Comparison

Rdio Scanner vs ATC SkyDecode

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

Head to head
About

Rdio Scanner

This is the native client for an open-source project that scans and identifies audio. It offers premium features through an annual subscription, which automatically renews unless canceled.

Highlights
  • Native client application
  • Premium features
  • Annual subscription
  • Automatic renewal
  • Cancel anytime
Features
Read full description

This is the native client application of the popular Rdio Scanner open source project by the same author. For more details, go to https://github.com/chuot/rdio-scanner/. --- The native Rdio Scanner client includes premium features that you can activate through an annual subscription. A subscription will renew automatically unless you cancel it at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can cancel at any time. --- Privacy policy available at https://saubeo.solutions/rdio-scanner-native/privacy-policy/ Terms and conditions available at https://saubeo.solutions/rdio-scanner-native/terms-and-conditions/

About

ATC SkyDecode

Learn air traffic control communications with synchronized text and audio dialogues. Track global flights in real-time on a live map, viewing aircraft details. Designed for aviation enthusiasts and learners with a focused, dark interface.

Highlights
  • Synchronized ATC dialogues with text
  • Real-time global flight map
  • Aircraft details on tap
  • Clean, dark interface
  • Aviation phraseology learning
Features
Read full description

SkyDecode brings two things together for student pilots, aviation English learners, and aviation enthusiasts: a way to get familiar with ATC communications, and a real-time view of what's flying around the world. What you get ATC dialogues with synchronized text - Each ATC dialogue is paired with a synchronized text view, so you can follow along visually while you listen. - A natural way to pick up phraseology, callsign formats, and the flow of typical exchanges — without having to decode every word by ear. Real-time global flight tracking - A live flight map powered by adsb.fi, with sub-5-second refresh. - Tap any aircraft on the map to see its callsign, altitude, ground speed, heading, and squawk code. - Watch global air traffic move in real time, anywhere in the world. Built for focused use - A clean, dark, radar-inspired interface that's easy on the eyes during extended sessions. SkyDecode is an independent app and is not affiliated with any air traffic control authority or live ATC monitoring service. Terms of Service: https://www.tapwater.life/terms-of-use Privacy Policy: https://www.tapwater.life/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Rdio Scanner4 screens
ATC SkyDecode4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ATC SkyDecode at 4.5 against Rdio Scanner's 3.3. ATC SkyDecode also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and update cadence (every 4 days vs monthly). Rdio Scanner's advantage is review sentiment (44% vs 23%). On price, ads, 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. Rdio Scanner sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $39.99 per year and ATC SkyDecode sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ATC SkyDecode holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 84 and 263 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 44% of Rdio Scanner's written reviews are positive against 23% of ATC SkyDecode's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Rdio Scanner ships an update monthly, ATC SkyDecode every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Rdio Scanner versus ATC SkyDecode: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRdio ScannerATC SkyDecode
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (84 ratings)4.5 (263 ratings) — better
Positive reviews44.2% of reviews — better22.7% of reviews
Number of ratings84263 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.6
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB45 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperSaubeo SolutionsTap Water

Customer experience

Rdio Scanner

All ratings84 ratings
Positive54.8%
Neutral8.3%
Negative36.9%
Written reviews52 reviews
Positive44.2%
Neutral11.5%
Negative44.2%

ATC SkyDecode

All ratings250 ratings
Positive85.6%
Neutral4.8%
Negative9.6%
Written reviews22 reviews
Positive22.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative77.3%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Rdio Scanner

Subscriptions1
  • Yearly Subscription$39.991 Year
7 purchases

ATC SkyDecode

Subscriptions6
  • SkyDecode Premium weekly$5.997 Days
  • SkyDecode Premium weekly 3dt3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • SkyDecode Premium weekly first week7 Days trial$5.997 Days
Show 3 more
  • SkyDecode Premium monthly$19.991 Month
  • SkyDecode Premium yearly$49.991 Year
  • SkyDecode Premium yearly 3dt3 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • skydecode lifetime $79.99$79.99

Questions

Is Rdio Scanner free?
Rdio Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ATC SkyDecode free?
ATC SkyDecode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Rdio Scanner or ATC SkyDecode?
ATC SkyDecode is rated higher. Rdio Scanner averages 3.3 out of 5 from 84 ratings, while ATC SkyDecode averages 4.5 from 263 ratings.
Do Rdio Scanner or ATC SkyDecode have ads?
Neither Rdio Scanner nor ATC SkyDecode shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Rdio Scanner or ATC SkyDecode?
Rdio Scanner ships an update monthly, and ATC SkyDecode every 4 days. Most recently, Rdio Scanner was updated on October 24, 2026 and ATC SkyDecode on October 24, 2026.

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