Comparison

APRS Tracker Digi iGate vs Beacon 73

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

Head to head
About

APRS Tracker Digi iGate

Features
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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.

About

Beacon 73

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Beacon 73 makes sending your APRS position simple. Just open the app and start. SIMPLE BEACONING โ€ข Start or stop auto-beaconing from a clear, focused dashboard โ€ข Send your position immediately whenever you choose โ€ข 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 โ€ข See nearby APRS station callsigns, icons, and status โ€ข View your current position and recent location track โ€ข 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

APRS Tracker Digi iGate4 screens
Beacon 734 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: APRS Tracker Digi iGate at none against Beacon 73's 3. APRS Tracker Digi iGate also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 days). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Beacon 73 sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. APRS Tracker Digi iGate asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

APRS Tracker Digi iGate ships an update every 2 days, Beacon 73 every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 4 level
APRS Tracker Digi iGate versus Beacon 73: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAPRS Tracker Digi iGateBeacon 73
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 days โ€” betterEvery 6 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo โ€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.617.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size4 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRicardo Aurelio SecoDAVID BRET SANDERS

In-app purchases

None

APRS Tracker Digi iGate

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Beacon 73

One-time3
  • Buy me a coffee โ˜•$1.99
  • Buy Me a Burrito ๐ŸŒฏ$4.99
  • Fund My Next Bad Idea ๐Ÿš€$9.99

Questions

Is APRS Tracker Digi iGate free?
APRS Tracker Digi iGate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Beacon 73 free?
Beacon 73 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do APRS Tracker Digi iGate or Beacon 73 have ads?
Neither APRS Tracker Digi iGate nor Beacon 73 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, APRS Tracker Digi iGate or Beacon 73?
APRS Tracker Digi iGate ships an update every 2 days, and Beacon 73 every 6 days. Most recently, APRS Tracker Digi iGate was updated on October 25, 2026 and Beacon 73 on October 26, 2026.

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