PacketMessage vs Wave73
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PacketMessage
This app enables licensed amateur radio operators to send reliable messages directly over RF using their radio and a compatible TNC interface. It leverages advanced error correction protocols for robust communication in a decentralized network.
- FX.25 forward error correction
- AX.25 bit-flip error correction
- Software TNC or KISS TNC interface support
- Direct RF message transmission
- Decentralized communication
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PacketMessage fully supports FX.25 forward error correction and AX.25 bit-flip error correction. Send reliable messages over software TNC or KISS TNC interfaces. Decentralized solution, messages travel directly over RF via your radio. PacketMessage is intended to be used by licensed amateur radio operators. A valid amateur radio license, assigned callsign, and a compatible radio are required to send and receive messages. This app does not function as a standalone messenger.
Wave73
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Wave73 is designed for amateur radio operators who want to connect beyond the airwaves. Instead of guessing who might be nearby, Wave73 lets you check in at a location and instantly see other hams around you. With Wave73 you can: • Check in and become visible to nearby operators • See who is currently at the same location • Call CQ to signal you’re available • Send a Wave with an optional note to coordinate a quick meet Whether you’re at a hamfest, a coffee shop, an airport, or traveling, Wave73 helps you turn proximity into real connections. Simple. Immediate. Built for hams.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Wave73 at none against PacketMessage's 3. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. PacketMessage sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Wave73 asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | PacketMessage | Wave73 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Lukasz Skierkowski | Santiago Mejia |
In-app purchases
PacketMessage
- Small Tip$1.99
- Medium Tip$4.99
- Large Tip$9.99
Wave73
No in-app purchases
