Comparison

Valiance Backbone for CW vs Morse Decoder AI

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Valiance Backbone for CW

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
Read full description

Morse Decoder: Valiance Backbone for CW (VBC) VBC is the No. 1 Morse code decoder in the Japanese market, encompassing both paid and free categories. This app allows you to decode Morse code using the built-in microphone of your iPhone or iPod touch. VBC utilizes the world's fastest FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) technology to detect and decode carriers. It is specifically designed to minimize false decodes from atmospheric noise, voices, or beep sounds (square or trapezoidal waves). While it will not decode vocalized "dit-dah" sounds, it offers an extremely high success rate for decoding actual transceiver signals. (Please check our videos of real DX station communications). We believe its decoding capability surpasses that of many expensive dedicated hardware units and PC software. The carrier detection mode is highly effective, making it a truly practical tool for active hunting and pouncing in real-world radio operations. The default settings are optimized for the best performance balance. We recommend testing it with an actual radio (800Hz tone) at a short distance using the default configuration. Key Features: Morse Sound Recorder & Player Export text logs, audio data, and history via email Timestamp and cancel stamp insertion in logs Predictive decoding for difficult or connected Morse codes Zero-in Tone Indicator / Shift-in Indicator Tone frequency measurement (±5Hz) Sound pressure measurement (dB) Audio frequency response measurement & automatic correction Peak search / Manual frequency setting (double-tap screen) Automatic speed tracking / Manual speed setting (double-tap screen) Auto Level / Auto Threshold / Manual Threshold (double-tap screen) Noise reduction & waveform shaping via carrier detection Japanese (Wabun) Morse support Signal level adjustment Input Level Over-Range Indicator When the input level exceeds the range (Over-Range), the waveform becomes distorted, leading to poor decoding accuracy. If this happens, please move your device further away from the radio. (Avoid placing the device directly on a vibrating radio; maintain a sufficient distance. The app is designed to decode accurately even from a significant distance.)Supports decoding speeds from 5 to 40 WPM For more information and to see the app in action, please visit our YouTube channel for Real-DX videos and more: http://goo.gl/ALXAqH http://goo.gl/yEu3d1 http://goo.gl/7gp4yw Note: Due to scrolling issues on the decode screen since iOS 8, we utilize the following library for text display. Our sincere thanks to the developer: SECoreTextView Created by kishikawa katsumi on 2015/03/25. Copyright (c) 2013-2015 kishikawa katsumi. All rights reserved.

About

Morse Decoder AI

This AI-powered tool decodes Morse code signals from audio input, ideal for amateur radio enthusiasts. It offers two modes and neural network options for various signal conditions and speeds, with customizable themes.

Highlights
  • AI-powered Morse code decoding
  • Two operational modes (direct and tone filtering)
  • Adjustable decoding speed (10-40 WPM)
  • Two neural network options (A and B)
  • Adjustable audio input monitoring
  • Customizable color themes
Features
Read full description

The Morse Decoder AI is an application for decoding Morse code signals using artificial intelligence. The application is designed for use by amateur radio enthusiasts for educational purposes. The Morse decoder listens to the audio stream through the microphone or line input and, upon detecting Morse code signals, decodes them into text. The neural network of the application is trained to decode signals with a speed ranging from 10 to 40 words per minute within a frequency range of 200 Hz to 900 Hz. The application supports two modes of operation: direct (default) and tone filtering mode. In direct mode, the neural network will attempt to decipher Morse code signals in the audio range of 250 Hz to 900 Hz. This mode is suitable for confident reception of Morse code at levels of 7db-9db on the S-meter. The tone filtering mode is ideal for decoding Morse code from noisy weak signals in the presence of radio interference. The audio input signal is first filtered using band-pass filters before being passed to the neural network for decoding. This mode allows for the decoding of faint signals, but it requires the accurate specification of the signal's tone frequency. Each radio amateur selects their own CW tone frequency in the transceiver settings, and it is important to tune precisely to the carrier frequency using the ZIN/SPOT button in YAESU transceivers, or the AUTOTUNE button in ICOM transceivers. There are 3 band-pass filter options available: 25Hz, 50Hz, 150Hz. If you can accurately determine the CW signal tone frequency, using the 25Hz filter, you can decode very faint Morse code signals. The application offers two neural network options: A and B, which can be easily switched in the interface. Network A is recommended for use with stable signal transmission with a constant duration of dots and dashes, while network B is recommended when using a straight key, where the duration of dots and dashes may vary. You have the ability to switch between these networks in real time and observe how each network hears and decodes Morse code. It is important to monitor the level of the incoming audio signal, for which the application provides a sound level indicator. Ensure that the signal is not too quiet or too loud. It is recommended to maintain the signal around -7db, which is sufficient for decoding. Keep in mind that higher audio frequencies are quieter than lower frequencies. Additionally, the application provides various color themes, allowing radio enthusiasts to customize the appearance of the application for comfortable use.

Screenshots

Valiance Backbone for CW4 screens
Morse Decoder AI4 screens

Verdict

The call

Valiance Backbone for CW and Morse Decoder AI both sit at 2.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 73% of Valiance Backbone for CW's written reviews are positive against 11% of Morse Decoder AI's. Morse Decoder AI's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (weekly vs every 11 months). On rating, ads, monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99 and Morse Decoder AI $2.99 up front. Valiance Backbone for CW sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Morse Decoder AI asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.0 for Valiance Backbone for CW against 2.0 for Morse Decoder AI. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 4 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 73% of Valiance Backbone for CW's written reviews are positive against 11% of Morse Decoder AI's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Valiance Backbone for CW ships an update every 11 months, Morse Decoder AI weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Valiance Backbone for CW versus Morse Decoder AI: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterValiance Backbone for CWMorse Decoder AI
Price$3.99$2.99 — better
Rating2.0 (1 ratings)2.0 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews72.7% of reviews — better11.1% of reviews
Number of ratings14 — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB60 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNobYuriy Kvasha

Customer experience

Valiance Backbone for CW

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive72.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative27.3%

Morse Decoder AI

All ratings4 ratings
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive11.1%
Neutral22.2%
Negative66.7%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Valiance Backbone for CW

One-time4
  • Tip for the Developer$0.99
  • Standard Support$4.99
  • Premium$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Ultimate Supporter$29.99
None

Morse Decoder AI

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Valiance Backbone for CW free?
Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Morse Decoder AI free?
Morse Decoder AI costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Valiance Backbone for CW or Morse Decoder AI?
Valiance Backbone for CW and Morse Decoder AI are both rated 2.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 4 ratings respectively.
Do Valiance Backbone for CW or Morse Decoder AI have ads?
Neither Valiance Backbone for CW nor Morse Decoder AI shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Valiance Backbone for CW or Morse Decoder AI?
Valiance Backbone for CW ships an update every 11 months, and Morse Decoder AI weekly. Most recently, Valiance Backbone for CW was updated on October 9, 2026 and Morse Decoder AI on October 24, 2026.

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