# RST Scope vs Beacon 73

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RST Scope at none against Beacon 73's 3. RST Scope also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 6 days) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Beacon 73's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Beacon 73 sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. RST Scope asks for nothing beyond the download.

RST Scope ships an update every 3 days, Beacon 73 every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RST Scope | Beacon 73 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rst-scope/id1550582276/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 6 days |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Size | 5 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [koji kamogawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488210713) | [DAVID BRET SANDERS](https://appshunter.io/developer/6810519080) |

## What reviewers say

### RST Scope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rst-scope/id1550582276)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Beacon 73

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beacon-73-aprs/id6814644335)

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy me a coffee ☕ | $1.99 | one-time |
| Buy Me a Burrito 🌯 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Fund My Next Bad Idea 🚀 | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RST Scope free?

RST Scope is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Beacon 73 free?

Beacon 73 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do RST Scope or Beacon 73 have ads?

RST Scope shows ads; Beacon 73 does not.

### Which is updated more often, RST Scope or Beacon 73?

RST Scope ships an update every 3 days, and Beacon 73 every 6 days. Most recently, RST Scope was updated on October 13, 2026 and Beacon 73 on October 26, 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.*