Clear vs irBoard Player
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Clear
This app functions as a virtual intercom control panel, allowing users to communicate over IP networks. It offers features like point-to-point and group calling, partyline communication, and encrypted audio, replicating the experience of traditional intercom systems.
- Virtual intercom control panel
- Point-to-Point calling
- Point-to-Multipoint group calling
- Partyline and IFB communications
- Push-to-talk functionality
- Encrypted audio communication
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Clear-Com’s Agent-IC mobile app is designed for use with Clear-Com’s intercom systems such as the Eclipse HX Matrix Intercom, Encore Analog Partyline Intercom, and HelixNet Digital Network Partyline System. The virtual intercom control panel operates on all iPhone and iPads and connects from anywhere in the world over 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi/IP networks. Agent-IC delivers the same user experience as traditional intercom key panels. Even on the mobile device, the app is fully featured with Point-to-Point calling, Point-to-Multipoint group calling, Partyline, IFB communications with logic triggering, PTT (Push-to-talk), local cross-point audio level control, and notifications. All communication is encrypted to AES. AGENT-IC HOSTED BY ECLIPSE HX Agent-IC needs the Eclipse HX matrix intercom with virtual panel licenses enabled for operation. Accessing the app requires proper authorization and system pre-configuration from the organization’s system administrator using EHX. Once authentication is complete, authorized users can connect to their host Eclipse HX on iPhone or iPad as long as they are connected over any 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi/IP network. Agent-IC installation is simple. Download and install the app on the mobile device. Enter the passcode provided within EHX and authentication will begin. A unique and secure connection will be established between the device and the host Eclipse HX intercom system. Once verified, the user is ready to communicate with any traditional, IP and Agent-IC users on the host Eclipse HX network. AGENT-IC HOSTED BY LQ IP INTERFACES Alternatively, Agent-IC can directly connect to LQ IP interface devices in order to link to any one of Clear-Com’s partyline systems. By doing so, Partyline users can speak directly to a remote contributor user on Agent-IC. Accessing the app requires proper authorization and system pre-configuration via the LQ Core Configuration Manager (CCM). Once authentication is complete, authorized users can connect to their host Partyline system on an iPhone or iPad as long as they are connected over any 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi/IP network. Agent-IC installation is simple. Download and install the app on the mobile device. Enter the passcode provided within CCM and authentication will begin. A unique and secure connection will be established between the device and the host Partyline intercom system. Once verified, the user is ready to communicate with any traditional intercom user on the Clear-Com network.
irBoard Player
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Using irBoard Player, you can conveniently monitor the status and operation of FA equipment and IoT devices through an iPad or any other iOS device. The control device known as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) has communication protocols. irBoard Player communicates with PLCs via its protocol. Additionally, it has the capability to communicate effectively with IoT devices, specifically the ESP32 device at present. For creating project data, you need to use the paid version of irBoard or purchase an In-app-purcahse item of irBoard Lite. FEATURE: - You can conveniently monitor the status and operation of FA equipment and IoT devices. - Although the FA equipment has fixed touch panels installed, the irBoard Player on iOS devices offers superior portability. - It is possible to remotely check the status of a device in PLCs. - To ensure safety, manipulating connected PLC devices is only allowed on a single iOS device. - By switching projects, you can easily connect to multiple FA machines using just one iOS device. - irBoard Player supports the following PLCs via Ethernet connection: MITSUBISHI Electric, KEYENCE, OMRON, and YOKOGAWA Electric, and support Modbus/TCP. - It can also connect to an open-source PLC LadderDrive running on Raspberry Pi. (https://github.com/ito-soft-design/ladder_drive) - The irBoard Library for ESP32 library supports ESP32 devices.(https://github.com/ito-soft-design/irboard_esp32) - The irBoard.NET library supports Windows .NET applications.(https://github.com/ito-soft-design/irboard-dotnet) - Using the LadderDrive protocol, allows for communication with IoT devices such as ESP32 without any difficulty. ===================================== --- Notes --- With irBoard Player, you have the ability to turn devices on and off. If you require the interlocking of PLC-controlled devices, it is necessary to configure this on the PLC. To ensure safety, we suggest setting the status of such devices to read-only. You can monitor the health status to determine if the connection is stable. If the connection is lost, it’s important to take precautionary measures when operating your PLC. =====================================
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Clear at Free against irBoard Player's $229.99. On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases 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
Clear is free to download; irBoard Player costs $229.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Clear ships an update every 2 months, irBoard Player every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and August 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Clear | irBoard Player |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $229.99 |
| Rating | 2.7 (18 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 42.1% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 18 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 58 MB | 40 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Clear-Com Research inc. | ITO SOFT DESIGN Inc. |
In-app purchases
Clear
No in-app purchases
irBoard Player
No in-app purchases









