# SimpleFT8 vs VibeSDR

The clearest difference is price: SimpleFT8 at Free against VibeSDR's $2.99. SimpleFT8 also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). VibeSDR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

SimpleFT8 is free to download; VibeSDR costs $2.99 up front. SimpleFT8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. VibeSDR asks for nothing beyond the download.

SimpleFT8 ships an update every 3 days, VibeSDR every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleFT8 | VibeSDR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vibesdr/id6786344049/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 6 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jeroen Rombouts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863358112) | [Stuart Carr](https://appshunter.io/developer/6786344051) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### VibeSDR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vibesdr/id6786344049)

This app acts as a versatile receiver client for various software-defined radio servers. It offers advanced display, tuning, and audio features, along with on-device decoders and voice control for a comprehensive radio experience.

**Highlights:** Connects to multiple SDR server protocols, GPU-rendered waterfall and spectrum display, Native background audio playback, On-device decoders for RTTY, NAVTEX, WEFAX, SSTV, Morse, Voice control via Siri, CarPlay and Apple Watch integration, Deep linking for station tuning

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleFT8 free?

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

### Is VibeSDR free?

VibeSDR costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do SimpleFT8 or VibeSDR have ads?

Neither SimpleFT8 nor VibeSDR shows ads.

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

SimpleFT8 ships an update every 3 days, and VibeSDR every 2 weeks. Most recently, SimpleFT8 was updated on September 21, 2026 and VibeSDR on October 6, 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.*