# FT Ham vs SimpleFT8

The clearest difference is monetization model: SimpleFT8 at free against FT Ham's free with in-app purchases. SimpleFT8 also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 days). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FT Ham sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and SimpleFT8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FT Ham ships an update every 5 days, SimpleFT8 every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FT Ham | SimpleFT8 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ft-ham-ft8ft4-transceiver/id6755367558/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 17 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PABLO TURRION SAN PEDRO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1853443733) | [Jeroen Rombouts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863358112) |

## What reviewers say

### FT Ham

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

Decode and transmit FT8/FT4 amateur radio signals directly from your mobile device. Features real-time decoding, automatic QSO sequencing, and an integrated logbook with ADIF export. All processing is done offline and locally on your device.

**Highlights:** Real-time FT8/FT4 decoding, Offline audio transmission, Automatic QSO sequencing, Live waterfall display, Integrated logbook with ADIF export, Customizable message composer

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 |


### SimpleFT8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpleft8/id6768739415)

This app enables ham radio operators to send and receive digital signals using FT8 and FT4 modes. It facilitates long-distance communication even in challenging conditions, allowing for local logging and optional global propagation mapping.

**Highlights:** Live decode table, Slot-aligned transmitter with QSO composer, Built-in waterfall display, Local QSO logbook with ADIF export, Map of decoded stations, Optional PSK Reporter integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SimpleFT8 Pro | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FT Ham free?

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

### Is SimpleFT8 free?

SimpleFT8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do FT Ham or SimpleFT8 have ads?

Neither FT Ham nor SimpleFT8 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FT Ham or SimpleFT8?

FT Ham ships an update every 5 days, and SimpleFT8 every 3 days. Most recently, FT Ham was updated on September 16, 2026 and SimpleFT8 on September 21, 2026.

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