# Albedo vs SimpleFT8

The clearest difference is update cadence: SimpleFT8 at every 3 days against Albedo's every 2 weeks. SimpleFT8 also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Albedo sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and SimpleFT8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Albedo ships an update every 2 weeks, SimpleFT8 every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Albedo | SimpleFT8 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 7 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mathis Gaignet](https://appshunter.io/developer/1805954711) | [Jeroen Rombouts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863358112) |

## What reviewers say

### Albedo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/albedo/id6744074239)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orbital Plan - Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Orbital Plan - Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |


### SimpleFT8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpleft8/id6768739415)

This app enables ham radio operators to send and receive digital signals using FT8 and FT4 modes. It facilitates long-distance communication even in challenging conditions, allowing for local logging and optional global propagation mapping.

**Highlights:** Live decode table, Slot-aligned transmitter with QSO composer, Built-in waterfall display, Local QSO logbook with ADIF export, Map of decoded stations, Optional PSK Reporter integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SimpleFT8 Pro | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Albedo free?

Albedo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SimpleFT8 free?

SimpleFT8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Albedo or SimpleFT8 have ads?

Neither Albedo nor SimpleFT8 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Albedo or SimpleFT8?

Albedo ships an update every 2 weeks, and SimpleFT8 every 3 days. Most recently, Albedo was updated on September 13, 2026 and SimpleFT8 on September 21, 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.*