Comparison

SWLtools vs Morse Dot Messenger

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

Head to head
About

SWLtools

Enhance your shortwave listening with this app that decodes on-air text modes like Morse, RTTY, and WEFAX. It also features spectrum analysis, audio recording, and is optimized for portable use with specific receivers.

Highlights
  • Decode Morse, RTTY, WEFAX, and ACARS
  • Real-time spectrum and spectrogram display
  • Audio recording and storage
  • Save and share decoded text
  • Optimized for Belka receiver
  • ACARS position mapping
Read full description

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 — 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 — a common trait of audio codecs — 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

Morse Dot Messenger

Communicate using Morse code with your phone's flashlight, screen, haptics, or sound. Features AI-powered decoding of visual and audio signals, emergency SOS, and learning tools. Works offline for reliable communication anywhere.

Highlights
  • Morse code transmission via flashlight, screen, haptics, and sound
  • AI-powered visual and audio Morse code decoder
  • Emergency SOS signal and quick phrases
  • Offline communication capability
  • Interactive Morse code learning tools
  • Message history and export
  • Customizable transmission speed and standards
Features
Read full description

Transform your phone into a powerful Morse code communication device! MorseMessenger lets you send and receive Morse code messages using your phone's flashlight, screen, haptic feedback, and sound. Perfect for emergencies, camping, learning, or just having fun with this timeless communication method. KEY FEATURES: Multiple Transmission Methods • Flashlight - Visible signals up to 3 miles away • Screen - Bright display morse signals • Haptic - Feel the dots and dashes • Sound - Audible beep tones Smart Visual Decoder • Point camera at any flashing light source • AI-powered recognition for accurate decoding • Real-time translation to readable text • Works with distant signals Audio Decoder • Detect morse code from beeps and tones • Automatic frequency detection • Filter background noise Emergency Features • SOS Loop Mode - Continuous distress signal • Quick emergency phrases • No internet required • Works anywhere, anytime Learn Morse Code • Interactive morse code chart • Common jargon and prosigns • Practice with preset phrases • International and American morse support Message History • Save all sent and received messages • Quick message replay • Export and share your communications Customizable Settings • Adjust transmission speed • Enable/disable hardware features • Choose morse standard • Dark mode support PERFECT FOR: Emergency Situations - When cellular networks fail, morse code works Camping & Hiking - Signal across distances without cell service Amateur Radio - Practice for ham radio licensing Education - Learn historical communication methods Military & Scouts - Essential survival skill training Maritime Communication - Traditional naval signaling Privacy - Communicate without digital traces WHY MORSE CODE? In today's digital age, morse code remains one of the most reliable forms of communication. It requires minimal equipment, works over vast distances, and functions even when modern technology fails. Whether you're in an emergency, learning a new skill, or exploring communication history, MorseMessenger puts this powerful tool in your pocket. PROFESSIONAL GRADE Built with precision timing and advanced signal processing, MorseMessenger delivers professional-quality morse code transmission and reception. Our AI-enhanced decoder can recognize signals even in challenging conditions. NO ADS. NO SUBSCRIPTIONS (Basic Features) Core morse code functionality is completely free. Optional premium features unlock unlimited message history and advanced decoding. SUPPORTED STANDARDS: • International Morse Code (ITU) • American Morse Code (Railroad) • Custom timing adjustments Download MorseMessenger today and master the art of morse code communication!

Screenshots

SWLtools4 screens
Morse Dot Messenger4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Morse Dot Messenger at Free against SWLtools's $3.99. SWLtools's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases 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

Morse Dot Messenger is free to download; SWLtools costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SWLtools ships an update every 2 months, Morse Dot Messenger every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 12, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 5 level
SWLtools versus Morse Dot Messenger: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSWLtoolsMorse Dot Messenger
Price$3.99Free — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews0.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStefano RampazzoRamill Ibragimov

Customer experience

SWLtools

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Morse Dot Messenger

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

SWLtools

No in-app purchases

None

Morse Dot Messenger

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SWLtools free?
SWLtools costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Morse Dot Messenger free?
Morse Dot Messenger is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SWLtools or Morse Dot Messenger have ads?
Neither SWLtools nor Morse Dot Messenger shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SWLtools or Morse Dot Messenger?
SWLtools ships an update every 2 months, and Morse Dot Messenger every 5 months. Most recently, SWLtools was updated on October 12, 2026 and Morse Dot Messenger on October 12, 2026.

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