions
Is RST Decoder Pro free?
Is CW Runner QT free?
Which has better reviews, RST Decoder Pro or CW Runner QT?
Do RST Decoder Pro or CW Runner QT have ads?
Which is updated more often, RST Decoder Pro or CW Runner QT?
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