Comparison

MeshScope vs PCBmaker

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

Head to head
About

MeshScope

Discover active Meshtastic nodes globally with this mobile mapping tool. View node locations, zoom in on nearby devices, and interact with an AI chatbot for detailed information. It connects to the global Meshtastic network via the internet.

Highlights
  • Global Meshtastic node discovery
  • Interactive world map
  • Nearby node identification
  • Detailed node information
  • AI MeshBot for node details
  • Filter nodes by time
Features
Read full description

The MeshScope application is a quick way to find active Meshtastic nodes, anywhere in the world. A mobile companion to the MeshScope web site, this makes it easy to find your position, and to zoom around and find other nodes nearby. Want to dig in to details? Chat with the AI MeshBot to find out more about nodes around you, chat in your native language, and have fun! The app relies on the Meshtastic network for finding nodes, and the nodes shown may be filtered by time to only see the most recent, or to see all nodes over the last several days. Want details? Tap a marker and view the specifics of any node on the map! Although this will show the Meshtastic network, it does not require a local mesh radio and uses an internet connection to retrieve the mesh network information. This also means that the app will not be able to show any mesh radios not reporting to the global Meshtastic MQTT network.

About

PCBmaker

Features
Read full description

PCBmaker lets you design printed circuit boards on your iPhone – from schematic to files ready to order at JLCPCB. Add modules, connect them and see how your circuit looks on a real board. The app routes the tracks for you, checks the board and prepares manufacturing files. SCHEMATIC • Library of ready-made modules: ESP32, Arduino Nano, Raspberry Pi Pico, motor drivers (TB6600, A4988), power converters, sensors, displays, relays and more • Auto-connect – the app suggests the wiring between modules • Labelled pins and microcontroller pin roles PCB • Board view in millimetres with real through-hole footprints • Autorouter – routes all connections in seconds • Manual tracks on the top and bottom layer, vias • Ground (GND) fill • Circuit inspector (DRC) – checks clearances and connections before you order READY-MADE PROJECTS 10 examples to start with, each with an explanation, parts list and Arduino sketch: Wi-Fi controlled lamp, DS18B20 thermostat, weather station with an OLED display, motion sensor alarm, WS2812B LED strip with Raspberry Pi Pico, potentiometer-controlled servo, stepper motor with A4988, CNC length stop (CYD + TB6600), ultrasonic range finder with LCD and RFID card lock. FREE Schematic design, board view, autorouter, ground fill, DRC and ready-made projects. PCBmaker PRO File exports: • Gerber and drill files in one ZIP – ready to upload to jlcpcb.com • KiCad netlist (.net) for further work in KiCad • Parts list (BOM) in JLCPCB format Monthly and yearly plans available. The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account. Manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID account settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: [https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/]

Screenshots

MeshScope4 screens
PCBmaker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MeshScope at none against PCBmaker's 2. PCBmaker's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly). 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. PCBmaker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. MeshScope asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MeshScope ships an update fortnightly, PCBmaker every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MeshScope versus PCBmaker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMeshScopePCBmaker
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLemuridae Labs LLCBARTOSZ TERLECKI

In-app purchases

None

MeshScope

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

PCBmaker

Subscriptions2
  • PCBmaker PRO Monthly$6.991 Month
  • PCBmaker PRO Yearly$49.991 Year

Questions

Is MeshScope free?
MeshScope is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PCBmaker free?
PCBmaker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MeshScope or PCBmaker have ads?
Neither MeshScope nor PCBmaker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MeshScope or PCBmaker?
MeshScope ships an update fortnightly, and PCBmaker every 4 days. Most recently, MeshScope was updated on October 2, 2026 and PCBmaker on September 29, 2026.

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