# Valiance Backbone for CW vs Forethumb

The clearest difference is rating: Forethumb at 4.8 against Valiance Backbone for CW's 2.0. Forethumb also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 11 months). Valiance Backbone for CW's advantage is review sentiment (73% vs 64%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.4). On ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99 and Forethumb $0.99 up front. Valiance Backbone for CW sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Forethumb asks for nothing beyond the download.

Forethumb holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Forethumb has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 73% of Valiance Backbone for CW's written reviews are positive against 64% of Forethumb's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Valiance Backbone for CW ships an update every 11 months, Forethumb every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Valiance Backbone for CW | Forethumb |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **$0.99** |
| Rating | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/valiance-backbone-for-cw-vbc/id521096092/reviews) | **[4.8 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forethumb/id1325147667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **8** |
| Positive reviews | **72.7% of reviews** | 64.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 28 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nob](https://appshunter.io/developer/508077821) | [Takuto Nakamura](https://appshunter.io/developer/1203150472) |

## What reviewers say

### Valiance Backbone for CW

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/valiance-backbone-for-cw-vbc/id521096092)

Decode Morse code signals in real-time using your device's microphone. This app employs advanced FFT technology to accurately distinguish transceiver signals from noise, offering a high success rate for radio communications. It features a range of tools for signal analysis and log management.

**Highlights:** Real-time Morse code decoding via microphone, Advanced FFT technology for signal detection, Minimizes false decodes from noise, Morse Sound Recorder & Player, Export text logs and audio data, Predictive decoding for difficult codes, Tone and sound pressure measurement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip for the Developer | $0.99 | one-time |
| Standard Support | $4.99 | one-time |
| Premium | $9.99 | one-time |
| Ultimate Supporter | $29.99 | one-time |


### Forethumb

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forethumb/id1325147667)

This keyboard app allows users to input text on their iOS devices using Morse code. It offers single-key or paddle input methods, with options for sound feedback and customizable gap lengths. It supports alphabets, numbers, some symbols, and Japanese characters.

**Highlights:** Morse code input (single key or paddle), Sound feedback on input, Swipe gestures for delete/space, Customizable gap length, Supports alphabets, numbers, symbols, Japanese

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Valiance Backbone for CW free?

Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Forethumb free?

Forethumb costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Valiance Backbone for CW or Forethumb?

Forethumb is rated higher. Valiance Backbone for CW averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Forethumb averages 4.8 from 8 ratings.

### Do Valiance Backbone for CW or Forethumb have ads?

Neither Valiance Backbone for CW nor Forethumb shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Valiance Backbone for CW or Forethumb?

Valiance Backbone for CW ships an update every 11 months, and Forethumb every 2 weeks. Most recently, Valiance Backbone for CW was updated on November 6, 2026 and Forethumb on November 8, 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.*