Comparison

Head Copy vs LemurKey

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

Head to head
About

Head Copy

Master Morse code with realistic QSO simulations and professional training modes. Practice with authentic callsigns, radio conditions, and contest simulations. Ideal for amateur radio operators looking to improve their CW skills.

Highlights
  • Realistic QSO simulator with real callsigns
  • Professional training modes (POTA, SKCC, Contest)
  • Authentic radio experience with QSB, QRN, and vintage effects
  • Adjustable WPM speeds (5-50 WPM)
  • CarPlay integration for practice on the go
  • Background learning with sleep timer
Features
Read full description

Master Morse code with Head Copy, the most comprehensive CW training app designed specifically for amateur radio operators. Whether you're preparing for your first QSO or training for competitive contests, Head Copy delivers authentic, realistic practice that mirrors real on-air conditions. REALISTIC QSO SIMULATOR Experience industry-first realistic CW conversations with actual callsigns from CWops, SKCC, and contest participants. No more artificial practice text - train with the same callsigns you'll encounter on the air. PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MODES - POTA (Parks on the Air): Practice authentic park-to-park contacts - SKCC (Straight Key Century Club): Master straight key techniques with realistic key characteristics - Contest Training: WPX, CWops CWT, SST, MST, and NCCC Sprint simulations - LICW Specialized Training: Advanced learning methods - Words List Training: Build fundamental skills with curated word lists AUTHENTIC RADIO EXPERIENCE Head Copy simulates real radio conditions with QSB (signal fading), QRN (atmospheric noise), and vintage radio effects. Choose between modern crystal-clear audio or vintage tube radio warmth. Practice with straight key simulation that includes realistic contact bounce and timing variations. ADVANCED FEATURES - Adjustable WPM speeds from 5 to 50 WPM - Farnsworth timing for character vs word speed control - Wordsworth spacing for advanced timing control - Head-copy mode: text display delay for authentic copying practice - Background learning with sleep timer - CarPlay integration for commute practice - Unlimited practice time (Premium) COMPREHENSIVE CONTENT All training content is regularly updated with fresh callsign databases and contest exchanges. Practice with thousands of real amateur radio callsigns and authentic contest exchanges used in actual competitions. CONVENIENT ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION Stop juggling multiple apps, MP3 files, or YouTube videos. Head Copy puts everything you need for serious CW training in one professional application. Practice anywhere, anytime, with or without internet connection. PERFECT FOR - New amateur radio operators learning CW - Contest operators preparing for competitions - POTA and SOTA activators - SKCC members practicing straight key techniques - Anyone serious about improving their Morse code skills EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Built-in learning materials include Morse code fundamentals, head-copy study guides, learning tips and tricks, and comprehensive reference charts. Everything you need to progress from beginner to expert. SUBSCRIPTION FEATURES Premium subscription unlocks all training modes, unlimited practice time, advanced audio features, and priority support. Free version includes basic training with time limits. Head Copy is developed by active amateur radio operators who understand the real challenges of learning and maintaining CW skills. Join thousands of hams worldwide who trust Head Copy for their Morse code training. Download Head Copy today and experience the difference that realistic, professional CW training makes. Your on-air confidence starts here. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://head-copy.com/privacy-policy.html

About

LemurKey

This app provides Morse code receiving practice for callsigns, sentences, and two-way contacts. It features adjustable settings, a Koch-style learning mode, and simulated interference for realistic training. Compete with friends on leaderboards and track your progress.

Highlights
  • Morse receiving practice
  • Adjustable WPM and spacing
  • Scripted two-way QSO mode
  • Live DX band conditions
  • Koch-style learning mode
  • Simulated interference options
Features
Read full description

LemurKey is Morse receiving practice built to practice real copy skills — callsigns, sentences, and two-way QSOs. Compete your friends with Strava-style leaderboards and go for the crown! COPY PRACTICE • Word, Callsign, and Sentence modes with slot-based copy • Adjustable WPM, character spacing, tone, and volume • Stars & Watts for clean copies; scrubber unlocks after you listen QSO MODE • Scripted two-way contacts: copy each transmission, then reply • Live accuracy feedback through the exchange LIVE DX • Band conditions and spots tailored to your grid square • Optional location for home grid (when-in-use only) TRAIN • Koch-style Learn mode to build speed character by character • Learn to send Q codes; practice sending by recall • Keys mode to hear any letter at your session settings CHAOS MODE • Optional QRM, QRN, and QSB while copying • Higher watt multipliers when the band gets noisy ACCOUNT (OPTIONAL) • Sign in to sync progress, compete on leaderboards, and back up stats • Delete your account anytime from Account Works offline for practice once installed. Audio runs locally on your device. Privacy policy: https://lemurkey.app/privacy.html Support: support@lemurkey.app

Screenshots

Head Copy4 screens
LemurKey4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: LemurKey at 100% against Head Copy's 25%. LemurKey also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). Head Copy's advantage is ratings volume (13 vs 2). 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. Head Copy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. LemurKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

LemurKey holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Head Copy has 13 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Head Copy's written reviews are positive against 100% of LemurKey's.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Head Copy versus LemurKey: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHead CopyLemurKey
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (13 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews25.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings13 — better2
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCCE3D LLCSteve Metcalf

Customer experience

Head Copy

All ratings13 ratings
Positive61.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative38.5%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

LemurKey

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Head Copy

Subscriptions2
  • Head Copy Premium Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Head Copy Premium Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
None

LemurKey

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Head Copy free?
Head Copy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LemurKey free?
LemurKey is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Head Copy or LemurKey?
LemurKey is rated higher. Head Copy averages 3.5 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while LemurKey averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Head Copy or LemurKey have ads?
Neither Head Copy nor LemurKey shows ads.

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