FT8 Decoder vs iFTx
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FT8 Decoder
This application decodes FT8 digital signals from amateur radio bands. It can process audio from external sources or directly from an SSB radio or SDR. The app also generates FT8 modulated audio for experimentation.
- Decodes FT8 8FSK modulated signals
- Processes external audio or SDR sound
- Supports standard callsigns and 13-character messages
- Generates FT8 message audio
- Experiment with sending and receiving FT8 audio
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An FT8 decoder. FT8 is a weak signal digital mode, currently very popular in the amateur radio HF shortwave bands. The ft8d app allows decoding FT8 8FSK modulated signals contained in externally provided audio or sound from an SSB radio or SDR. The app supports Level 1 decoding of messages with standard callsigns or 13 character free text messages. The app can also generate standard FT8 message audio, so can be used to experiment with sending and receiving FT8 encoded and modulated audio. The app does NOT perform Auto-sequencing, or decode long hashed callsigns.
iFTx
This app enables seamless communication using FT8 and FT4 digital modes directly from your iOS device. Enjoy portable digital connections, effortless operation with a user-friendly interface, and reliable performance for global contact.
- FT8 and FT4 digital modes
- Portable digital communication
- Global operator connections
- User-friendly interface
- Integrated QSO logging
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Introducing iFTx: The Essential iOS App for FT8 and FT4 Digital Modes! - Seamlessly Engage: iFTx brings FT8 and FT4 digital modes to your iOS device, enabling convenient and portable digital communication. - Anytime, Anywhere: Enjoy the flexibility to connect with operators globally from the comfort of your iOS device. - Effortless Operation: Navigate the user-friendly interface for quick setup and real-time messaging. - Reliable Performance: Experience clear signals and adapt to changing propagation conditions with ease. - Log Your Success: Keep track of your contacts effortlessly with integrated QSO logging.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: iFTx at free against FT8 Decoder's paid. iFTx also leads on review sentiment (72% vs 50%) and update cadence (every 6 months vs every 18 months). On price, rating, 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
FT8 Decoder costs $1.99 and iFTx $1.99 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 — 4.3 for FT8 Decoder against 4.2 for iFTx. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iFTx has 70 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 50% of FT8 Decoder's written reviews are positive against 72% of iFTx's.
FT8 Decoder ships an update every 18 months, iFTx every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FT8 Decoder | iFTx |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | $1.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (8 ratings) — better | 4.2 (70 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 71.8% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 8 | 70 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | Every 6 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | — | #84 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.4 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | HotPaw Productions | Christoph Nadig |
Customer experience
FT8 Decoder
iFTx
In-app purchases
FT8 Decoder
No in-app purchases
iFTx
No in-app purchases
