xCluster vs APRS Tracker Digi iGate
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
xCluster
Visualize DX cluster activity on a world map and in a list. Filter spots by call sign or band, and set custom alerts for specific stations or countries. Integrates with popular DX services and provides call parsing for location data.
- Display DX spots on map and list
- Filter by band and call sign
- Set custom alerts
- Integrates with DXSummit and PSK Reporter
- Built-in call parser
- Zoom and pan map
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xCluster is a visual display of dx cluster activity built for the iPad. DX spots are received via telnet or web services and displayed in a tabular form and plotted on a map of the world. You can filter the spots by call sign or band. Spots are created using the latitude and longitude of the dx station and spotter. The program has an internal call parsing component to determine the country for each call but can use QRZ.com for more accurate location data. Lookup priority is QRZ.com with the the call parser as a backup. DX spots can be displayed on a map or in a tabular form. Alerts for specific stations, bands or countries may be set and will be highlighted in the list and on the map. A number of major telnet clusters are built in along with DXSummit and PSK Reporter. PSK Reporter will display other stations that can hear your signal. You must be running WSJT-X or FLDIGI and have it configured correctly to work. You may contact the author with questions, suggestions or issues at support@w6op.com Features: Display dx spots on a map and in a list Predefined cluster servers and websites Filter by band and call sign Set alerts for display in the list and on the map Alerts can be set by country, band and call sign Save alerts in iCloud Built in call parser if QRZ.com is unavailable Freeform cluster command input Zoom and pan the map display
APRS Tracker Digi iGate
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Stay visible. Stay connected. This app is a tool for radio amateurs, civil defense volunteer teams, and operators using the APRS protocol in field activities. The app allows you to transmit your position to the APRS-IS network via the internet and also operate directly via radio using AX.25 packets with 1200 AFSK modulation. It can be used for individual tracking, local communication, and supporting the infrastructure of an APRS network. Whether in expeditions, amateur radio events, travel in remote areas, or search and humanitarian aid operations, APRS Tracker provides features to track stations, share points of interest, and expand APRS coverage. KEY FEATURES APRS-IS Tracking Send your GPS coordinates to APRS-IS servers via the device's internet connection. Positions can be tracked on compatible public services, such as aprs.fi. AX.25 / 1200 AFSK RF Mode Transmit and receive APRS packets through the device's audio input and output. With a radio and a compatible audio interface, you can operate via RF even without internet access. APRS Digipeater Use the app as a digital repeater to extend the range of stations in the area. The Digipeater processes paths compatible with New-N rules and includes controls against loops, invalid paths, and duplicate packets. iGate Mode Forward valid packets received via radio to APRS-IS, allowing local stations to be viewed on the worldwide APRS network. Optional internet-to-RF forwarding features packet type selection, radius definition, security filters, and frequency limits. APRS Objects Register important points, such as shelters, support bases, aid posts, repeaters, obstacles, risk areas, or meeting places. Each object can contain a name, coordinates, symbol, and message, with publication via internet and/or RF. Mobile or Fixed Station Use dynamic location while on the move or configure fixed coordinates to operate as a base, iGate, Digipeater, or support station. Symbols and Status Messages Choose the APRS symbol representing your station, vehicle, or activity, and add a message to inform your condition or mission. Communication Monitoring Track sent and received packets in the integrated terminal, along with the status of the APRS-IS connection and RF operation. Automatic Reconnection After temporary internet interruptions, the app attempts to re-establish the connection with the APRS-IS server. USE CASES Tracking during trips, expeditions, and outdoor activities. Monitoring of vehicles and volunteer teams in the field. Support for search, rescue, civil defense, and humanitarian aid operations. Local APRS radio operation in areas without internet. Temporary installation of an iGate or Digipeater to expand coverage. Publishing shelters, bases, risks, and support points as APRS Objects. Technical monitoring of AX.25 packets and APRS-IS communication. SIMPLE AND CONFIGURABLE Enter your amateur radio callsign, Passcode, server, and transmission preferences to begin. RF, Digipeater, and iGate features are disabled by default and only work when enabled by the user. IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS Access to APRS-IS requires an amateur radio callsign and a valid Passcode. RF operation requires a radio and a compatible audio interface. Performance depends on equipment, audio levels, VOX/PTT configuration, and channel conditions. Continuous use of GPS, audio, and background execution may increase battery consumption.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: APRS Tracker Digi iGate at daily against xCluster's every 3 weeks. APRS Tracker Digi iGate also leads on iOS requirement (18.6 vs 26.0). 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
xCluster ships an update every 3 weeks, APRS Tracker Digi iGate daily. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | xCluster | APRS Tracker Digi iGate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 18.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 33 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Peter Bourget | Ricardo Aurelio Seco |
In-app purchases
xCluster
No in-app purchases
APRS Tracker Digi iGate
No in-app purchases









