Comparison

RST Scope vs HamsterDB

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

Head to head
About

RST Scope

This utility app provides spectrum scope and waterfall displays for amateur radio operators. It enhances radios lacking these features by analyzing microphone input, allowing for clear distinction of Morse code and detailed audio frequency visualization.

Highlights
  • Spectrum scope and waterfall display
  • Morse code distinction via FFT
  • Adjustable waterfall speed
  • Adjustable audio input level
  • Switchable display band (wide/narrow)
  • Display pause function
  • Recording and playback of input sound
Read full description

This is an app for amateur radio operators with a narrow band of audio frequency, spectrum scope & waterfall display. You can get a rich display by microphone inputting the speaker output of a radio that does not have a spectrum scope or waterfall function. The FFT allows you to distinguish between the dot and dash of Morse code. [function] 1. Ability to change the speed of the waterfall 2. Ability to adjust the level of audio input 3. Function to switch the display band between wide and narrow 4. Display pause function (pause / cancel by touching the screen) 5. Function to switch the cross hatch ON / OFF by longTap 6. Frequency resolution is fixed at 40Hz. 7. Function to switch the USB/LSB by Left/Right Swipe 8.Recording/Playback function of Input Sound RST Scope(Free) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s9RvOFp52g

About

HamsterDB

Features
Read full description

HamsterDB is the ultimate private database for amateur radio operators on iPhone. Keep track of every Ham Radio station you’ve worked and every contact you’ve made — all stored securely on your device with zero data sharing. Add a new station and HamsterDB instantly queries HamCall.net to auto-fill the operator’s name, location, and license class. Need the email address that HamCall doesn’t provide? Simply look it up on QRZ.com, copy the details, and paste into the QRZ field — HamsterDB intelligently maps everything into the right places. Once your stations are in the database you can view them instantly sorted by Call Sign, Name, or Date Created, in ascending or descending order. Export the entire database to a clean JSON file for backup or sharing with other hams. Import works just as easily, so clubs and friends can exchange logs in seconds. All data lives locally in SwiftData on your iPhone. There are no accounts, no cloud sync, no analytics, and no third-party data collection — your logbook stays completely private. Key Features • Automatic HamCall.net callsign lookup • QRZ.com paste-in support (captures email & extra fields) • Sort & filter by Call Sign, Name, or creation date • Ascending / descending order control • Full JSON export & import for easy sharing • Built-in comprehensive help system (CTHelp) • Beautiful, intuitive iPhone-native interface • Works offline after initial lookups Whether you chase DX, contest, ragchew, or just like keeping an accurate station log, HamsterDB turns your iPhone into a powerful, portable, private Ham Radio database. Privacy is built in from the ground up — your contacts and station data never leave your device. Download HamsterDB today and take control of your amateur radio logbook.

Screenshots

RST Scope3 screens
HamsterDB3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: HamsterDB at none against RST Scope's shown. RST Scope's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). On price, in-app purchases 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

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RST Scope ships an update every 3 days, HamsterDB every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
RST Scope versus HamsterDB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRST ScopeHamsterDB
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerkoji kamogawaGale Wolfenbarger

In-app purchases

None

RST Scope

No in-app purchases

None

HamsterDB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RST Scope free?
RST Scope is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HamsterDB free?
HamsterDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do RST Scope or HamsterDB have ads?
RST Scope shows ads; HamsterDB does not.
Which is updated more often, RST Scope or HamsterDB?
RST Scope ships an update every 3 days, and HamsterDB every 2 months. Most recently, RST Scope was updated on October 13, 2026 and HamsterDB on October 7, 2026.

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