MeshScope vs PCBmaker
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Global Meshtastic node discovery
- Interactive world map
- Nearby node identification
- Detailed node information
- AI MeshBot for node details
- Filter nodes by time
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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.
PCBmaker
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. PCBmaker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. MeshScope asks for nothing beyond the download.
MeshScope ships an update fortnightly, PCBmaker every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MeshScope | PCBmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 36 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lemuridae Labs LLC | BARTOSZ TERLECKI |
In-app purchases
MeshScope
No in-app purchases
PCBmaker
- PCBmaker PRO Monthly$6.991 Month
- PCBmaker PRO Yearly$49.991 Year









