Comparison

Handi vs APRS Tracker Digi iGate

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

Head to head
About

Handi

This app serves as a central hub for amateur radio operators, enabling them to connect their transceivers to mobile devices. It facilitates radio programming, messaging, mapping, and packet-radio communications.

Highlights
  • Radio channel management
  • APRS messaging
  • Winlink email
  • Packet terminal
  • Interactive map
  • File exchange
Features
Read full description

HTCommander is a comprehensive companion for amateur radio operators using EchoLink or supported Bluetooth-enabled transceivers. Connect your radio to your iPhone or iPad and manage programming, messaging, mapping, and packet-radio communications from one application. KEY FEATURES - Configure, organize, import, and export radio channels - Send and receive APRS messages - Inspect packet details and select APRS routing paths - Request weather reports and use supported APRS services - Display APRS stations and position reports on an interactive map - Compose, send, and receive Winlink email with attachments - Communicate through the packet terminal - Operate a built-in bulletin board system - Capture and decode received packets - Manage APRS, Winlink, and terminal contacts - Use supported radio GPS information - Exchange files over compatible packet-radio links SUPPORTED RADIOS HTCommander supports selected models from BTECH, Radioddity, Vero, and Radtel, including the UV-Pro, UV-50Pro, GA-5WB, DB50-B Mini, VR-N75, VR-N76, VR-N7500, VR-N7600, and RT-660. An amateur radio license is required to transmit. Operators are responsible for following local regulations, band plans, and licensing requirements.

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

Handi4 screens
APRS Tracker Digi iGate4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Handi at 4 against APRS Tracker Digi iGate's 2. Handi also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Handi versus APRS Tracker Digi iGate: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHandiAPRS Tracker Digi iGate
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 daysEvery 2 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size62 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYlian Saint-HilaireRicardo Aurelio Seco

In-app purchases

None

Handi

No in-app purchases

None

APRS Tracker Digi iGate

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Handi free?
Handi 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 Handi or APRS Tracker Digi iGate have ads?
Neither Handi nor APRS Tracker Digi iGate shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Handi or APRS Tracker Digi iGate?
Handi ships an update every 2 days, and APRS Tracker Digi iGate every 2 days. Most recently, Handi was updated on October 24, 2026 and APRS Tracker Digi iGate on October 25, 2026.

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