AQL vs Light Meter LM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
AQL
This utility calculates sample sizes and acceptable defect numbers for product inspections based on ANSI Z1.4-2003 standards. It simplifies creating sampling plans for random product inspections, replacing traditional paper methods for inspectors.
- Determine sample size
- Calculate allowable rejects
- Based on ANSI Z1.4-2003
- Prepare sampling plans
- Digital replacement for paper cards
Read full descriptionHide full description
The Pro QC AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) calculator (based on based upon ANSI Z1.4-2003) makes it easy to determine a sample size and the proper number of allowable rejects in a particular shipping lot size. It is a fundamental tool for preparing a sampling plan for a random product inspection as it allows to set the number of samples to inspect, and the maximum numbers of defects that is allowed. This free application takes the place of the traditional paper card that many inspectors in the field use.
Light Meter LM
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide full description
Turn your smartphone into a professional-grade light meter. Measure illuminance (lux/foot-candle) and color temperature (CCT in Kelvin) with unmatched accuracy — trusted by photographers, engineers, and lighting professionals worldwide. Why waste money on a hardware meter when you’re already carrying one in your pocket? The LM-3000 offers the same quality and usability as a traditional hardware light meter. Developed by optics scientists at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, LM-3000 is the only light meter app scientifically validated for accuracy. It achieves professional-grade precision by leveraging your iPhone's front-facing camera sensor with advanced RAW image processing. Unlike relying on estimates like other apps, it adheres to the ISO/CIE 19476 standard, ensuring measurements you can trust for critical applications. MEASUREMENTS ⎷ Illuminance in lux or foot-candles ⎷ Correlated color temperature in kelvin FEATURES ⎷ Industry-leading accuracy, matching professional high-end lux meters ⎷ Pre-calibrated for your specific device ⎷ Excellent low light sensitivity to detect light pollution ⎷ No ads ⎷ No Bluetooth and location permission required ⎷ In-app manual ⎷ Save peak reading ⎷ HOLD function with acoustic signal ⎷ Custom calibration option to align readings to another meter DIFFUSER REQUIRED Like every real light meter, the LM-3000 requires a diffuser to measure accurately. A diffuser scatters incoming light evenly on the sensor and prevents hotspots. While it may sound complex, the solution is surprisingly easy. You have two options: 1) Easily build a diffuser yourself in less than a minute using standard printer paper. This is accurate enough for most use cases. 2) Get the dedicated Diffuser Accessory (free worldwide shipping) for best accuracy and convenience. More details on https://lightray.io/diffuser/ (!) Avoid apps that don’t require a diffuser! They are inaccurate because they ignore the basic physics of light measurement. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY The LM-3000 is free to download and comes with a free trial period. The trial period lasts for two non-consecutive days, giving you enough time to see if the app fits your needs. The status of your free trial will be shown as the "battery level" on the top right of the LM-3000's display and on the "Battery Status" screen. Once your light meter's "battery" is depleted, you may choose a Charging Option to keep using the app. You can pick what works best for you: → Single Charge — top-up for another 48 hours (perfect for occasional use), → Continuous Charging — a monthly subscription (great if you use it regularly), → Unlimited Battery — a one-time purchase for unlimited lifetime access LM-3000 is the result of over five years of dedicated research and development, ensuring you get a tool that is precise and reliable. Every in-app purchase supports future development and helps keep the app ad-free for everyone. As a member of 1% for the Planet, we donate at least one percent of all revenue to environmental non-profits — this is our way of giving back. ACCURACY Accuracy is not an afterthought — Apps developed by Lightray Innovation are developed according to the ISO/CIE 19476 standard. Thanks to RAW image processing and a default calibration per device model they’re able to match the performance of high quality traditional hardware light meters. To ensure quality we rigorously test our apps regularly on upcoming devices. DOWNLOAD FOR FREE. TRUSTED BY MILLIONS. LM-3000 is the go-to light meter for photographers, professionals, engineers, and lighting enthusiasts who rely on accurate measurements — not estimates or guesswork. Download for free today and experience the difference! See the app in action: https://youtu.be/EJW7NfE2qCk Terms and Conditions: https://lightray.io/lightmeter/terms/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Light Meter LM at 4.5 against AQL's 3.3. Light Meter LM also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 19 months) and ratings volume (2.6K vs 3). AQL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and review sentiment (50% vs 40%). On price, ads 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
Both are free to download. Light Meter LM sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 per month. AQL asks for nothing beyond the download.
Light Meter LM holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Light Meter LM has 2.6K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of AQL's written reviews are positive against 40% of Light Meter LM's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
AQL ships an update every 19 months, Light Meter LM monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | AQL | Light Meter LM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (3 ratings) | 4.5 (2.6K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 40.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 2.6K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 22 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pro Q.C. International Limited | Lightray Innovation GmbH |
Customer experience
AQL
Light Meter LM
Bugs and requests
AQL
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Light Meter LM
Reported bugs
3 issues- Diffuser not recognized even when used
- App locks up/crashes
- Constant diffuser pop-up interruptions
Requested features
3 requests- Ability to use rear camera
- More flexible diffuser options
- Improved accuracy without diffuser
In-app purchases
AQL
No in-app purchases
Light Meter LM
- Continuous Charging$3.491 Month
- Single Charge$0.99
- Unlimited Battery$19.99
Questions
Is AQL free?
Is Light Meter LM free?
Which has better reviews, AQL or Light Meter LM?
Do AQL or Light Meter LM have ads?
Which is updated more often, AQL or Light Meter LM?
Other comparisons















