Comparison

TropoDX vs HAMmade GRID

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

Head to head
About

TropoDX

Features
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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!

About

HAMmade GRID

Features
Read full description

Designed specifically for Amateur Radio Operators (Hams), HAMmade Grid is your ultimate companion for DXing, contesting, and field operations. The app now supports 6, 8, and 10 character Maidenhead Grid Locators, allowing more precise location information for advanced radio operations. Whether you are operating from your home QTH or working portable/rover; instantly find your Maidenhead Grid Locator, visualize the target station on the map, and point your antenna with precision. Key Features: -Precise Location & Grid: Instantly calculates your 6-character Maidenhead Grid Locator using real-time GPS data.  -Callsign Lookup: Enter any callsign to automatically fetch location, name, and station details. (requires paid QRZ.com membership) -QRZ.com & HamDB Integration: Log in with your QRZ.com account to access detailed profiles and station photos. No account? No problem. The app automatically falls back to HamDB public data for seamless lookups.  Band Availability Insight The app can now display the radio bands that are usable between two selected Maidenhead grid locators. This helps operators quickly evaluate which bands are likely to work at a given moment, making it easier to plan contacts, portable operations, and DX activities. -Smart Compass & Bearing: Calculates the exact Heading and Distance to the target station. The integrated live compass overlay helps you align your antenna directly to the signal source.  -Advanced Mapping: Visualize the target Grid square with Standard, Satellite, and Hybrid map modes.  -Unit Support: Switch between Kilometers (km) and Miles (mi) effortlessly.  -Dark Mode: Eye-friendly interface optimized for night operations.  -Multi-Language: Supports English, Turkish, Spanish, German, French, and more.

Screenshots

TropoDX3 screens
HAMmade GRID4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: HAMmade GRID at Free against TropoDX's $1.99. HAMmade GRID also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

HAMmade GRID is free to download; TropoDX costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TropoDX ships an update every 6 weeks, HAMmade GRID every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
TropoDX versus HAMmade GRID: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTropoDXHAMmade GRID
Price$1.99Free — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB18 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperMartin KueraOguz Agceli

In-app purchases

None

TropoDX

No in-app purchases

None

HAMmade GRID

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TropoDX free?
TropoDX costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is HAMmade GRID free?
HAMmade GRID is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do TropoDX or HAMmade GRID have ads?
Neither TropoDX nor HAMmade GRID shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TropoDX or HAMmade GRID?
TropoDX ships an update every 6 weeks, and HAMmade GRID every 4 days. Most recently, TropoDX was updated on October 2, 2026 and HAMmade GRID on October 5, 2026.

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