# RepeaterBook vs HamWaves UV5R

The clearest difference is price: RepeaterBook at Free against HamWaves UV5R's $3.99. RepeaterBook also leads on ratings volume (247 vs 1). HamWaves UV5R's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

RepeaterBook is free to download; HamWaves UV5R costs $3.99 up front. RepeaterBook sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $14.99 per year. HamWaves UV5R asks for nothing beyond the download.

HamWaves UV5R holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RepeaterBook has 247 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

RepeaterBook ships an update every 3 weeks, HamWaves UV5R every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RepeaterBook | HamWaves UV5R |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | [4.2 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/repeaterbook/id606820166/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamwaves-uv5r/id6499502679/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **247** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 67.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 50 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nicolas Associates Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/606820189) | [Brian MILBURN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1683168741) |

## What reviewers say

### RepeaterBook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/repeaterbook/id606820166)

Access a comprehensive, offline directory of amateur radio repeaters worldwide. Search by various criteria, view detailed information including distance and bearing, and easily submit updates. Optimized for both phones and tablets.

**Highlights:** Offline repeater directory, Worldwide coverage, Comprehensive search options, Distance and bearing display, Submit updates, Portrait/Landscape views

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Access | $14.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient repeater search functionality
- 📱 Works offline with downloaded database
- 🗺️ Location-based repeater discovery
- 👍 Free application with no cost
- 🔄 Regular database updates maintained

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Location detection issues and inaccuracies
- ❌ Missing repeaters in database
- 📱 iOS version has more issues than Android
- 🔍 Inconsistent data between app and website
- ❓ Confusing interface for new users

**Reported bugs**

- Location services showing repeaters hundreds of miles away
- App not displaying any repeaters despite correct filters
- iOS version showing incorrect frequency data
- Recent update losing user data and settings
- Location feature not finding nearby repeaters

**Requested features**

- Map display of repeater locations
- Field name labels for repeater details
- Coverage range information for repeaters
- GMRS channel display alongside frequency
- Dark mode support


### HamWaves UV5R

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamwaves-uv5r/id6499502679)

This interactive field guide provides experienced amateur radio operators with essential information for their Baofeng UV-5R radio. It offers clear explanations of menus, controls, and programming, even without an internet connection.

**Highlights:** Interactive radio guide, Menu item explanations, On-the-fly programming, Offline access, Control and display identification, FCC certifications

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RepeaterBook free?

RepeaterBook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is HamWaves UV5R free?

HamWaves UV5R costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, RepeaterBook or HamWaves UV5R?

HamWaves UV5R is rated higher. RepeaterBook averages 4.2 out of 5 from 247 ratings, while HamWaves UV5R averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do RepeaterBook or HamWaves UV5R have ads?

Neither RepeaterBook nor HamWaves UV5R shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RepeaterBook or HamWaves UV5R?

RepeaterBook ships an update every 3 weeks, and HamWaves UV5R every 2 weeks. Most recently, RepeaterBook was updated on October 26, 2026 and HamWaves UV5R on October 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.*