# FT8 Decoder vs PicXpress

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PicXpress at 100% against FT8 Decoder's 50%. PicXpress also leads on price (Free vs $1.99) and rating (5.0 vs 4.3). FT8 Decoder's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.4 vs 17.0). On ratings volume, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

PicXpress is free to download; FT8 Decoder costs $1.99 up front. PicXpress sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FT8 Decoder asks for nothing beyond the download.

PicXpress holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of FT8 Decoder's written reviews are positive against 100% of PicXpress's.

FT8 Decoder ships an update every 18 months, PicXpress every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FT8 Decoder | PicXpress |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.3 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ft8-decoder/id1592847401/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picxpress/id6758345461/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 1 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HotPaw Productions](https://appshunter.io/developer/285074853) | [CHAD LOUIS ARMOND](https://appshunter.io/developer/1872414273) |

## What reviewers say

### FT8 Decoder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ft8-decoder/id1592847401)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**In-app purchases:** none


### PicXpress

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picxpress/id6758345461)

Easily share photos via iMessage with compressed copies. This app optimizes images for faster delivery, especially on weak internet signals, without altering your original files. Enjoy a simple, one-tap process for sending multiple photos quickly.

**Highlights:** Compress and share up to 10 photos, Send directly through iMessage, Originals are never altered, Simple, one-tap workflow, Optimized for weak signals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PicXpress Pro | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FT8 Decoder free?

FT8 Decoder costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PicXpress free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FT8 Decoder or PicXpress?

PicXpress is rated higher. FT8 Decoder averages 4.3 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while PicXpress averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do FT8 Decoder or PicXpress have ads?

Neither FT8 Decoder nor PicXpress shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FT8 Decoder or PicXpress?

FT8 Decoder ships an update every 18 months, and PicXpress every 4 months. Most recently, FT8 Decoder was updated on November 3, 2026 and PicXpress on October 31, 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.*