# Light Meter LM vs HPLC Advisor

The clearest difference is rating: Light Meter LM at 4.5 against HPLC Advisor's 4.0. Light Meter LM also leads on ratings volume (2.6K vs 2). HPLC Advisor's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and review sentiment (50% vs 40%). 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. HPLC Advisor asks for nothing beyond the download.

Light Meter LM holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Light Meter LM has 2.6K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 40% of Light Meter LM's written reviews are positive against 50% of HPLC Advisor's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Light Meter LM ships an update monthly, HPLC Advisor every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Light Meter LM | HPLC Advisor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-meter-lm-3000/id1554264761/reviews)** | [4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hplc-advisor/id1566882318/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.6K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 40.4% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 22 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lightray Innovation GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1031383431) | [Agilent Technologies, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/355827609) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### HPLC Advisor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hplc-advisor/id1566882318)

This app provides tools for HPLC troubleshooting, method development, and data management. It offers calculators for method translation and performance prediction, a data library with conversions and formulas, and troubleshooting guides. Works offline for all HPLC instruments.

**Highlights:** HPLC troubleshooting guides, Method translation calculator, Chromatographic performance calculator, LC-related data library, Offline functionality, Universal instrument compatibility

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Light Meter LM free?

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

### Is HPLC Advisor free?

HPLC Advisor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Light Meter LM or HPLC Advisor?

Light Meter LM is rated higher. Light Meter LM averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.6K ratings, while HPLC Advisor averages 4.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Light Meter LM or HPLC Advisor have ads?

Neither Light Meter LM nor HPLC Advisor shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Light Meter LM or HPLC Advisor?

Light Meter LM ships an update monthly, and HPLC Advisor every 2 months. Most recently, Light Meter LM was updated on November 11, 2026 and HPLC Advisor on November 3, 2026.

---

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