# HamLog vs Valiance Backbone for CW

The clearest difference is rating: HamLog at 3.6 against Valiance Backbone for CW's 2.0. HamLog also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (monthly vs every 11 months). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

HamLog costs $0.99 and Valiance Backbone for CW $3.99 up front. Valiance Backbone for CW sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. HamLog asks for nothing beyond the download.

HamLog holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HamLog has 60 ratings behind it against 1, 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 73% of Valiance Backbone for CW's.

HamLog ships an update monthly, Valiance Backbone for CW every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HamLog | Valiance Backbone for CW |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $3.99 |
| Rating | **[3.6 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamlog/id308437400/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/valiance-backbone-for-cw-vbc/id521096092/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **60** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **76.4% of reviews** | 72.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 13 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pignology, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/308437403) | [Nob](https://appshunter.io/developer/508077821) |

## What reviewers say

### HamLog

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

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


### Valiance Backbone for CW

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/valiance-backbone-for-cw-vbc/id521096092)

Decode Morse code signals in real-time using your device's microphone. This app employs advanced FFT technology to accurately distinguish transceiver signals from noise, offering a high success rate for radio communications. It features a range of tools for signal analysis and log management.

**Highlights:** Real-time Morse code decoding via microphone, Advanced FFT technology for signal detection, Minimizes false decodes from noise, Morse Sound Recorder & Player, Export text logs and audio data, Predictive decoding for difficult codes, Tone and sound pressure measurement

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip for the Developer | $0.99 | one-time |
| Standard Support | $4.99 | one-time |
| Premium | $9.99 | one-time |
| Ultimate Supporter | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HamLog free?

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

### Is Valiance Backbone for CW free?

Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HamLog or Valiance Backbone for CW?

HamLog is rated higher. HamLog averages 3.6 out of 5 from 60 ratings, while Valiance Backbone for CW averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do HamLog or Valiance Backbone for CW have ads?

Neither HamLog nor Valiance Backbone for CW shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HamLog or Valiance Backbone for CW?

HamLog ships an update monthly, and Valiance Backbone for CW every 11 months. Most recently, HamLog was updated on October 23, 2026 and Valiance Backbone for CW on October 9, 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.*