SimpleCW vs HamThings PTT
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SimpleCW
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Read Morse and digital-mode signals from audio with SimpleCW (formerly HamChat). Tune one receiver, watch the waterfall, and follow decoded text in the transcript. CW includes automatic tone acquisition or manual tuning, Otsu and Bayesian decoders, a live keying trace, speed estimates, and input-level feedback. An optional on-device ML CW decoder is included with Premium Modes Unlock on iOS 18 or later and macOS 15 or later. Decoder results depend on signal quality and sending style; Otsu is the default. Receive CW, PSK31/63, MFSK, Olivia, and RTTY. Classical receive in every mode and CW transmit remain free. A three-minute trial lets you try other transmit modes. The existing one-time Premium Modes Unlock purchase adds unlimited digital-mode transmit and the optional ML CW decoder. Use the microphone or a compatible audio interface. On Mac, System Audio can receive audio from other software with the appropriate system permission. Audio processing stays on the device. Copy or share the resulting transcript.
HamThings PTT
Connect your ham radio to your iPhone for internet-based communication on DMR digital networks and analog SvxLink reflectors. Enjoy real-time push-to-talk, group and private calls, and DMR text messaging. A free trial is available before subscription.
- Real-time push-to-talk over IP
- DMR digital network support
- SvxLink analog reflector support
- DMR text messaging
- Background wake-up for calls
- Last Heard tracking
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HamThings PTT brings your ham radio to your iPhone. Connect over the Internet and talk on DMR digital networks and analog SvxLink reflectors, wherever you are. For licensed radio amateurs. Multi-network: HamThings, BrandMeister and other IP servers, plus SvxLink reflectors. Features: Real-time push-to-talk over IP DMR: dual slot (TS1/TS2), group and private calls SvxLink: analog reflectors Real-time Last Heard DMR text messaging Local or remote audio (transcoder) — your choice Background wake-up so you never miss a call Clean, fast interface A free trial starts automatically the first time you open the app, so you can try everything. After the trial, all features (DMR and SvxLink) require an active subscription. HamThings PTT is an independent project, made by hams for hams. A valid amateur radio license is required to transmit. Subscription details: HamThings PTT is an annual auto-renewing subscription. Payment will be charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel it at any time in your Apple Account settings. Privacy policy: https://hamthings.it/privacy.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: HamThings PTT at every 2 days against SimpleCW's every 5 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. SimpleCW sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and HamThings PTT sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $8.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
SimpleCW ships an update every 5 weeks, HamThings PTT every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SimpleCW | HamThings PTT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 3.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 14 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jeroen Rombouts | Giacomo De Angelis |
In-app purchases
SimpleCW
- Premium Modes Unlock$2.99
HamThings PTT
- HamThings PTT (yearly)$8.991 Year
