Comparison

SOTA Log vs HamsterDB

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

Head to head
About

SOTA Log

Log SOTA and POTA contacts quickly from the field with a single-field input for QSOs. Features live spotting, radio synchronization, and offline functionality for seamless operation.

Highlights
  • One-field QSO logging
  • Live SOTA/POTA spotting
  • Radio frequency and mode sync
  • SMS spotting without data
  • QRZ callsign lookup
  • ADIF log export
  • Offline operation
Features
Read full description

The fastest way to log SOTA and POTA contacts from the field. Type a callsign, hit Send, and you're ready for the next station. SOTA Log is built for operators who need speed on the summit, not menus, settings, or setup screens. ONE-FIELD LOGGING Type your entire QSO in a single field. Callsign, RST, frequency, mode, and references are parsed inline as you type. Frequency carries over. Mode derives from band. Everything you'd normally tap through just works. LIVE SPOTS Browse real-time SOTA and POTA spots filtered by program and mode. Tap a spot to prefill your QSO and tune your radio in one step. SOTACAT RADIO SYNC Connect to your Elecraft KX2, KX3, or KH1 for automatic frequency and mode sync, one-tap spot pouncing, and a CW keyer with six programmable macros. SOTAMAT SPOTTING Spot yourself via SMS with no cell data required. SOTA and POTA spots are sent through SOTAmat so chasers can find you even without internet. QRZ & ADIF Look up callsigns and sync your logs to QRZ Logbook. Export ADIF filtered for SOTA or POTA submissions. OFFLINE FIRST All logging works without internet. Reference databases, contact history, and activation progress live on-device. Network features enhance the experience but never gate it.

About

HamsterDB

Features
Read full description

HamsterDB is the ultimate private database for amateur radio operators on iPhone. Keep track of every Ham Radio station you’ve worked and every contact you’ve made — all stored securely on your device with zero data sharing. Add a new station and HamsterDB instantly queries HamCall.net to auto-fill the operator’s name, location, and license class. Need the email address that HamCall doesn’t provide? Simply look it up on QRZ.com, copy the details, and paste into the QRZ field — HamsterDB intelligently maps everything into the right places. Once your stations are in the database you can view them instantly sorted by Call Sign, Name, or Date Created, in ascending or descending order. Export the entire database to a clean JSON file for backup or sharing with other hams. Import works just as easily, so clubs and friends can exchange logs in seconds. All data lives locally in SwiftData on your iPhone. There are no accounts, no cloud sync, no analytics, and no third-party data collection — your logbook stays completely private. Key Features • Automatic HamCall.net callsign lookup • QRZ.com paste-in support (captures email & extra fields) • Sort & filter by Call Sign, Name, or creation date • Ascending / descending order control • Full JSON export & import for easy sharing • Built-in comprehensive help system (CTHelp) • Beautiful, intuitive iPhone-native interface • Works offline after initial lookups Whether you chase DX, contest, ragchew, or just like keeping an accurate station log, HamsterDB turns your iPhone into a powerful, portable, private Ham Radio database. Privacy is built in from the ground up — your contacts and station data never leave your device. Download HamsterDB today and take control of your amateur radio logbook.

Screenshots

SOTA Log4 screens
HamsterDB3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SOTA Log at fortnightly against HamsterDB's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SOTA Log ships an update fortnightly, HamsterDB every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
SOTA Log versus HamsterDB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSOTA LogHamsterDB
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChristopher HuntGale Wolfenbarger

In-app purchases

None

SOTA Log

No in-app purchases

None

HamsterDB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SOTA Log free?
SOTA Log is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HamsterDB free?
HamsterDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SOTA Log or HamsterDB have ads?
Neither SOTA Log nor HamsterDB shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SOTA Log or HamsterDB?
SOTA Log ships an update fortnightly, and HamsterDB every 2 months. Most recently, SOTA Log was updated on October 7, 2026 and HamsterDB on October 7, 2026.

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