# HamLog vs xCluster

The clearest difference is price: xCluster at Free against HamLog's $0.99. xCluster also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 76%) and rating (4.0 vs 3.7). HamLog's advantage is ratings volume (59 vs 5) and chart position (#198 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

xCluster is free to download; HamLog costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

xCluster holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HamLog has 59 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of HamLog's written reviews are positive against 100% of xCluster's.

HamLog ships an update monthly, xCluster every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HamLog | xCluster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.7 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamlog/id308437400/reviews) | **[4.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xcluster/id1644543785/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **59** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 76.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#198** | — |
| Size | 13 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pignology, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/308437403) | [Peter Bourget](https://appshunter.io/developer/1644543787) |

## What reviewers say

### HamLog

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamlog/id308437400)

**Currently charting:** #198 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

This application serves as a comprehensive logging and tool suite for amateur radio operators. It facilitates contact logging, rig control, and offers numerous utilities for field and mobile operations. Features include callsign resolution, data export/import, and various radio-related calculators and information resources.

**Highlights:** Contact logging and search, Rig control via Pigtail device, QRZ/HamQTH XML integration, ADIF/CSV export and import, Automatic callsign resolution, Cloud synchronization, QSO recording

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Comprehensive logging functionality with quick entry
- 🛠️ Extensive built-in tools (65+) including QRZ lookup, DX cluster, grid calculator
- 💰 Excellent value for money (originally $0.99)
- ☁️ Cloud sync feature across devices
- 📧 Easy ADIF export via email

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⚠️ Lack of active maintenance since 2023
- 🐛 Frequent crashes on newer iOS versions
- 🔗 Server-dependent features frequently non-functional
- ❌ QRZ lookup and call sign search broken
- 📱 Poor iPad usability with hidden number row

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iOS 17.1 with formatting issues
- QRZ connection errors and login failures
- Call sign lookup not functioning
- Export functionality causing crashes
- Blank black screen on startup

**Requested features**

- CABRILLO file export for contests
- Band field inclusion in ADIF exports for POTA compatibility
- Dark mode support for custom templates
- Dupe check feature for contest logging
- Ability to delete custom logs and entries


### xCluster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xcluster/id1644543785)

Visualize DX cluster activity on a world map and in a list. Filter spots by call sign or band, and set custom alerts for specific stations or countries. Integrates with popular DX services and provides call parsing for location data.

**Highlights:** Display DX spots on map and list, Filter by band and call sign, Set custom alerts, Integrates with DXSummit and PSK Reporter, Built-in call parser, Zoom and pan map

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HamLog free?

HamLog costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is xCluster free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HamLog or xCluster?

xCluster is rated higher. HamLog averages 3.7 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while xCluster averages 4.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do HamLog or xCluster have ads?

Neither HamLog nor xCluster shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HamLog or xCluster?

HamLog ships an update monthly, and xCluster every 3 weeks. Most recently, HamLog was updated on September 8, 2026 and xCluster on September 21, 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.*