# Photone vs Path Browser

The clearest difference is rating: Photone at 4.6 against Path Browser's 4.1. Photone also leads on review sentiment (54% vs 41%) and ratings volume (5K vs 1K). Path Browser's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Photone sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $5.49 per month. Path Browser asks for nothing beyond the download.

Photone holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5K and 1K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of Photone's written reviews are positive against 41% of Path Browser's.

Photone ships an update every 3 weeks, Path Browser monthly. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Photone | Path Browser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photone-grow-light-meter/id1450079523/reviews)** | [4.1 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/path-browser/id1519521388/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5K** | 1K |
| Positive reviews | **53.8% of reviews** | 40.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 80 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Lightray Innovation GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1031383431) | [PLUGCO, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513116244) |

## What reviewers say

### Photone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photone-grow-light-meter/id1450079523)

This app acts as a professional-grade light meter for plants, measuring PAR, PPFD, DLI, and more using your device's camera. It helps optimize plant lighting by providing accurate readings and in-app guides, with optional advanced features available through purchase.

**Highlights:** Measure PAR, PPFD, DLI, lux, foot-candles, and kelvin, Research-grade accuracy using device camera, Pre-calibrated for specific devices, In-app guides and tools, Light source selection for various grow lights, Hands-free 'read aloud' function

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Photone Pro (Monthly) | $5.49 | per month |
| Photone Pro (Yearly) | $29.49 | per year |
| MH lifetime unlock | $5.49 | one-time |
| HPS (Standard) lifetime unlock | $5.49 | one-time |
| HPS DE lifetime unlock | $5.49 | one-time |
| FL (Daylight) Lifetime Unlock | $5.49 | one-time |
| Sun Lifetime Unlock | $5.49 | one-time |
| LED Full Spec. lifetime unlock | $6.49 | one-time |
| LED (Red / Blue) Lifetime Unlock | $6.49 | one-time |
| LED (Blue / White) Lifetime Unlock | $6.49 | one-time |
| LED (Full Spectrum) Lifetime Unlock | $6.49 | one-time |
| LED (Full Spectrum + Red) Lifetime | $6.49 | one-time |
| Photone Pro Lifetime Unlock | $97.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate readings
- 💡 Helpful for growing plants
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Saves money compared to expensive meters
- 👍 Useful for adjusting lighting

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent readings
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🔒 Requires additional equipment (diffuser) to work properly
- 🐛 Readings not accurate without calibration
- 🔒 Limited functionality in free version

**Reported bugs**

- Readings don't change with proximity
- Diffuser requirement not made clear upfront
- Purchased features not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add calibration feature
- Expand supported light types in free version
- Improve accuracy across different devices
- Provide a one-time purchase option instead of subscription


### Path Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/path-browser/id1519521388)

This web browser offers built-in Bluetooth connectivity, enabling a more integrated and advanced connected experience. It aims to unlock the full potential of your device by enhancing its capabilities.

**Highlights:** Built-in Bluetooth connectivity, Next-generation web browsing, Enhanced device connectivity, Unlock device potential

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great app
- 👍 Awesome device
- 💡 Customization options
- 🚀 Smooth experience
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Glitchy
- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🐛 Buggy
- 🐛 Disconnects constantly

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Firmware update problems
- Inability to save settings
- Pairing problems

**Requested features**

- More light settings
- Improved app stability
- Dedicated app instead of browser
- Better customer support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Photone free?

Photone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Path Browser free?

Path Browser is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Photone or Path Browser?

Photone is rated higher. Photone averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5K ratings, while Path Browser averages 4.1 from 1K ratings.

### Do Photone or Path Browser have ads?

Neither Photone nor Path Browser shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Photone or Path Browser?

Photone ships an update every 3 weeks, and Path Browser monthly. Most recently, Photone was updated on October 29, 2026 and Path Browser on October 29, 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.*