# FT Ham vs Spectrum SDR (RTL

The clearest difference is monetization model: Spectrum SDR (RTL at free against FT Ham's free with in-app purchases. FT Ham's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and iOS requirement (16.6 vs 26.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FT Ham sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Spectrum SDR (RTL sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FT Ham holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

FT Ham ships an update every 6 days, Spectrum SDR (RTL every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FT Ham | Spectrum SDR (RTL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ft-ham-ft8ft4-transceiver/id6755367558/reviews)** | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-sdr-rtl-sdr/id6764391865/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 11 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 26 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PABLO TURRION SAN PEDRO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1853443733) | [James Mainwaring](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895761181) |

## What reviewers say

### FT Ham

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ft-ham-ft8ft4-transceiver/id6755367558)

This application decodes and transmits FT8/FT4 signals for amateur radio operators. It features a live waterfall, real-time decoding, and automated QSO sequencing, all processed on your device. Optional premium features enhance radio control and logging capabilities.

**Highlights:** Live waterfall display, Real-time FT8/FT4 decoding, Audio transmission for QSOs, Auto QSO sequencing, Logbook with ADIF import/export, Call alerts, Contact map visualization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Donation of 0.99 € | $0.99 | one-time |
| FT Ham premium access | $1.99 | one-time |
| Donation of 2,99 € | $2.99 | one-time |
| Donation of 4,99 € | $3.99 | one-time |


### Spectrum SDR (RTL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-sdr-rtl-sdr/id6764391865)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FT Ham free?

FT Ham is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Spectrum SDR (RTL free?

Spectrum SDR (RTL is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, FT Ham or Spectrum SDR (RTL?

FT Ham is rated higher. FT Ham averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Spectrum SDR (RTL averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do FT Ham or Spectrum SDR (RTL have ads?

Neither FT Ham nor Spectrum SDR (RTL shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FT Ham or Spectrum SDR (RTL?

FT Ham ships an update every 6 days, and Spectrum SDR (RTL every 11 days. Most recently, FT Ham was updated on November 9, 2026 and Spectrum SDR (RTL on October 31, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*