Comparison

PommeCore vs HamsterDB

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

Head to head
About

PommeCore

This app enables decentralized, off-grid messaging and communication using LoRa radio technology. It allows direct device-to-device messaging, group chats, and a mesh map to visualize contacts and link quality, all without requiring internet or cell service.

Highlights
  • Decentralized off-grid messaging
  • Real-time delivery tracking
  • Group and channel messaging
  • Contact organization and management
  • Interactive mesh map with link quality
  • LoRa radio configuration and tools
  • Over-the-air firmware updates
Features
Read full description

PommeCore is the full-featured companion app for MeshCore LoRa mesh radios — a decentralized, off-grid messaging network that works without internet, cell towers, or servers. Everything runs over long-range LoRa radio, directly between devices. MESSAGING Send and receive direct messages with real-time delivery tracking (Sending → Sent → Delivered, with round-trip time). Channel (group) messages broadcast to everyone on the mesh. Reactions and quoted replies are interoperable with MeshCore One. Undelivered messages retry automatically, then flood the mesh. CONTACTS & CHANNELS Organise contacts with favourites, nicknames, notes, and groups. Mute or block individuals. Each group and channel has its own notification mode and sound. Export and import contacts via QR code or meshcore:// URLs. MESH MAP See all contacts with GPS on an interactive map. Tap a pin to open that contact's chat. Enable position trails for movement history. The link quality overlay draws colour-coded lines (SNR) to contacts in range. RADIO SETTINGS & TOOLS Configure frequency, spreading factor, bandwidth, coding rate, and TX power from the app. Radio Stats, RF Monitor with Packet Log, Line of Sight analysis, Radio Calculator, Airtime Calculator, and Frequency Scanner are all included. BACKUP & UPDATES Export your radio configuration as a .meshprofile file. Firmware update checker alerts you when a new release is available. Over-the-air ESP32 firmware updates via WiFi. REMOTE MANAGEMENT Administer repeaters and room servers over the mesh — change names, frequencies, routing scope, and advert intervals without physical access. WIDGETS & WATCH Home screen and lock screen widgets show connection status, battery, and unread count. The watchOS companion lets you read and reply to DMs and channel messages from your wrist. iPHONE, iPAD & MAC One app runs natively on iPhone, iPad, and macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel). Connects via Bluetooth LE, WiFi, or USB serial on Mac. LANGUAGES English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Czech, Polish, Ukrainian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese. ACCESSIBILITY VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, Differentiate Without Color Alone, Dark Mode, Voice Control. PRIVACY No account required. No servers. No data collection. All communication is peer-to-peer over LoRa radio. iCloud sync for nicknames, notes, groups, and settings uses your private iCloud account. HARDWARE REQUIRED A MeshCore-compatible LoRa radio running Companion firmware is required. Recommended: Compatible Mesh radio with latest MeshCore Companion firmware IN-APP PURCHASES Tip Jar ($0.99–$9.99) — voluntary support, no functional gating. PommeCore for Apple Watch ($1.99, one-time) — unlocks the watch companion app. All other features are free.

About

HamsterDB

Features
Read full description

HamsterDB is the ultimate private database for amateur radio operators on iPhone. Keep track of every Ham Radio station you’ve worked and every contact you’ve made — all stored securely on your device with zero data sharing. Add a new station and HamsterDB instantly queries HamCall.net to auto-fill the operator’s name, location, and license class. Need the email address that HamCall doesn’t provide? Simply look it up on QRZ.com, copy the details, and paste into the QRZ field — HamsterDB intelligently maps everything into the right places. Once your stations are in the database you can view them instantly sorted by Call Sign, Name, or Date Created, in ascending or descending order. Export the entire database to a clean JSON file for backup or sharing with other hams. Import works just as easily, so clubs and friends can exchange logs in seconds. All data lives locally in SwiftData on your iPhone. There are no accounts, no cloud sync, no analytics, and no third-party data collection — your logbook stays completely private. Key Features • Automatic HamCall.net callsign lookup • QRZ.com paste-in support (captures email & extra fields) • Sort & filter by Call Sign, Name, or creation date • Ascending / descending order control • Full JSON export & import for easy sharing • Built-in comprehensive help system (CTHelp) • Beautiful, intuitive iPhone-native interface • Works offline after initial lookups Whether you chase DX, contest, ragchew, or just like keeping an accurate station log, HamsterDB turns your iPhone into a powerful, portable, private Ham Radio database. Privacy is built in from the ground up — your contacts and station data never leave your device. Download HamsterDB today and take control of your amateur radio logbook.

Screenshots

PommeCore4 screens
HamsterDB3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HamsterDB at none against PommeCore's 5. PommeCore's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PommeCore sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. HamsterDB asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PommeCore ships an update every 2 weeks, HamsterDB every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PommeCore versus HamsterDB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPommeCoreHamsterDB
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.018.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael BedworthGale Wolfenbarger

In-app purchases

5 purchases

PommeCore

One-time5
  • Decent Try!$0.99
  • Watch Companion$1.99
  • Nice App!$2.99
Show 2 more
  • Great Job!$4.99
  • I Want to Help!$9.99
None

HamsterDB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PommeCore free?
PommeCore is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HamsterDB free?
HamsterDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do PommeCore or HamsterDB have ads?
Neither PommeCore nor HamsterDB shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PommeCore or HamsterDB?
PommeCore ships an update every 2 weeks, and HamsterDB every 2 months. Most recently, PommeCore was updated on October 5, 2026 and HamsterDB on October 7, 2026.

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