Comparison

SWLtools vs AIM SA

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

Head to head
About

SWLtools

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SWLtools: The Companion for Shortwave Listening Enthusiasts SWLtools is an app designed specifically for Shortwave Listening (SWL) enthusiasts who want to enhance their listening experience. It records what you hear, shows you the band, and reads the digital modes that carry text on the air. Whether you are a hobbyist or a dedicated DXer, SWLtools supports your activity from the antenna to the logbook. DECODING THE ON-AIR TEXT MODES Point the app at a signal and it turns it into readable text. - Morse (CW). The app follows the tone by itself and measures the sending speed from the signal, so it keeps up with hand-sent Morse as well as machine-sent. A side panel collects the callsigns it has heard, and each transmission starts on its own line when the operator hands over. - RTTY, in both ITA2 and SITOR-B. - Weather fax (WEFAX). The chart builds up line by line as it arrives, and can be saved straight to your photo library. - ACARS aircraft messages, with the ones carrying a position shown on a map. Decoded text can be saved, reopened later and shared. All times, on screen and in the saved files, are UTC โ€” the way radio logs are kept. SPECTRUM AND WATERFALL If your receiver provides an IQ output, SWLtools displays the real-time spectrum and spectrogram. Visually explore the bands and gain deeper insight into the signals you are receiving. Where the two channels of a USB adapter do not arrive perfectly in step โ€” a common trait of audio codecs โ€” a sample-delay correction removes the mirror image that would otherwise appear beside every signal. AUDIO RECORDING AND STORAGE Easily record and store audio directly from your receiver. Capture signals from around the world and listen to them again whenever you want, or turn a recording into a video to share. OPTIMIZED FOR THE BELKA RECEIVER SWLtools was designed to work seamlessly with the Belka receiver. It is the perfect companion for outdoor listening sessions, letting you record your DX, explore frequencies with the spectrum view, or read a weather fax from the field. The app is optimized for low power consumption when displaying the spectrum and waterfall, making it ideal for portable use. REQUIREMENTS To use SWLtools you need an inexpensive USB audio adapter (ADC/DAC) connected to your iOS device. These affordable dongles typically provide a microphone input and a headphone output, which is enough to record, to decode, and to show a single-channel spectrum. A two-channel audio interface does more: it carries a true I/Q pair, so the spectrum shows the full band above and below the tuned frequency, and it is the only kind that can play the receiver's audio through the iPhone speaker while you listen. The app tells you which class of device you have connected and what it allows, and an audio diagnostics panel shows exactly what iOS is doing with the signal if something does not sound right. Note: please make sure your receiver is compatible with the app's features and that you have the required accessories for optimal performance.

About

AIM SA

Features
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Stay informed with the most reliable and up-to-date aeronautical information for South Africa. This app is your comprehensive resource for accessing official aeronautical charts and the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP), including supplements and amendments, directly obtained from the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Key Features: โ€ข Independently Maintained Database: Ensures you always have the latest data, with regular updates for supplements and amendments. โ€ข Up-to-Date Aeronautical Charts: Access accurate charts to assist with navigation and flight planning. โ€ข Official Content: Includes official aeronautical charts and AIP for South Africa, providing a trusted resource for aviation professionals. Designed for pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts, this app delivers critical aeronautical information to help you navigate safely and efficiently. Stay ahead with the latest updates from a reliable source. By downloading this app, you agree to Apple's Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

SWLtools4 screens
AIM SA3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: AIM SA at Free against SWLtools's $3.99. AIM SA also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). SWLtools's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

AIM SA is free to download; SWLtools costs $3.99 up front. AIM SA sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. SWLtools asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SWLtools ships an update every 3 months, AIM SA every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and December 14, 2025 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences ยท 3 level
SWLtools versus AIM SA: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSWLtoolsAIM SA
Price$3.99Free โ€” better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks โ€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo โ€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 โ€” better18.0
Further details โ€” not scored
Size5 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStefano RampazzoEric Foster

In-app purchases

None

SWLtools

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

AIM SA

Subscriptions2
  • Standard Monthly1 Month trial$3.991 Month
  • Standard Annual1 Month trial$29.991 Year

Questions

Is SWLtools free?
SWLtools costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is AIM SA free?
AIM SA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SWLtools or AIM SA have ads?
Neither SWLtools nor AIM SA shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SWLtools or AIM SA?
SWLtools ships an update every 3 months, and AIM SA every 2 weeks. Most recently, SWLtools was updated on September 9, 2026 and AIM SA on December 14, 2025.

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