Comparison

Meshtastic vs Gerber Viewer

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

Head to head
About

Meshtastic

This app enables off-grid, decentralized communication via a low-power mesh network. Send text messages in areas lacking cellular or WiFi service.

Highlights
  • Off-grid communication
  • Decentralized mesh network
  • Low-power LoRa radio support
  • Text messaging
  • No cellular/WiFi required
Features
Read full description

Meshtastic® is an open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network built to run on low-power Lora radios letting you send text messages in areas without reliable cellular or WiFi service.

About

Gerber Viewer

Features
Read full description

The Ultimate Mobile PCB & Gerber File Inspector. Whether you are a hardware engineer, an electronics hobbyist, or a manufacturer, Gerber Viewer provides a desktop-grade experience for opening, inspecting, and verifying your printed circuit board designs directly on your iPhone or iPad. No need to wait until you are at your computer. Open both native CAD PCB layouts and manufacturing Gerber files instantly from your email, cloud storage, or local files. Key Features: Instant ZIP Archive Support: Simply open a .zip bundle of your design! The app automatically decompresses the archive and intelligently matches all layers for you. Advanced Layer Management: Toggle specific layers on and off effortlessly. Isolate copper traces, solder masks, silkscreen layers, and board outlines. Precise Measurement Tools: Check clearances, pad distances, and trace widths on the go with high-precision measurement tools. Smooth Render Engine: Built for speed. Experience fluid zooming, panning, and rendering of complex, high-density multi-layer boards without lag. Secure & Offline: Your designs are safe. All file rendering happens locally on your device, keeping your intellectual property completely secure and accessible offline. Comprehensive File Support: Our robust engine is designed to recognize and render all standard EDA exports automatically: Gerber Files (PCB Layer Artwork): General Gerber: .gbr, .ger Copper Layers: .gtl, .gbl, .cmp, .sol Silkscreen Layers: .gto, .gbo, .plc, .pls Soldermask Layers: .gts, .gbs, .stc, .sts, .st, .sb Board Outline / Keep-out: .gko, .gm1, .gm2, .gml, .profile, .outline, .cut, .out Layer Aliases: .top, .bottom, .bot, .ts, .bs Excellon Drill Files (CNC Holes): Supports: .drl, .txt, .xln, .tap, .drd, .drill, .pth, .npth Gerber ZIP Archives: Direct import of .zip files containing any of the Gerber and Drill files listed above with automatic layer matching! Premium Subscriptions & Plans: Unlock the full power of Gerber Viewer with our flexible premium plans designed to fit your production and engineering workflow. Choose the plan that best suits your needs: Weekly Subscription: $2.99 / week — Perfect for quick project checks and short-term manufacturing reviews. Monthly Subscription: $4.99 / month — Ideal for active hardware developers and engineering students. Yearly Subscription: $19.99 / year — Best value for professionals, offering full year-round access at a massive discount. Note: Payments will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or turn off auto-renew in your Apple ID Account Settings at any time after purchase. Legal & Privacy: Terms of Service: https://sites.google.com/view/gerber-terms/home Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/gerber-policies/home

Screenshots

Meshtastic4 screens
Gerber Viewer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Meshtastic at none against Gerber Viewer's 3. Gerber Viewer's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.5). On price, ads 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. Gerber Viewer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Meshtastic asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Meshtastic versus Gerber Viewer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMeshtasticGerber Viewer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (803 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews45.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings803 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 10 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.512.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size76 MB49 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperMeshtastic LLCCODIGITAL SOLUTIONS

Bugs and requests

Meshtastic

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Canned messages configuration issues
  • Location sharing and traceroute functions not working
  • Settings screen bugs and crashes
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching between devices

Requested features

5 requests
  • Offline maps support
  • Ability to customize notifications
  • More sorting and filtering options for nodes
  • Apple Watch and Shortcuts integration
  • Improved documentation and user guidance

Gerber Viewer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Meshtastic

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Gerber Viewer

Subscriptions3
  • Pro Access$2.997 Days
  • Pro Access$4.991 Month
  • Pro Access$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Meshtastic free?
Meshtastic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Gerber Viewer free?
Gerber Viewer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Meshtastic or Gerber Viewer have ads?
Neither Meshtastic nor Gerber Viewer shows ads.

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