# SWLtools vs VibeSDR

The clearest difference is update cadence: VibeSDR at every 2 weeks against SWLtools's every 3 months. VibeSDR also leads on price ($2.99 vs $3.99). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

SWLtools costs $3.99 and VibeSDR $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SWLtools ships an update every 3 months, VibeSDR every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SWLtools | VibeSDR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vibesdr/id6786344049/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Size | 5 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stefano Rampazzo](https://appshunter.io/developer/396660919) | [Stuart Carr](https://appshunter.io/developer/6786344051) |

## What reviewers say

### SWLtools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swltools/id6618146941)

**In-app purchases:** none


### VibeSDR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vibesdr/id6786344049)

This app acts as a versatile receiver client for various software-defined radio servers. It offers advanced display, tuning, and audio features, along with on-device decoders and voice control for a comprehensive radio experience.

**Highlights:** Connects to multiple SDR server protocols, GPU-rendered waterfall and spectrum display, Native background audio playback, On-device decoders for RTTY, NAVTEX, WEFAX, SSTV, Morse, Voice control via Siri, CarPlay and Apple Watch integration, Deep linking for station tuning

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SWLtools free?

SWLtools costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is VibeSDR free?

VibeSDR costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do SWLtools or VibeSDR have ads?

Neither SWLtools nor VibeSDR shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SWLtools or VibeSDR?

SWLtools ships an update every 3 months, and VibeSDR every 2 weeks. Most recently, SWLtools was updated on September 25, 2026 and VibeSDR on September 19, 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.*