# A Complex Calc vs Light Meter LM

The clearest difference is review sentiment: A Complex Calc at 80% against Light Meter LM's 40%. A Complex Calc also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). Light Meter LM's advantage is ratings volume (2.6K vs 23). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Light Meter LM sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 per month. A Complex Calc asks for nothing beyond the download.

A Complex Calc holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Light Meter LM has 2.6K ratings behind it against 23, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of A Complex Calc's written reviews are positive against 40% of Light Meter LM's.

A Complex Calc ships an update every 3 weeks, Light Meter LM monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 28, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | A Complex Calc | Light Meter LM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-complex-calc/id1372571548/reviews)** | [4.5 (2.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-meter-lm-3000/id1554264761/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 23 | **2.6K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 40.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Antonio Ruffolo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1372571547) | [Lightray Innovation GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1031383431) |

## What reviewers say

### A Complex Calc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-complex-calc/id1372571548)

Perform complex calculations with a modern, user-friendly interface. Offers both basic and scientific modes, including support for complex numbers and advanced functions. This lightweight application provides a history of computations and is completely free with no advertisements.

**Highlights:** Complex number support, Basic and Scientific modes, History of operations, Trigonometric and hyperbolic functions, Random number generation, Lightweight app size

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Light Meter LM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-meter-lm-3000/id1554264761)

Transform your smartphone into a professional light meter. Measure illuminance and color temperature with scientifically validated accuracy, trusted by professionals. Requires a simple diffuser for precise readings.

**Highlights:** Measure illuminance (lux/foot-candle), Measure color temperature (Kelvin), Industry-leading accuracy, Pre-calibrated for your device, Low light sensitivity, Save peak reading, Custom calibration option

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Continuous Charging | $3.49 | per month |
| Single Charge | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Battery | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app
- 👍 Accurate measurements
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Helpful customer service
- 👍 Useful for science/research

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Requires diffuser for accurate readings
- 💰 Expensive for a light meter app
- 🔋 Battery/trial period issues
- 🔍 Inconsistent/inaccurate readings
- 🙄 Misleading/deceptive marketing

**Reported bugs**

- Diffuser not recognized even when used
- App locks up/crashes
- Constant diffuser pop-up interruptions

**Requested features**

- Ability to use rear camera
- More flexible diffuser options
- Improved accuracy without diffuser


## Frequently asked questions

### Is A Complex Calc free?

A Complex Calc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Light Meter LM free?

Light Meter LM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, A Complex Calc or Light Meter LM?

A Complex Calc is rated higher. A Complex Calc averages 4.7 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while Light Meter LM averages 4.5 from 2.6K ratings.

### Do A Complex Calc or Light Meter LM have ads?

Neither A Complex Calc nor Light Meter LM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, A Complex Calc or Light Meter LM?

A Complex Calc ships an update every 3 weeks, and Light Meter LM monthly. Most recently, A Complex Calc was updated on August 28, 2026 and Light Meter LM on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*