# Ham Radio Exam vs ShieldSOS

The clearest difference is update cadence: ShieldSOS at every 3 weeks against Ham Radio Exam's every 14 months. ShieldSOS also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (100% vs 88%). Ham Radio Exam's advantage is ratings volume (244 vs 4). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ShieldSOS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ham Radio Exam has 244 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Ham Radio Exam's written reviews are positive against 100% of ShieldSOS's.

Ham Radio Exam ships an update every 14 months, ShieldSOS every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ham Radio Exam | ShieldSOS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (244 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ham-radio-exam-tech/id601991935/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shieldsos-security-system/id6745813827/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **244** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 87.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 18 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Roy Watson](https://appshunter.io/developer/581033712) | [ShieldSOS LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1813497605) |

## What reviewers say

### Ham Radio Exam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ham-radio-exam-tech/id601991935)

Prepare for your Technician Class FCC Amateur Radio License exam. Review official question pools, take topic-specific quizzes, and simulate the actual exam. Track your progress and find local exam sessions.

**Highlights:** Technician Class license exam preparation, Official question pool review, Topic-specific quizzes, Simulated license examinations, Performance tracking, Find local exam sessions

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Highly effective for passing technician exam on first attempt
- 🚀 Fast and convenient way to study anytime, anywhere
- 📊 Excellent progress tracking and performance analytics
- 🎯 Focused section-by-section study approach
- 💚 Free app with no paywalls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes when accessing sample/practice tests
- 🐛 App crashes during section quizzes
- 🎨 Poor color contrast in test results display
- 🔄 Sample tests not random enough, repeating questions
- ❌ Some questions have incorrect answer choices

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when attempting to take sample/practice tests
- App crashes when taking section quizzes
- Sample test completely blanks out when pressed
- Missed questions not clickable in app
- Practice test randomization algorithm shows same questions repeatedly

**Requested features**

- Higher contrast color scheme for test results
- Option to view correct answers without incorrect options
- Separate submit and answer selection actions to prevent accidental clicks
- Review all answers before submitting practice tests
- Better randomization algorithm for practice tests


### ShieldSOS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shieldsos-security-system/id6745813827)

This security system app allows users to monitor and activate their devices for personal safety. It offers customizable settings for sirens, strobe lights, and pepper spray, with options for multi-location management and integration with emergency services.

**Highlights:** Instant security activation, Customizable device settings, Multi-location management, Optional RapidSOS e911 integration, Pepper spray refill program, Smart home compatibility

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ham Radio Exam free?

Ham Radio Exam is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ShieldSOS free?

ShieldSOS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Ham Radio Exam or ShieldSOS?

ShieldSOS is rated higher. Ham Radio Exam averages 4.6 out of 5 from 244 ratings, while ShieldSOS averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Ham Radio Exam or ShieldSOS have ads?

Neither Ham Radio Exam nor ShieldSOS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ham Radio Exam or ShieldSOS?

Ham Radio Exam ships an update every 14 months, and ShieldSOS every 3 weeks. Most recently, Ham Radio Exam was updated on October 23, 2026 and ShieldSOS on October 24, 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.*