Handi vs Beacon 73
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Radio channel management
- APRS messaging
- Winlink email
- Packet terminal
- Interactive map
- File exchange
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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.
Beacon 73
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Beacon 73 makes sending your APRS position simple. Just open the app and start. SIMPLE BEACONING • Start or stop auto-beaconing from a clear, focused dashboard • Send your position immediately whenever you choose • See when your last beacon was sent and when the next one is due SMART TIMING Choose manual, timed, or movement-aware Smart beaconing. Beacon 73 can adapt beacon timing to your speed and direction. MAP AND TRACK • See nearby APRS station callsigns, icons, and status • View your current position and recent location track • Use a map to see other stations in real-time TRY IT SAFELY Demo Mode uses simulated data, does not request your location, and cannot transmit. Explore the app before entering your callsign. Beacon 73 connects to APRS-IS. Live operation requires a valid amateur radio callsign and APRS-IS passcode. Beacon 73 is not an emergency or safety service.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: Handi at 4 against Beacon 73's 2. Handi also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Handi ships an update every 2 days, Beacon 73 every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Handi | Beacon 73 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 days — better | Every 3 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 62 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ylian Saint-Hilaire | DAVID BRET SANDERS |
In-app purchases
Handi
No in-app purchases
Beacon 73
No in-app purchases









