HamWatch vs TropoDX
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HamWatch
This app provides amateur radio operators with essential tools on their Apple Watch. Monitor real-time space weather data and track POTA spots directly from your wrist. Customizable complications display your call sign on your watch face.
- Real-time space weather monitoring
- 24-hour historical space weather charts
- POTA spot tracking on wrist
- Customizable watch face complications
- Seamless iPhone and Apple Watch sync
- Configurable auto-refresh intervals
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Real-time ham radio data — on your Apple Watch. HamWatch gives field operators instant access to space weather, propagation conditions, and on-the-air spots, right from your wrist. SPACE WEATHER Live solar wind, Bz/Bt, and solar imagery from NOAA and NASA — including coronal hole monitoring and sunspot tracking. 24-hour charts included. SPOTS POTA, SOTA, and WWFF spots in real time. Filter by mode and band. Pull to refresh. Works on iPhone and Apple Watch. MAPS & TOOLS Azimuthal map centered on your GPS location shows true compass bearings to the world — aim your beam with confidence. WATCH FACE Complications for call sign, SFI, A-Index, and UTC. Choose which views appear on your watch from Settings → Configure Watch Views. The iPhone companion app adds larger charts and detailed data views. Everything syncs automatically between devices. https://www.hamwatch.app
TropoDX
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TropoDX is the ultimate real-time tropospheric propagation monitoring tool for amateur radio operators worldwide. FEATURES: - Real-time Tropospheric Index (0-100 scale) based on atmospheric conditions - 5-day propagation forecast with hourly updates - Regional propagation maps for Europe, North America (East/West), Asia, and Australia/Pacific - Push notifications for excellent DX conditions (Index 80+) - Advanced atmospheric parameters: K-Index, Refractivity, Temperature-Dew Point spread - Location-based weather data from anywhere in the world - Detailed DX distance estimates based on current conditions - Historical data tracking (last 48 readings) - Support for both Metric and Imperial units - Works on iPhone and iPad with landscape support PERFECT FOR: - VHF DXers (2m, 6m bands) - UHF DXers (70cm band) - Contest operators - EME operators checking for optimal conditions - Anyone interested in VHF/UHF propagation UNDERSTANDING THE INDEX: - 0-40: Poor - Normal conditions, local contacts only - 40-55: Fair - Slightly enhanced propagation - 55-70: Good - DX possible, 200-500 km range - 70-85: Very Good - Strong DX, 500-1000 km range - 85-100: Excellent - Extreme conditions, 1000+ km possible! The app calculates tropospheric conditions using atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, dew point, and refractivity to predict VHF/UHF radio wave propagation. When high-pressure systems create temperature inversions, radio signals can travel much farther than normal - and TropoDX helps you catch those moments! DATA SOURCES: - Real-time weather data from OpenWeatherMap - Regional propagation maps from DX Info Centre - Scientific calculations based on radio refractivity formulas Whether you're chasing grid squares, working DX contests, or just curious about propagation, TropoDX gives you the information you need to maximize your VHF/UHF operating. 73 and happy DXing!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: HamWatch at every 10 days against TropoDX's every 6 weeks. TropoDX's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99). On ads, in-app purchases, 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
HamWatch costs $4.99 and TropoDX $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
HamWatch ships an update every 10 days, TropoDX every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 19, 2026.
| Parameter | HamWatch | TropoDX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | $1.99 — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | James Krepelka | Martin Kuera |
In-app purchases
HamWatch
No in-app purchases
TropoDX
No in-app purchases









