SDR vs iFTx
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SDR
Control compatible Icom transceivers remotely or locally from your iPad. Offers full operation, dual VFO, a logbook, and integrated digital modes like FT8/FT4, SSTV, and CW decoding.
- Remote transceiver operation
- Dual VFO and DualWatch
- Integrated logbook with ADIF support
- FT8/FT4, SSTV, and CW decoder tools
- DX-Cluster integration
- Call sign lookup and map display
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Software Defined Radio Client for Icom Transceivers and your iPad SDR-Control is a full featured iPad App to operate your Icom Transceiver at home or from around the world without additional Hard- or Software. Important: This App requires one of the following Icom Transceivers: IC-705, IC-7610, IC-9700, IC-7760 or the IC-R8600 Receiver or the new IC-7300 MK2 FACTS AND FEATURES: ■ Native iOS 26 app, backward compatible to iOS 17 ■ Compatible to any new Silicon M or older CPUs ■ Complete operation of your Icom Transceiver in all modes ■ Use the App local or to remote access of your Transceiver from any place without additional Hard- or Software ■ Dual VFO support (single Waterfall) ■ DualWatch support (Audio from both VFOs at the same time) ■ Logbook with auto logging, ADIF Im-/Export ■ UDP Log submission when using external logging software ■ Integrated full featured FT8 / FT4 Tool ■ Integrated SSTV receiver (NEW) ■ Integrated CW Decoder (NEW) ■ Integrated APRS Tool (NEW) ■ Integrated CW Keyer ■ DX-Cluster integration ■ Spots (from FT8, DX-Cluster) will be displayed in Waterfall ■ Band limits and Band-Modes will be displayed in Waterfall ■ Call sign lookup integrated ■ Displays Calls on Map with heading and distance information ■ MIDI Controller support ■ Keyboard shortcuts ■ And much more... WHAT YOU NEED: - An Icom IC-705, IC-7610, IC-9700, IC-7760 or IC-7300 MK2 Transceiver or IC-R8600 Receiver - The Transceiver needs to be connected to your Network (WiFi or LAN) - No USB cable needed or supported - An iPad that runs at least iOS 17 Find out more here: https://ham-radio-apps.com Read the Manual: http://go-to.me/sdrcontrol-ios-manual
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 price: iFTx at $1.99 against SDR's $49.99. iFTx also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). SDR's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 months) and review sentiment (80% vs 72%). On rating, ratings volume, 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
SDR costs $49.99 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 — 4.2 for SDR against 4.2 for iFTx. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 67 and 70 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of SDR's written reviews are positive against 72% of iFTx's.
SDR ships an update every 2 weeks, iFTx every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SDR | iFTx |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $1.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.2 (67 ratings) | 4.2 (70 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews — better | 71.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 67 | 70 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 47 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Marcus Roskosch | Christoph Nadig |
Customer experience
SDR
iFTx
In-app purchases
SDR
No in-app purchases
iFTx
No in-app purchases








