Comparison

RF calculator & Smith Chart vs Horizontal PCB

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

Head to head
About

RF calculator & Smith Chart

Features
Read full description

RF Calculator & Smith Chart is an all-in-one RF engineering toolkit for impedance matching, RF network analysis, antenna calculations, filters, attenuators and wireless system design. Built for RF engineers, electronics engineers, students, technicians and radio enthusiasts, it brings essential RF calculations and design tools together in one convenient app. Analyze impedance, work with Smith Charts, calculate VSWR and S11, design matching networks, estimate path loss, build RF attenuators and evaluate wireless links without jumping between multiple tools. RF & IMPEDANCE TOOLS • Smith Chart for impedance visualization and matching • S11 and reflection analysis • Reflection coefficient calculator • VSWR calculator • Impedance and transmission-line calculations • Cascaded RF network calculations IMPEDANCE MATCHING Design and analyze common RF matching networks: • L matching networks • Pi (π) matching networks • T matching networks • Stub tuner calculations Useful for antenna matching, RF amplifiers, transmission lines and other impedance-matching applications. RF FILTER DESIGN Calculate and design common passive and RF filters: • RC filters • RL filters • RLC networks • Butterworth LC low-pass filters • Chebyshev LC low-pass filters • Filter designs up to 8th order • Microstrip band-pass filters • Microstrip band-reject / notch filters RLC CIRCUITS Analyze frequency-dependent RLC networks: • Series RLC circuits • Parallel RLC circuits • Resonant frequency calculations • Frequency behavior and reactance RF ATTENUATOR DESIGN Quickly calculate standard RF attenuator networks: • Pi (π) attenuator • T attenuator • Bridged-T attenuator Ideal for RF signal-level control, impedance-matched pads and test setups. ANTENNA & PROPAGATION TOOLS Plan and evaluate RF and wireless systems with: • Antenna design utilities • Free-space path loss calculations • Friis transmission calculations • RF link budget calculator • Power density calculator • Radar maximum-range calculator COMPONENT DESIGN & REFERENCE Useful electronics tools are also included for RF design and prototyping: • Air-core inductor design • Spiral inductor design • Multi-layer air-core inductor calculations • SMD resistor code • Resistor color code • Resistors in series and parallel • SMD capacitor code • Capacitors in series and parallel BUILT FOR PRACTICAL RF WORK RF Calculator & Smith Chart is designed for quick engineering workflows. Select a tool, enter your parameters and get the values you need without working through repetitive equations manually. Use it for: • RF circuit design • Impedance matching • Antenna projects • Wireless link planning • Filter design • RF testing and troubleshooting • Electronics laboratories • Engineering study and coursework • Amateur radio and RF experimentation Whether you're checking VSWR, designing an impedance-matching network, calculating a link budget or experimenting with RF filters, RF Calculator & Smith Chart keeps essential RF engineering tools within easy reach.

About

Horizontal PCB

Features
Read full description

Read the hprj PCB design format. Export to Gerber, DXF, PDF, etc.

Screenshots

RF calculator & Smith Chart4 screens
Horizontal PCB3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Horizontal PCB at none against RF calculator & Smith Chart's 1. Horizontal PCB also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 4 months). RF calculator & Smith Chart's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). 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. RF calculator & Smith Chart sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Horizontal PCB asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RF calculator & Smith Chart ships an update every 4 months, Horizontal PCB every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
RF calculator & Smith Chart versus Horizontal PCB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRF calculator & Smith ChartHorizontal PCB
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAnas AbubakarTwarge LLC

In-app purchases

1 purchases

RF calculator & Smith Chart

One-time1
  • upgrade to pro$3.99
None

Horizontal PCB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RF calculator & Smith Chart free?
RF calculator & Smith Chart is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Horizontal PCB free?
Horizontal PCB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do RF calculator & Smith Chart or Horizontal PCB have ads?
Neither RF calculator & Smith Chart nor Horizontal PCB shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RF calculator & Smith Chart or Horizontal PCB?
RF calculator & Smith Chart ships an update every 4 months, and Horizontal PCB every 10 days. Most recently, RF calculator & Smith Chart was updated on October 22, 2026 and Horizontal PCB on October 31, 2026.

Other comparisons