EchoLink vs iBWTool
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
EchoLink
Connect to the EchoLink network using your iOS device. This application allows validated Amateur Radio operators to access the system from virtually anywhere. Registration with a valid Amateur Radio callsign is required.
- Connect to EchoLink network
- Use on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
- Validated user access
- Remote connectivity
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Please note: This app is for licensed Amateur Radio operators only. See www.echolink.org for more information. EchoLink for iOS provides access to the EchoLink network for validated EchoLink users. You can use this app to connect to the EchoLink system from almost anywhere, using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you are not already a validated EchoLink user, you will be required to register (using your Amateur Radio callsign and a password of your choice) the first time you run the app. Please see the iPhone FAQ at www.echolink.org. Please direct any bug reports or feature suggestions to the Web site at http://www.echolink.org/support.htm, since developers do not read app reviews. If you are interested in becoming a licensed Amateur Radio operator, see www.arrl.org for more information. EchoLink is a registered U.S. trademark of Synergenics, LLC.
iBWTool
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RilBWTool is the APP that gets temperature data through Bluetooth connections. Using the APP and connecting to Bluetooth to obtain data, look directly at the temperature curve and data or real-time temperature data can be viewed through the network. Remote monitoring and measurement can be achieved automatically save data. Note, this APP needs to be connected to a dedicated Bluetooth thermometer used together.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: iBWTool at fortnightly against EchoLink's every 4 months. iBWTool also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). 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.
EchoLink ships an update every 4 months, iBWTool fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | EchoLink | iBWTool |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (41 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 61.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 20 MB | 36 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Synergenics, LLC | Radiance Instruments Ltd |
Bugs and requests
EchoLink
Reported bugs
13 issues- Latest version (2.19) could use some improvement
- No way to reset password
- Doesn't seem to be working on my phone, I enter call sign, password, and email. I click on login and nothing happens
- Just updated EchoLink to find that it's now stuttering all the time
- After the upgrade there are connection issues
Show 8 moreShow fewer
- No support for passwords longer than 14 characters
- The app won't allow me back in to validate my information
- Doesn't work on iphone
- Unable to Use; Password Too Long
- Cannot connect to local reapeater
- Can't close app
- Latest update issues
- Cannot connect
Requested features
13 requests- Bigger PTT please?
- Add more to app
- Password reset in app option
- Almost There!
- Bigger PTT please?
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- Searching for call sign s
- Not able to connect with 14.4 iOS upgrade
- Mac version
- Dark Mode Wonky
- Missing Nodes
- Echolink multitasking
- Needs a help or tutorial
- Needs full sysop node server capabilities
iBWTool
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
EchoLink
No in-app purchases
iBWTool
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is EchoLink free?
Is iBWTool free?
Do EchoLink or iBWTool have ads?
Which is updated more often, EchoLink or iBWTool?
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