# Light Meter LM vs PPFD METER

The clearest difference is ads: Light Meter LM at none against PPFD METER's shown. Light Meter LM also leads on ratings volume (2.6K vs 125) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). PPFD METER's advantage is review sentiment (53% vs 40%). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Light Meter LM sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Light Meter LM against 4.6 for PPFD METER. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Light Meter LM has 2.6K ratings behind it against 125, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 40% of Light Meter LM's written reviews are positive against 53% of PPFD METER's.

Light Meter LM ships an update monthly, PPFD METER every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Light Meter LM | PPFD METER |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (2.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-meter-lm-3000/id1554264761/reviews) | **[4.6 (125 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppfd-meter-grow-light-meter/id6479329051/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.6K** | 125 |
| Positive reviews | 40.3% of reviews | **52.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 22 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lightray Innovation GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1031383431) | [Candas Pamukcu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1735587895) |

## 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


### PPFD METER

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppfd-meter-grow-light-meter/id6479329051)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium Plus | $2.99 | per month |
| Remove Ads | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Light Meter LM free?

Light Meter LM 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, Light Meter LM or PPFD METER?

PPFD METER is rated higher. Light Meter LM averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.6K ratings, while PPFD METER averages 4.6 from 125 ratings.

### Do Light Meter LM or PPFD METER have ads?

PPFD METER shows ads; Light Meter LM does not.

### Which is updated more often, Light Meter LM or PPFD METER?

Light Meter LM ships an update monthly, and PPFD METER every 3 weeks. Most recently, Light Meter LM was updated on October 18, 2026 and PPFD METER on October 10, 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.*