Comparison

HamsterDB vs APRS Tracker Digi iGate

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

Head to head
About

HamsterDB

Features
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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 β€” 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 β€” 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 β€” your logbook stays completely private. Key Features β€’ Automatic HamCall.net callsign lookup β€’ QRZ.com paste-in support (captures email & extra fields) β€’ Sort & filter by Call Sign, Name, or creation date β€’ Ascending / descending order control β€’ Full JSON export & import for easy sharing β€’ Built-in comprehensive help system (CTHelp) β€’ Beautiful, intuitive iPhone-native interface β€’ 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 β€” your contacts and station data never leave your device. Download HamsterDB today and take control of your amateur radio logbook.

About

APRS Tracker Digi iGate

Features
Read full description

Stay visible. Stay connected. This app is a tool for radio amateurs, civil defense volunteer teams, and operators using the APRS protocol in field activities. The app allows you to transmit your position to the APRS-IS network via the internet and also operate directly via radio using AX.25 packets with 1200 AFSK modulation. It can be used for individual tracking, local communication, and supporting the infrastructure of an APRS network. Whether in expeditions, amateur radio events, travel in remote areas, or search and humanitarian aid operations, APRS Tracker provides features to track stations, share points of interest, and expand APRS coverage. KEY FEATURES APRS-IS Tracking Send your GPS coordinates to APRS-IS servers via the device's internet connection. Positions can be tracked on compatible public services, such as aprs.fi. AX.25 / 1200 AFSK RF Mode Transmit and receive APRS packets through the device's audio input and output. With a radio and a compatible audio interface, you can operate via RF even without internet access. APRS Digipeater Use the app as a digital repeater to extend the range of stations in the area. The Digipeater processes paths compatible with New-N rules and includes controls against loops, invalid paths, and duplicate packets. iGate Mode Forward valid packets received via radio to APRS-IS, allowing local stations to be viewed on the worldwide APRS network. Optional internet-to-RF forwarding features packet type selection, radius definition, security filters, and frequency limits. APRS Objects Register important points, such as shelters, support bases, aid posts, repeaters, obstacles, risk areas, or meeting places. Each object can contain a name, coordinates, symbol, and message, with publication via internet and/or RF. Mobile or Fixed Station Use dynamic location while on the move or configure fixed coordinates to operate as a base, iGate, Digipeater, or support station. Symbols and Status Messages Choose the APRS symbol representing your station, vehicle, or activity, and add a message to inform your condition or mission. Communication Monitoring Track sent and received packets in the integrated terminal, along with the status of the APRS-IS connection and RF operation. Automatic Reconnection After temporary internet interruptions, the app attempts to re-establish the connection with the APRS-IS server. USE CASES Tracking during trips, expeditions, and outdoor activities. Monitoring of vehicles and volunteer teams in the field. Support for search, rescue, civil defense, and humanitarian aid operations. Local APRS radio operation in areas without internet. Temporary installation of an iGate or Digipeater to expand coverage. Publishing shelters, bases, risks, and support points as APRS Objects. Technical monitoring of AX.25 packets and APRS-IS communication. SIMPLE AND CONFIGURABLE Enter your amateur radio callsign, Passcode, server, and transmission preferences to begin. RF, Digipeater, and iGate features are disabled by default and only work when enabled by the user. IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS Access to APRS-IS requires an amateur radio callsign and a valid Passcode. RF operation requires a radio and a compatible audio interface. Performance depends on equipment, audio levels, VOX/PTT configuration, and channel conditions. Continuous use of GPS, audio, and background execution may increase battery consumption.

Screenshots

HamsterDB3 screens
APRS Tracker Digi iGate4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: APRS Tracker Digi iGate at every 2 days against HamsterDB's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· 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, APRS Tracker Digi iGate every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
HamsterDB versus APRS Tracker Digi iGate: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHamsterDBAPRS Tracker Digi iGate
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.0 β€” better18.6
Further details β€” not scored
Size7 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGale WolfenbargerRicardo Aurelio Seco

In-app purchases

None

HamsterDB

No in-app purchases

None

APRS Tracker Digi iGate

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HamsterDB free?
HamsterDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is APRS Tracker Digi iGate free?
APRS Tracker Digi iGate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do HamsterDB or APRS Tracker Digi iGate have ads?
Neither HamsterDB nor APRS Tracker Digi iGate shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HamsterDB or APRS Tracker Digi iGate?
HamsterDB ships an update every 2 months, and APRS Tracker Digi iGate every 2 days. Most recently, HamsterDB was updated on November 9, 2026 and APRS Tracker Digi iGate on November 10, 2026.

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