Comparison

SimpleFT8 vs FixCalc

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

Head to head
About

SimpleFT8

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
Read full description

SimpleFT8 is a native macOS and iOS app for FT8 and FT4, the weak-signal digital modes used by amateur radio operators worldwide. WHAT IS FT8? FT8 is a structured digital mode for ham radio. Stations alternate transmitting and receiving in synchronized 15-second slots, exchanging compact messages over a narrow audio bandwidth. The mode decodes successfully at signal levels well below the noise floor — operators routinely make contacts on a watt or two of power with stations on the other side of the planet. SimpleFT8 puts a real digital station in your pocket. Decode signals using your device's microphone or a USB audio interface and send replies in the next slot. The manual station and local logbook work without an account. WHAT YOU GET • Live decode table per 15-second FT8 or 7.5-second FT4 slot • Slot-aligned transmitter with a structured QSO composer (CQ / reply / report / RR73 / 73) • Tap any decode to start a QSO — the state machine handles the rest of the handshake • Built-in waterfall display with tap-to-set TX frequency • Local QSO logbook with search, editing, ADIF import/export, and complete native backup/restore • Map of stations you've decoded with their Maidenhead grids SIMPLEFT8 FREE Free includes unlimited FT8/FT4 receive, waterfall and decode history; microphone and USB audio; manual CQ, reply and complete QSO exchanges; all TX safety controls; local logging and full portable ADIF import/export; and the basic community map. SIMPLEFT8 PRO — ONE-TIME LIFETIME UNLOCK Pro adds automatic replies, custom-message looping, CAT/PTT rig control, macOS System Audio capture, autonomous band hopping, advanced export scopes, direct QRZ Logbook transfer, and private iCloud log sync. No subscription. Customers who bought SimpleFT8 before it became Free receive Pro automatically. PSK REPORTER + PRESENCE (OPT-IN) If you turn it on in Settings: • Decode reports forwarded to PSK Reporter so you contribute to the global propagation map (rate-limited server-side) • See who heard you in the last 15 minutes, plotted on the map • See other SimpleFT8 operators currently online, on the same map Both toggles are off by default. QRZ transfer and private iCloud log sync are also separately configured and off by default. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • Native Swift/SwiftUI — no Electron, no Qt port. Looks and feels like a Mac/iOS app should. • Pro System Audio capture on macOS via ScreenCaptureKit — decode straight from SDR software, WebSDR, or any audio your machine is playing, without a virtual cable. • Random caller selection rather than first-come — every station in a pile-up has an equal shot at being picked. • Opinionated QSO state machine handles slot parity, role alternation, and protocol step transitions so you don't have to fight the radio. PRIVACY The app is foreground-only on iOS — the mic stops when the app goes to background. macOS keeps audio I/O alive (long FT8 sessions are the norm). Optional community and logbook integrations are clearly opt-in. No analytics, no tracking, no ads, and no subscription. Built by a ham operator for ham operators. 73 de PD3BAL.

About

FixCalc

Features
Read full description

Plan paint, tile, and flooring before a store run. FixCalc turns room measurements, package coverage, waste, and prices into material quantities, package counts, and cost estimates. Use regional units, shopping checkmarks, and text sharing. All calculators and full results remain free. Save up to three estimates in one project and edit their existing details for free. Moving an estimate into a second project requires Pro. Introducing FixCalc Pro Lifetime: unlock unlimited projects and saved estimates plus shopping-list PDF export with one purchase, no subscription. Keep using the Apple Watch calculator for free. Project data stays on your device. FixCalc uses aggregate analytics with no cross-app tracking. No account or ads. Restore Purchases is available in the Pro screen. Eligible early adopters keep Pro access.

Screenshots

SimpleFT83 screens
FixCalc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FixCalc at none against SimpleFT8's 1. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. SimpleFT8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FixCalc asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimpleFT8 ships an update every 3 days, FixCalc every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 7 level
SimpleFT8 versus FixCalc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimpleFT8FixCalc
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 4 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJeroen RomboutsDmitry Alaev

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SimpleFT8

One-time1
  • SimpleFT8 Pro$3.99
None

FixCalc

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SimpleFT8 free?
SimpleFT8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FixCalc free?
FixCalc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SimpleFT8 or FixCalc have ads?
Neither SimpleFT8 nor FixCalc shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SimpleFT8 or FixCalc?
SimpleFT8 ships an update every 3 days, and FixCalc every 4 days. Most recently, SimpleFT8 was updated on September 21, 2026 and FixCalc on September 23, 2026.

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