Comparison

RID Scanner vs Ward

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

Head to head
About

RID Scanner

This utility app uses WiFi Remote ID technology to detect nearby drones equipped with Remote ID functionality. It connects to external devices via Bluetooth for enhanced detection and provides real-time monitoring of drone information, including location and speed. The app aims to protect privacy and enhance security by alerting users to abnormal drone activities.

Highlights
  • WiFi Remote ID detection
  • Bluetooth connectivity for enhanced range
  • Real-time drone information display
  • Privacy risk identification
  • Security alert for abnormal activity
  • User-friendly interface
Features
Read full description

Accurate Detection: Based on WiFi Remote ID technology, it can quickly and accurately detect surrounding drones equipped with Remote ID function. Bluetooth Connection: Connect to professional detection devices via Bluetooth to enhance detection distance and sensitivity. Real-time monitoring: Real-time display of detected drone information, including location, speed, return point, altitude and more. Privacy Protection: Effectively identify potential privacy risks and protect your personal space. Security Alert: Detect abnormal drone activities in time to enhance security prevention capability. Easy to operate: Friendly interface, easy to operate, no need for specialized knowledge to use.

About

Ward

Features
Read full description

Ward is a passive drone detection app that uses your iPhone’s camera and microphone to help identify possible drones visually and acoustically. It does not transmit signals or interfere with drones. Detection runs on your device. THREE DETECTION MODES VISION Ward uses on-device computer vision and a neural network model to analyze the live camera feed and identify possible drones in real time. ACOUSTIC Ward uses real-time audio analysis to detect sound patterns associated with drone rotors and motors. Directional audio processing is enhanced on iPhone 16 and later, while other supported devices operate in stereo. MANUAL TRACKING Ward uses visual object tracking to follow a region you select directly on the camera feed, allowing you to track distant or unidentified objects even when the detection model does not recognize them. APPLE WATCH The direction of a detected drone is displayed on your watch's compass dial. When a threat is detected, your watch sounds an alarm and vibrates, eliminating the need to take your phone out of your pocket. The Watch app works in tandem with the detection system on your iPhone. LISTENING ON THE LOCK SCREEN Acoustic detection continues even when the screen is locked. Detection status appears as a Live Activity on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island. Audio is processed solely on your device; it is not recorded or transmitted anywhere. Background listening, Live Activity, and Watch integration can be toggled off individually in the "Watch & Alarm" section of the Acoustic settings. OFFLINE MAPS Download the visible area as a zone (up to 10 zones). Downloaded zones remain visible on the map even without an internet connection. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Ward is not radar, a certified security system, or an emergency-warning device. Detection results are probabilistic. False detections may occur, and a drone or other object may go undetected. Under favorable daytime conditions, visual detection is designed for use at distances of approximately up to 50 meters. Acoustic detection may operate at approximately up to 70 meters in quiet, open environments. These are approximate reference values, not guaranteed detection ranges. Low light, fog, precipitation, rapid movement, complex backgrounds, distance, object size, wind, vehicles, generators, fans, and other environmental noise may affect detection performance. Map direction and position indicators are estimates and do not represent a drone’s verified GPS position, exact location, or exact distance. Use Ward only in safe and lawful settings and comply with applicable local laws. This app requires an active subscription to access its features. Choose between a monthly or yearly subscription after downloading the app. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled through your Apple ID subscription settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

RID Scanner4 screens
Ward4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RID Scanner at none against Ward's 2. RID Scanner also leads on iOS requirement (18.2 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads 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

Both are free to download. Ward sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. RID Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RID Scanner ships an update every 9 days, Ward weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
RID Scanner versus Ward: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRID ScannerWard
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.2 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB116 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChangsha Raspberry Information Technology Limited Co., Ltd.Parabellum App Studio

In-app purchases

None

RID Scanner

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Ward

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription1 Month trial$29.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription1 Year trial$299.991 Year

Questions

Is RID Scanner free?
RID Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ward free?
Ward is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do RID Scanner or Ward have ads?
Neither RID Scanner nor Ward shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RID Scanner or Ward?
RID Scanner ships an update every 9 days, and Ward weekly. Most recently, RID Scanner was updated on October 28, 2026 and Ward on October 29, 2026.

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