Comparison

Firmware Updater vs Spectrum SDR (RTL

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

Head to head
About

Firmware Updater

Features
Read full description

The ClariMate Update app allows you to easily install the latest firmware on your ClariMate device using your iPhone or iPad. Keeping your device updated ensures the best performance, improved stability, and access to new features as they become available. The update process is simple and guided. Just connect your ClariMate to your iOS device using a USB-C cable or a Lightning connection with an Apple Camera Adapter. The app will automatically detect your device, check for available firmware updates, and walk you through each step of the update. Features: - Update your ClariMate device directly from your iPhone or iPad - Supports both USB-C and Lightning (Apple Camera Adapter required) - Automatic device detection - Clear, step-by-step update instructions - Ensures your device is always running the latest firmware Whether you’re preparing for a performance or simply keeping your device in top shape, this app provides a reliable way to update your ClariMate anywhere, without needing a computer. Notes: - Minimum device firmware to support update from iOS device: 4.2.12

About

Spectrum SDR (RTL

Explore radio signals with your RTL-SDR dongle. Listen to AM/FM/SSB/CW, view FFT and waterfall displays, and customize your experience. Requires a remote rtl_tcp instance over WiFi.

Highlights
  • Full frequency range support
  • AM, FM, SSB, CW reception
  • FFT and Waterfall displays
  • Adjustable sample rates
  • Bias tee and gain controls
  • Squelch functionality
  • Customizable display options
Features
Read full description

This application is about having a bit of fun with those amazing little RTL-SDR dongles, whilst listening to AM/FM/SSB/CW radio signals. It's nice and easy to use so why not give it a try? - Covers the full frequency range of your RTL-SDR dongle. - AM and FM, wide and narrow, SSB, CW. - FFT and Waterfall displays. - Sample rates 240000 Hz to 2160000 Hz. - Bias tee control. - 75 presets over 5 pages. - Gain controls. - Squelch. - Flexible display options, hide things you don't need to see. - Built-in help. The application needs to be connected to an instance of rtl_tcp running on a remote computer, most likely over WiFi. You will need a good network connection for this to work reliably when using the higher sample rates. It can be installed on an iPhone, iPad or Apple Silicon Mac. We hope you enjoy using this application.

Screenshots

Firmware Updater3 screens
Spectrum SDR (RTL3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Firmware Updater at none against Spectrum SDR (RTL's 1. Firmware Updater also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). Spectrum SDR (RTL's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads 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

Both are free to download. Spectrum SDR (RTL sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Firmware Updater asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Firmware Updater ships an update every 2 months, Spectrum SDR (RTL every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Firmware Updater versus Spectrum SDR (RTL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFirmware UpdaterSpectrum SDR (RTL
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.5 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 11 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS13.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAudio Inventions LimitedJames Mainwaring

In-app purchases

None

Firmware Updater

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Spectrum SDR (RTL

One-time1
  • Full Version$2.99

Questions

Is Firmware Updater free?
Firmware Updater is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Spectrum SDR (RTL free?
Spectrum SDR (RTL is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Firmware Updater or Spectrum SDR (RTL have ads?
Neither Firmware Updater nor Spectrum SDR (RTL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Firmware Updater or Spectrum SDR (RTL?
Firmware Updater ships an update every 2 months, and Spectrum SDR (RTL every 11 days. Most recently, Firmware Updater was updated on October 7, 2026 and Spectrum SDR (RTL on October 10, 2026.

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