Comparison

DB40X vs ECAP

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

Head to head
About

DB40X

A high-precision scientific calculator inspired by the HP48 series, offering arbitrary precision computations, complex numbers, vectors, matrices, and graphing. It supports RPN and algebraic operations, with over 1000 built-in functions and a hyperlinked help system.

Highlights
  • Arbitrary precision computations
  • RPN and algebraic operations
  • Complex numbers, vectors, and matrices
  • Graphing and plotting
  • Engineering units and conversions
  • Hyperlinked help system
Features
Read full description

DB40X is a high-precision scientific calculator compatible with DB48X and inspired by the legendary HP48 series from Hewlett-Packard. It is not an emulator, but a redesign from scratch, which is faster, and delivers never seen before capabilities like computations in arbitrary precision. Like the original HP48, DB40X supports an unlimited stack, RPN and algebraic operations, complex numbers, based numbers, vectors, matrices, text, symbolic computations, numerical solving and integration, graphing and plotting, statistics, engineering units, and well over 1000 built-in functions. DB40X adds several HP50G capabilities, including a library of equations and constants covering mathematics, physics or chemistry. Using modern technologies, DB40X goes well beyond the original HP48 in many ways: - It is significantly faster, uses less memory, and features a higher-resolution 240x400 pixels graphical display. - Integer and decimal values can have an arbitrarily large number of digits, so you can compute log(pi) with 200 digits in a few keystrokes. - The six function keys feature up to three function per key, giving quick access to up to 18 related functions at a time. - Complex numbers can mix and match polar and rectangular form. - Symbolic operations extend to complex numbers, vectors and matrices. - Based numbers can be in any base from 2 to 36, and support any number of bits, making it easy to emulate a 23-bit or 512-bit processor. - Text is represented using Unicode instead of the proprietary HP encoding, facilitating data exchange with the rest of the world. - Multiple graphs can be distinguished using bitmap patterns. - Engineering units include all the modern evolutions of the SI system, and can be configured by the user, e.g. to integrate currency units with the exchange rate du jour. Converting between USD/hour and EUR/day has never been so easy! - A built-in hyperlinked help system documents functions simply by holding the corresponding key, and combine a quick start guide, a user manual and a reference manual. DB40X will run many user RPL programs as is. However, since it is not an emulator, it will not run any HP binary object, and notably will not run HP48 games or anything involving system RPL. Version 0.7.14 is an early-access release. Please consult https://github.com/c3d/db48x/blob/stable/doc/5-Unimplemented.md for a list of HP48 commands that are not yet implemented. DB40X is part of a family of compatible RPL calculators that include DB48X and DB50X. DB40X lacks the ability to write programs or data to disk, and RPL programs are limited to 40K.

About

ECAP

Features
Read full description

ECAP is the tool for electricians who document electrical installations to the IEC 60364 standard – fast, structured and offline. Build your installation in a clear hierarchy: installation → building → room → distribution board → circuit. Everything you register turns into finished reports with a single tap. FEATURES • Circuit schedule with all relevant columns (amperage, characteristic, cross-section, cable, RCD, labeling) • Single-line diagram with IEC symbols – complete, riser or per branch • GPS map of all installations, buildings and rooms • PDF reports: complete documentation, circuit schedule, riser diagram, QR labels • Scan a circuit schedule with your camera – AI reads it and creates the circuits automatically • Offline-first – works without internet, syncs when you're back online • Share installations with colleagues or work together in a company with role control • Automatic labeling and phase balance ECAP keeps your documentation in order so you can spend your time on the job. Stored safely, synced across your devices. Available in Norwegian, English, Swedish and Danish.

Screenshots

DB40X3 screens
ECAP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DB40X at none against ECAP's 3. ECAP's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Both are free to download. ECAP sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. DB40X asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DB40X ships an update every 3 weeks, ECAP every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
DB40X versus ECAP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDB40XECAP
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (7 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB33 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChristophe de DinechinVEGARD HELLAND BU

In-app purchases

None

DB40X

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

ECAP

Subscriptions3
  • ECAP Pro$4.997 Days
  • ECAP Pro$12.991 Month
  • ECAP Pro$89.991 Year

Questions

Is DB40X free?
DB40X is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ECAP free?
ECAP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do DB40X or ECAP have ads?
Neither DB40X nor ECAP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DB40X or ECAP?
DB40X ships an update every 3 weeks, and ECAP every 3 days. Most recently, DB40X was updated on October 3, 2026 and ECAP on September 29, 2026.

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