Comparison

HamLog vs HamWatch

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

Head to head
About

HamLog

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
Currently charting
Read full description

Now with rig control! See http://pignology.net/pigtail HamLog is an amateur radio logging and tools application. It is meant for use when operating portable from the field or mobile (drive safe!). It does a lot more than just logging, see the list below. HamLog supports iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Features: * Contact Logging and search * Rig control via the Pigtail device from Pignology http://pignology.net/pigtail * Create A Log - Custom Log * QRZ XML Integration for QRZ Subscribers * HamQTH XML Integration * Export via email as ADIF, CSV, or eQSL.cc * Import ADIF * Automatic name/QTH resolution based on callsign (either QRZ XML, HamQTH (free), or Pignology DB (free)) * Independent callsign look up tool * QRZ XML Subscriber Support * CloudSynch: Synch your contacts to the web and other iOS/Mac devices. See http://hamlog.it for more information. * Voice Macros: record yourself and play to VOX * HamStack Control interface: see http://hamstack.com for more information. * QSO Recording * Great Circle Maps * Q signal list * IARU Prefixes List * DXCC Entities List * US Band Plan * International Band Plans * QRZ Look Up via Web * Dupe Finder * Latest DX Spots from DX Summit * ADIF Export, both full and time range * CSV Export * Grid Square tool using GPS * Manual Grid Square Calculator given lat/long * Bearing (and long path) calculation given two grid squares, * WWV Propagation report * Contest Calendar * DXpedition Calendar * Wavelength Calculator * UTC Clock * ITU Phonetic Alphabet * CW Helper: plays single character upon selection * Temperature Converter * Length Converter * RST Explained info * DX Cluster - real time telnet access * Grid to map - enter gridsquare and it will display it on a map * Solar Data from N0NBH (www.hamqsl.com/solar) * DTMF Tone Generator * Net Lists and notifications * Part 97 - Full Text * Field Day Logging * iTunes File Sharing - For data backup and ADIF import - Drop somelogfile.adi into the file sharing pane and press Tools -> Import ADIF. somelogfile.adi should be lowercase until I get an update to recognize uppercase filenames. * Landscape and Portrait on the iPad *** I try to implement just about every request I receive and fix just about every complaint I receive or see in the reviews. If you leave a complaint in a review please leave your callsign so I can get in touch with you to fix your problem, or email me directly. I cannot reply to reviews. Please NOTE: This application is not meant to replace a more formal method of logging such as a computer based logging application or the classic paper method. It is more for quick logging while portable or mobile. Personally, I transfer all contacts to paper after coming back from field QRP fun. Regarding IMPORTING: As of December 8, 2010, HamLog support importing ADIF files. Please visit http://n3wg.com/hamlog for an example of how to import. I will happily respond to feedback, entertain feature requests, and answer questions directly, please contact me at the email address listed on n3wg.com or QRZ. Field Day Logging Info: Sections logged include: Date/time,Mode, Band, Callsign, Class, Section, Operator, Comment Exporting: Exporting logs from the Field Day tool is via e-mail in the form of a CSV file that any spreadsheet program can open. Dup Detection: The app does the standard dup detection you would see in a PC/Mac based app. There is no inter-device dup detection. Dup detection between devices is an exercise left to the exported spreadsheet application of choice. iPad Specifics: Sections worked are shown vs sections not worked for each zone. NOTE: While I try my best to ensure this Field Day logger is fault tolerant, I can make no guarantees or warranties. Please test and become familiar with it before using it live during Field Day. 73, N3WG http://pignology.net

About

HamWatch

This app provides amateur radio operators with essential tools on their Apple Watch. Monitor real-time space weather data and track POTA spots directly from your wrist. Customizable complications display your call sign on your watch face.

Highlights
  • Real-time space weather monitoring
  • 24-hour historical space weather charts
  • POTA spot tracking on wrist
  • Customizable watch face complications
  • Seamless iPhone and Apple Watch sync
  • Configurable auto-refresh intervals
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Real-time ham radio data — on your Apple Watch. HamWatch gives field operators instant access to space weather, propagation conditions, and on-the-air spots, right from your wrist. SPACE WEATHER Live solar wind, Bz/Bt, and solar imagery from NOAA and NASA — including coronal hole monitoring and sunspot tracking. 24-hour charts included. SPOTS POTA, SOTA, and WWFF spots in real time. Filter by mode and band. Pull to refresh. Works on iPhone and Apple Watch. MAPS & TOOLS Azimuthal map centered on your GPS location shows true compass bearings to the world — aim your beam with confidence. WATCH FACE Complications for call sign, SFI, A-Index, and UTC. Choose which views appear on your watch from Settings → Configure Watch Views. The iPhone companion app adds larger charts and detailed data views. Everything syncs automatically between devices. https://www.hamwatch.app

Screenshots

HamLog4 screens
HamWatch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: HamWatch at 5.0 against HamLog's 3.7. HamWatch also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 76%) and update cadence (every 10 days vs monthly). HamLog's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $4.99) and ratings volume (59 vs 3). On ads, in-app purchases, chart position and device support 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

HamLog costs $0.99 and HamWatch $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

HamWatch holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HamLog has 59 ratings behind it against 3, 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 HamWatch's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HamLog ships an update monthly, HamWatch every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
HamLog versus HamWatch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHamLogHamWatch
Price$0.99 — better$4.99
Rating3.7 (59 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews76.4% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings59 — better3
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Best chart rank#198 — better#199
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPignology, LLCJames Krepelka

Customer experience

HamLog

All ratings59 ratings
Positive59.3%
Neutral11.9%
Negative28.8%
Written reviews148 reviews
Positive76.4%
Neutral8.1%
Negative15.5%

HamWatch

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

HamLog

Reported bugs

16 issues
  • 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
Show 11 more
  • Cloud sync failures
  • Custom template rendering issues in dark mode
  • Automatic time reset when editing log entries
  • Crash when deleting first log entry
  • Number row hidden by keyboard predictive text on iPad
  • Server dependency causing tool failures
  • ADIF export missing required Band field for POTA
  • Help page returning Error 404
  • HF Net List link outdated
  • Solar data and weather tools non-functional
  • Transport Security policy errors on older iOS versions

Requested features

20 requests
  • 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
Show 15 more
  • Single-row log list view option
  • Larger notes field for data entry
  • Contest-specific features (SOTA/POTA summit designation tracking)
  • International callsign lookup support
  • WSJTX and JS8CALL sync capability
  • Landscape orientation support for all features
  • Favorite tools customization to reduce scrolling
  • Countries worked text list view
  • 1.2 GHz band inclusion in band plan
  • eQSL.cc access integration
  • Fahrenheit/Celsius converter
  • LightningMaps.org integration
  • Voice recognition for phonetic alphabet entry
  • Offline logging with paper-to-digital transfer capability
  • Date format options (dd/mm/yy for European users)

HamWatch

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

HamLog

No in-app purchases

None

HamWatch

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HamLog free?
HamLog costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is HamWatch free?
HamWatch costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, HamLog or HamWatch?
HamWatch is rated higher. HamLog averages 3.7 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while HamWatch averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do HamLog or HamWatch have ads?
Neither HamLog nor HamWatch shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HamLog or HamWatch?
HamLog ships an update monthly, and HamWatch every 10 days. Most recently, HamLog was updated on September 8, 2026 and HamWatch on September 13, 2026.
Which is more popular, HamLog or HamWatch?
HamLog currently peaks at #198 in the App Store charts, and HamWatch at #199. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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