Comparison

Packet Commander vs EOTAK Beacon

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

Head to head
About

Packet Commander

This app provides a classic terminal experience for packet radio communication on mobile devices. It offers powerful terminal features, smart connection management, and real-time over-the-air traffic monitoring. It's designed for amateur radio operators to connect with nodes, BBS, and decode traffic.

Highlights
  • Full-screen terminal for packet nodes and BBS
  • Classic color themes and adjustable layout
  • YAPP protocol support for file transfers
  • Location-aware digipeater routing
  • Seamless iCloud sync
  • Over-the-air traffic decoding
  • Auto-discovery of TNCs
Read full description

Packet Commander brings a classic terminal experience for packet radio to your iPhone or iPad. Try it free. The download includes 5 full connection sessions so you can explore the features and confirm compatibility before purchasing. After that, a purchase is required to continue connecting. Note: An amateur radio license is required to operate on the air. Powerful Terminal • Full-screen terminal for interacting with packet nodes and BBS over amateur radio • Classic color themes inspired by iconic computers • Adjustable fonts and layout for readability and screen efficiency • YAPP protocol support for file transfers • Dictation-ready for composing messages hands-free • Smart filename selection — double tap to highlight and copy Smarter Packet Connections • Location-aware digipeater routing: automatically recalls the last-used path at each location • Seamless iCloud sync for nodes and digipeaters across all your devices • Compatible with popular packet node software including BPQ32, URONode, and others Over-the-Air Monitor Connect to your radio and decode over-the-air traffic in real time. AX.25 frames are decoded and presented in an easy-to-read format. • Filter traffic to display exactly what you’re looking for • Search by address or content • Export the log to a file for later analysis Works with the Gear You Love • Auto-discovery of Bluetooth and TCP TNCs, including Dire Wolf on DigiPi • Automatic frequency set/restore on supported radios • Built-in, high-performance 1200 baud AFSK software modem • Optimized for VHF/UHF packet at both 1200 and 9600 baud Compatible with the Following Radios and TNCs: Radios with Built-in TNCs (Auto-sets and restores frequency on those radios) · BTECH UV-PRO, UV-50PRO · VERO VR-N76, VR-N7600 · RADIODITY GA-5WB, DB50-B · Kenwood TH-D74*, TH-D75* · PicoAPRS V4 *Requires B.B. Link Bluetooth adapter Portable KISS TNCs · Mobilinkd TNC3, TNC4 · LiNK500 TNC · DigiPi · Dire Wolf Software TNC Audio Interfaces (Using built-in software modem) · Digirig Lite · Digirig VOX PTT Cable · AIOC (All-In-One Cable) Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

EOTAK Beacon

Read full description

EOTAK Beacon is a native emergency response application designed for tactical teams and first responders who need reliable, real-time location sharing integrated with the Team Aware Kit (TAK) ecosystem. Key Features: • Quick enrollment via QR code scanning • Real-time GPS heartbeat relay with customizable intervals • Seamless offline buffering and automatic replay when connectivity returns • Always-on background location support for continuous tracking • Intuitive operator controls for location permissions and session management • Secure, server-validated session handling

Screenshots

Packet Commander4 screens
EOTAK Beacon3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: EOTAK Beacon at none against Packet Commander's 2. 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. Packet Commander sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per year. EOTAK Beacon asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Packet Commander versus EOTAK Beacon: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPacket CommanderEOTAK Beacon
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (44 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings44 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.218.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIsland Magic Co.EOTAK LLC

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Packet Commander

Subscriptions1
  • Yearly Subscription$8.991 Year
One-time1
  • One-Time Purchase$24.99
None

EOTAK Beacon

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Packet Commander free?
Packet Commander is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is EOTAK Beacon free?
EOTAK Beacon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Packet Commander or EOTAK Beacon have ads?
Neither Packet Commander nor EOTAK Beacon shows ads.

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