Comparison

HamsterDB vs KeyUp Radio

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

Head to head
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.

About

KeyUp Radio

This app provides a modern interface for controlling amateur radio nodes. It allows users to discover nodes on their network, manage connections, and monitor real-time status. Designed for ham radio operators, it offers a streamlined experience for node management.

Highlights
  • Auto-discover AllStarLink nodes
  • Connect/disconnect links
  • One-tap presets
  • Real-time RX/TX status
  • Per-node management
  • Face ID protection
Features
Read full description

KeyUp is a fast, modern controller for your AllStarLink amateur-radio nodes — built for hams, by hams. Scan your local Wi-Fi to find your nodes, then connect and disconnect links, fire one-tap presets, watch real-time RX/TX and connected-node status, and manage everything from a clean iPhone and iPad interface. Features: • Auto-discover AllStarLink nodes on your network • Connect / disconnect links, permanent connects, disconnect-all • Five shared presets plus unlimited per-node presets • Live RX/TX and connected-node status • Per-node naming, Face ID protection, password autofill • Designed for ASL3 and HamVoIP nodes over the Asterisk Manager Interface (AMI) Private by design: KeyUp talks directly to your nodes on your local network. No ads, no tracking, no paywall — completely free. KeyUp is not affiliated with AllStarLink, Inc. Amateur radio license required to operate a node. Developed by Brandon Fowler (AE7BF) and Tyler Fowler (W7NTF).

Screenshots

HamsterDB3 screens
KeyUp Radio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: KeyUp Radio at every 3 weeks against HamsterDB's every 2 months. 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HamsterDB ships an update every 2 months, KeyUp Radio every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
HamsterDB versus KeyUp Radio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHamsterDBKeyUp Radio
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGale WolfenbargerBaldGuy LLC

In-app purchases

None

HamsterDB

No in-app purchases

None

KeyUp Radio

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HamsterDB free?
HamsterDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is KeyUp Radio free?
KeyUp Radio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do HamsterDB or KeyUp Radio have ads?
Neither HamsterDB nor KeyUp Radio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HamsterDB or KeyUp Radio?
HamsterDB ships an update every 2 months, and KeyUp Radio every 3 weeks. Most recently, HamsterDB was updated on November 9, 2026 and KeyUp Radio on October 31, 2026.

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