# NMDC Field Notes vs Flight Log

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NMDC Field Notes at none against Flight Log's 2. NMDC Field Notes also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.2). Flight Log's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Flight Log sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. NMDC Field Notes asks for nothing beyond the download.

NMDC Field Notes ships an update every 5 months, Flight Log every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and August 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NMDC Field Notes | Flight Log |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nmdc-field-notes/id6575364655/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 12 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [LAWRENCE BERKELEY](https://appshunter.io/developer/924683945) | [Kaan Bas](https://appshunter.io/developer/1868704749) |

## What reviewers say

### NMDC Field Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nmdc-field-notes/id6575364655)

This app allows microbiome researchers to record biosample metadata directly in the field. It streamlines data documentation at the point of collection, offering features like ORCID login and automatic syncing with a web portal. Designed in collaboration with researchers, it provides a mobile alternative to browser-based submission.

**Highlights:** Record biosample metadata in the field, Streamline data documentation, ORCID login, One-tap entry of user info, coordinates, and dates, Dynamic UI forms from LinkML schema, Automatic syncing with NMDC Submission Portal

**In-app purchases:** none


### Flight Log

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flight-log-pilot-logbook/id6767048710)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Flight Log Pro Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Flight Log Pro Yearly | $149.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NMDC Field Notes free?

NMDC Field Notes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Flight Log free?

Flight Log is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do NMDC Field Notes or Flight Log have ads?

Neither NMDC Field Notes nor Flight Log shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NMDC Field Notes or Flight Log?

NMDC Field Notes ships an update every 5 months, and Flight Log every 6 weeks. Most recently, NMDC Field Notes was updated on September 11, 2026 and Flight Log on August 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.*