Comparison

Photone vs PPFD METER

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

Head to head
About

Photone

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
Read full description

Take the guesswork out of plant lighting with Photone, the most accurate plant light meter app. Measure PAR, PPFD, DLI, lux, foot-candles, and color temperature (kelvin) directly with your phone or tablet. To measure light with research-grade accuracy, Photone uses the most precise sensor in your device: the camera. Its unique measurement algorithm works directly with the RAW camera sensor data to capture true light intensity. It rivals professional handheld PAR meters, and goes even further by helping you interpret the numbers with in-app guides, tools, and additional features. MEASUREMENTS ⎷ Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) as PPFD in µmol/m²/s ⎷ Daily Light Integral (DLI) in mol/m²/d ⎷ Illuminance in lux or foot-candles ⎷ Light color temperature in kelvin * ⎷ Extended PAR (ePAR) including far-red light (ePPFD, eDLI) * TOOLBOX ⎷ Heatmaps — Create exportable PAR maps, PPFD maps, DLI maps, lux maps, and more ⎷ Logging — Track measurements over time as an interactive chart, Auto-Log sessions, and export them FEATURES ⎷ Industry-leading accuracy, comparable to professional PAR quantum sensors ⎷ Pre-calibrated for your specific device ⎷ Excellent low light sensitivity to detect light pollution for plants ⎷ No ads ⎷ No Bluetooth and location permission required ⎷ In-app guides ⎷ Light source selection for every type of grow light (LED, HPS, CMH, etc.) * ⎷ Average and peak readings * ⎷ Plant light calculator ⎷ Hands-free “read aloud” function * ⎷ Special underwater measurement mode * ⎷ Custom calibration option to align readings to another meter ⎷ Premium support for advanced grow questions * * These features require an in-app purchase to fully unlock DIFFUSER REQUIRED Like every real light meter, Photone requires a diffuser to measure accurately. A diffuser scatters incoming light evenly on the sensor and prevents hotspots. While it may sound complex, the solution is surprisingly easy. You have two options: 1) Easily build a diffuser yourself in less than a minute using standard printer paper. This is accurate enough for most use cases. 2) Get the dedicated Diffuser Accessory (free worldwide shipping) for best accuracy and convenience. More details on https://lightray.io/diffuser/. (!) Do not rely on apps that do not require a diffuser. They are inaccurate because they ignore the basic physics of light measurement. UPGRADE OPTIONS Photone is free to download and use, with no ads or hidden costs. To unleash its full potential, it offers two types of upgrades: → Lifetime unlocks — one-time purchase, always restorable via your Apple Account → Pro subscription — full access for as long as you subscribe, cancel anytime Photone took 5+ years of R&D to develop. Upgrading unlocks powerful features and keeps the app ad-free for everyone. As a member of 1% for the Planet, we donate at least 1% of all revenue to environmental non-profits — so every purchase helps both your plants and the planet. ACCURACY Apps developed by Lightray Innovation are developed according to the ISO/CIE 19476 standard. Thanks to RAW image processing and a default calibration per device model they’re able to match the performance of high quality traditional hardware light meters. To ensure quality we rigorously test our apps regularly on upcoming devices. DOWNLOAD FOR FREE. TRUSTED BY MILLIONS. Optimized for plant growers and indoor gardeners – whether you're growing in a grow tent, greenhouse, hydroponics system, an aquarium, or just want the best quantum meter app for your LED grow lights, Photone has got you covered. Terms and Conditions: https://growlightmeter.com/terms/

About

PPFD METER

This app measures light intensity for plants, converting LUX to PPFD and DLI. It offers advanced light mapping, uniformity analysis, and efficiency insights to optimize plant growth. Customize profiles for different environments and growth stages.

Highlights
  • LUX, PPFD, DLI, and PAR measurements
  • Light mapping and distribution analysis
  • Uniformity and PPF evaluation
  • Energy efficiency and consumption tracking
  • Customizable setting profiles
  • Bluetooth sensor integration
Read full description

Perfect for both seasoned gardeners and beginners, PPFD Meter sets itself apart from standard grow light meter apps with its comprehensive features and intuitive design. Using your phone's built-in sensors or the acclaimed UNI-T UT383 BT sensor via Bluetooth, PPFD Meter provides precise and reliable light measurements. This accuracy is essential for understanding and optimizing the light your plants receive, ensuring their health and growth. PPFD Meter is more than a light measurement tool; it's a guide to understanding your plants' needs. It converts LUX readings into PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) and DLI (Daily Light Integral), providing critical insights for your lighting setup. Customize up to five different settings profiles for various environments or growth stages, making your plant care as unique as your garden. Advanced Light Mapping and Analysis Step into a new era of light management with PPFD Meter's advanced light mapping capabilities. Our exclusive PAR and DLI Maps feature offers a vivid, detailed representation of light distribution across your grow area, enabling precise adjustments for optimal plant growth. But that's just the beginning: In-Depth Light Analysis: Measure light uniformity to ensure even plant growth, and evaluate your setup's PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux) to understand the total light output. Efficiency and Consumption Insights: Assess the efficiency of your lighting system in converting energy into usable light. Track the daily total energy consumption to manage your energy usage and environmental impact effectively. Comprehensive DLI Tracking: Monitor the Daily Light Integral, a key factor in regulating plant health and growth cycles, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of light each day. These advanced features make PPFD Meter not just an app, but a vital partner in your indoor gardening journey. It’s a leap forward from typical grow light meter apps, offering a depth of analysis and customization that truly enhances your plant care experience. Download PPFD Meter today and embark on a journey of precision and expertise in plant care. Your plants will thrive like never before! Privacy Policy: https://www.ppfd.app/pp Terms of Service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Photone4 screens
PPFD METER4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Photone at none against PPFD METER's shown. Photone also leads on ratings volume (4.9K vs 118) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence 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

Both are free to download. Photone sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $5.49 per month and PPFD METER sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Photone against 4.6 for PPFD METER. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photone has 4.9K ratings behind it against 118, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 54% of Photone's written reviews are positive against 53% of PPFD METER's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Photone ships an update monthly, PPFD METER every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 22, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Photone versus PPFD METER: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhotonePPFD METER
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (4.9K ratings)4.6 (118 ratings)
Positive reviews53.8% of reviews — better52.6% of reviews
Number of ratings4.9K — better118
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size80 MB43 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLightray Innovation GmbHCandas Pamukcu

Customer experience

Photone

All ratings4,898 ratings
Positive90.7%
Neutral3.3%
Negative6.0%
Written reviews238 reviews
Positive53.8%
Neutral5.9%
Negative40.3%

PPFD METER

All ratings118 ratings
Positive89.0%
Neutral4.2%
Negative6.8%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive52.6%
Neutral10.5%
Negative36.8%

Bugs and requests

Photone

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

PPFD METER

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

13 purchases

Photone

Subscriptions2
  • Photone Pro (Monthly)$5.491 Month
  • Photone Pro (Yearly)$29.491 Year
One-time11
  • MH lifetime unlock$5.49
  • HPS (Standard) lifetime unlock$5.49
  • HPS DE lifetime unlock$5.49
Show 8 more
  • FL (Daylight) Lifetime Unlock$5.49
  • Sun Lifetime Unlock$5.49
  • LED Full Spec. lifetime unlock$6.49
  • LED (Red / Blue) Lifetime Unlock$6.49
  • LED (Blue / White) Lifetime Unlock$6.49
  • LED (Full Spectrum) Lifetime Unlock$6.49
  • LED (Full Spectrum + Red) Lifetime$6.49
  • Photone Pro Lifetime Unlock$97.00
3 purchases

PPFD METER

Subscriptions2
  • Premium$1.991 Month
  • Premium Plus$2.991 Month
One-time1
  • Remove Ads$29.99

Questions

Is Photone free?
Photone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PPFD METER free?
PPFD METER is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Photone or PPFD METER?
Photone and PPFD METER are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4.9K and 118 ratings respectively.
Do Photone or PPFD METER have ads?
PPFD METER shows ads; Photone does not.
Which is updated more often, Photone or PPFD METER?
Photone ships an update monthly, and PPFD METER every 3 weeks. Most recently, Photone was updated on September 22, 2026 and PPFD METER on September 22, 2026.

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