Comparison

aprs.fi vs iTAK

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

Head to head
About

aprs.fi

Access real-time APRS position data, weather reports, and telemetry graphs globally. Offers route guidance, station tracking, and map filtering. Some advanced features require an in-app subscription.

Highlights
  • Real-time APRS position data
  • Route guidance and driving directions
  • Search callsigns and addresses
  • Track multiple stations
  • Filter map information
  • View weather and telemetry graphs
  • Beacon your position
Features
Read full description

An additional in-app subscription is needed for some features, so please read this application description fully before purchasing. Navigate to addresses with clear step-by-step instructions. Obtain immediate, real-time access to current APRS position information, weather reports, telemetry graphs, and more. Zoom and browse around the world and see stations immediately – no waiting. • Route guidance / driving directions • Search callsigns and addresses, with quick search-as-you-type and search history features • Track multiple stations at the same time • Filter information shown on the map (weather stations, AIS, custom filters) • View weather, telemetry and statistic graphs • Beacon your position on aprs.fi • Attach to a transceiver with a wireless connection to a BLE TNC, receive and transmit position beacons without the Internet • Runs directly on top of the reliable and fast aprs.fi database • Tested to work great on all currently-supported iPhone and iPad models • Supports iOS 14/15/16/17/18/26 • Dark Mode support for an ergonomic viewing experience in low-light environments • High-resolution graphics for Retina and Retina HD displays with full APRS symbol set Buy the app – get the web site for free! Some new features require a subscription. All old and some new features will be available without a subscription fee. These features are currently included in the Extra Features subscription package: • APRS text messaging with a modern instant messenger-like experience, supports international text and emojis • High-performance software DSP modem • APRS-IS beaconing, with up to 10 callsign profiles • Offline maps • RX iGate functionality • Long time ranges in map and graph views Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. GPS is not required for viewing APRS information. Terms of service: https://aprs.fi/page/app_terms Privacy policy: https://aprs.fi/page/app_privacy

About

iTAK

This app provides real-time collaborative mapping and team tracking. Share locations, sensor data, videos, and chat with your team. Supports online and offline mapping with various data formats.

Highlights
  • Real-time team tracking
  • Collaborative mapping
  • Online and offline mapping
  • KML/KMZ/GeoPDF overlay import
  • Chat and file sharing
  • Live video streaming
  • Navigation tools
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

**Compatible with ALL TAK ecosystem (TAK server, WinTAK, ATAK, WebTAK)** The Team Awareness Kit (TAK) (known as the Tactical Assault Kit in the Department of Defense) application: iTAK is a collaborative geospatial application to see your teams’ locations, sensor information, videos, chat, and more in real-time. iTAK supports Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial sector standards for icons, sensor information, and communication. Data can be pre-loaded into iTAK or downloaded from the network (via TAK Server) when available. iTAK capabilities include: • Online and offline mapping (most standard formats), download the maps right in the app • Blue force / team tracking (BFT) • Collaborative mapping, including points, drawings, locations of interest • Import and display of KML, KMZ, GeoPDF overlays • Location marking, sharing, with photo tagging • Chat, file sharing, photo sharing • Live video streaming with the ability to share video links • Spotted map to mark and share multiple locations across your map • Digital pointer to rapidly mark and share items on the map with your team • Navigation-walking/hiking, driving, also useful flying and air-ground coordination • Center on self or other objects (e.g. another person in the network) • Range, bearing measurement tools • Team Emergency Beacons • Customizable toolbar • 3D perspective • All data is secured and fully compatibility with the TAK ecosystem (ATAK, TAK Server, WinTAK) • Useful for law enforcement, first responders, hunting, fishing, ornithology, wildlife site survey System Requirements Operating System: iOS version 17 and later.

Screenshots

aprs.fi4 screens
iTAK4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: iTAK at Free against aprs.fi's $6.99. iTAK also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3). aprs.fi's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.6) and review sentiment (70% vs 41%). On update cadence, ads and device support 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

iTAK is free to download; aprs.fi costs $6.99 up front. aprs.fi sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. iTAK asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

aprs.fi holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: aprs.fi has 1.1K ratings behind it against 155, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of aprs.fi's written reviews are positive against 41% of iTAK's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, iTAK every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
aprs.fi versus iTAK: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameteraprs.fiiTAK
Price$6.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (1.1K ratings) — better3.6 (155 ratings)
Positive reviews70.4% of reviews — better41.4% of reviews
Number of ratings1.1K — better155
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#11 — better#206
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB276 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGainIOUnited States Department of the Army, TAK Product Center

Customer experience

aprs.fi

All ratings1,133 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral2.2%
Negative4.9%
Written reviews223 reviews
Positive70.4%
Neutral11.2%
Negative18.4%

iTAK

All ratings155 ratings
Positive56.8%
Neutral19.4%
Negative23.9%
Written reviews99 reviews
Positive41.4%
Neutral28.3%
Negative30.3%

User reviews

aprs.fi

From 1.1K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Solid product
  • 👍 Works great with external hardware
  • 💡 Useful for public service events
  • 🚀 Reliable way to participate in APRS network
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Beaconing issues (inconsistent timing, lack of smart beaconing)
  • 🔒 Messaging requires subscription
  • 💰 Expensive for limited functionality
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 🔒 Subscription required for full features

iTAK

From 155 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
  • 🚀 Smooth performance when functioning properly
  • 📍 Real-time location tracking works well
  • 🔄 Good core TAK server connectivity
  • 📦 Convenient data package sharing

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
  • ❌ Significantly fewer features than ATAK Android version
  • 🔌 Poor compatibility with ATAK ecosystem
  • 🔋 Excessive battery drain
  • 🗺️ Limited map options (Apple Maps only, outdated imagery)

Bugs and requests

aprs.fi

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Beacon not clickable
  • Freezing on settings screen
  • Incompatible with older iOS versions
  • Inconsistent behavior with VOX on radios

Requested features

6 requests
  • Offline maps support
  • Ability to change nickname without creating new account
  • Smart beaconing mode
  • Bulk message deletion
  • CarPlay support
Show 1 more
  • Automatic location detection

iTAK

Reported bugs

23 issues
  • App crashes when exporting data packages
  • App crashes when uploading files with local data
  • App crashes when importing overlays
  • App crashes when changing map types
  • App crashes when creating missions
Show 18 more
  • App freezes when handling large numbers of objects (15+)
  • Indoor mapping causes app shutdown
  • Markers disappear on app reopening
  • Markers don't sync deletion status with ATAK users
  • HTTP video stream links don't work
  • Mesh network mode not functioning properly
  • Settings reset to defaults on restart
  • Toolbar disappears randomly
  • Notification badges don't clear properly
  • Unable to rename points of interest
  • Duplicate server entries appear
  • Unexpected shutdowns and crashes
  • Connection failures to TAK servers
  • Message notifications not appearing on iPhone
  • App won't launch after deletion/reinstallation
  • Data Sync broken in version 2.10.1
  • Overlay import causes instant crash
  • Markers become invisible with ArcGIS updates

Requested features

23 requests
  • Meshtastic and LoRa device support
  • GRG (Grid Reference Graphic) functionality
  • Mesh network integration (GoTenna, Beartooth)
  • Plugin support system
  • Google Maps or alternative map providers
Show 18 more
  • Offline map download capability
  • Angular measurement unit conversion (degrees to mil)
  • Nautical miles unit of measurement
  • Video stream support (HTTP/RTSP)
  • CASEVAC calling functionality
  • Polar plot tool
  • Data package import from Android ATAK
  • Bluetooth radio integration
  • Apple Watch companion app
  • Ability to edit and delete toolbar items
  • True/Magnetic bearing distinction
  • Point dragging and repositioning
  • Contact/team management system
  • Mission creation and editing
  • Windows TAK Server version
  • Improved notification system
  • Chinese language support
  • Better documentation and tutorials

In-app purchases

3 purchases

aprs.fi

Subscriptions3
  • Extra features, monthly$1.991 Month
  • Extra features, yearly7 Days trial$6.491 Year
  • Extra features, fair trade7 Days trial$13.491 Year
None

iTAK

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is aprs.fi free?
aprs.fi costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is iTAK free?
iTAK is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, aprs.fi or iTAK?
aprs.fi is rated higher. aprs.fi averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while iTAK averages 3.6 from 155 ratings.
Do aprs.fi or iTAK have ads?
Neither aprs.fi nor iTAK shows ads.
Which is updated more often, aprs.fi or iTAK?
aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, and iTAK every 3 weeks. Most recently, aprs.fi was updated on September 25, 2026 and iTAK on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, aprs.fi or iTAK?
aprs.fi currently peaks at #11 in the App Store charts, and iTAK at #206. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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