# PhosphorSSTV vs SimpleFT8

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SimpleFT8 at 100% against PhosphorSSTV's 0%. SimpleFT8 also leads on price (Free vs $0.99) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 months). PhosphorSSTV's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

SimpleFT8 is free to download; PhosphorSSTV costs $0.99 up front. SimpleFT8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PhosphorSSTV asks for nothing beyond the download.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | PhosphorSSTV | SimpleFT8 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 3 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stuart Woolley](https://appshunter.io/developer/315697638) | [Jeroen Rombouts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863358112) |

## What reviewers say

### PhosphorSSTV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phosphorsstv/id6761005542)

Decode Slow Scan Television (SSTV) signals in real time using your iPhone's microphone. This app transforms audio tones into images, recreating the retro aesthetic of vintage monitors. It supports ten SSTV modes and offers advanced signal analysis tools.

**Highlights:** Real-time SSTV signal decoding, Supports ten SSTV modes, Authentic CRT display aesthetic, Live FFT spectrum analysis, Automatic VIS code detection, Image logging with metadata

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 PhosphorSSTV free?

PhosphorSSTV costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SimpleFT8 free?

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

### Do PhosphorSSTV or SimpleFT8 have ads?

Neither PhosphorSSTV nor SimpleFT8 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PhosphorSSTV or SimpleFT8?

PhosphorSSTV ships an update every 5 months, and SimpleFT8 every 3 days. Most recently, PhosphorSSTV was updated on September 5, 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.*