Packet Commander vs AllStar Node Control
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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/
AllStar Node Control
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AllStar Node Control replaces heavyweight web apps and outdated mobile apps with a clean, modern approach to managing your local AllStar node. Save one-touch quick links, search the entire AllStar and EchoLink global directories, set up favorites, run node maintenance tasks and configure command macros. Node Control scans your local network for AllStarLink nodes and configures them automatically - just add your manager credentials and you're on the air! Your one time purchase helps support software made by a ham, for hams. No ads, no subscriptions, no surprises. Check out my other mobile apps for other great ham radio goodness. I also make the most capable mobile FT8/FT4 station anywhere. AllStar Node Control is not affiliated with or endorsed by AllStarLink, Inc.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Packet Commander at Free against AllStar Node Control's $0.99. Packet Commander also leads on iOS requirement (18.2 vs 26.5). AllStar Node Control's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). On 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
Packet Commander is free to download; AllStar Node Control costs $0.99 up front. Packet Commander sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per year. AllStar Node Control asks for nothing beyond the download.
Packet Commander ships an update every 2 months, AllStar Node Control daily. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Packet Commander | AllStar Node Control |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $0.99 |
| Rating | 4.9 (44 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 44 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.2 — better | 26.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Island Magic Co. | JONATHAN MARK SCHULMAN |
In-app purchases
Packet Commander
- Yearly Subscription$8.991 Year
- One-Time Purchase$24.99
AllStar Node Control
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Packet Commander free?
Is AllStar Node Control free?
Do Packet Commander or AllStar Node Control have ads?
Which is updated more often, Packet Commander or AllStar Node Control?
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