# AQL vs Light Meter LM

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.

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. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AQL | Light Meter LM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aql/id608818916/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-meter-lm-3000/id1554264761/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **2.6K** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 40.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pro Q.C. International Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/599909091) | [Lightray Innovation GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1031383431) |

## What reviewers say

### AQL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aql/id608818916)

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.

**Highlights:** Determine sample size, Calculate allowable rejects, Based on ANSI Z1.4-2003, Prepare sampling plans, Digital replacement for paper cards

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AQL free?

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

### Is Light Meter LM free?

Light Meter LM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AQL or Light Meter LM?

Light Meter LM is rated higher. AQL averages 3.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Light Meter LM averages 4.5 from 2.6K ratings.

### Do AQL or Light Meter LM have ads?

Neither AQL nor Light Meter LM shows ads.

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

AQL ships an update every 19 months, and Light Meter LM monthly. Most recently, AQL was updated on October 23, 2026 and Light Meter LM on October 23, 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.*