# SimpleFT8 vs Lux Light Meter

The clearest difference is monetization model: SimpleFT8 at free against Lux Light Meter's free with in-app purchases. SimpleFT8 also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs fortnightly). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleFT8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Lux Light Meter sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SimpleFT8 ships an update every 3 days, Lux Light Meter fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleFT8 | Lux Light Meter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lux-light-meter-illuminance/id6790679680/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jeroen Rombouts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863358112) | [灿耿 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/1688324562) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleFT8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpleft8/id6768739415)

This app enables ham radio operators to send and receive digital signals using FT8 and FT4 modes. It facilitates long-distance communication even in challenging conditions, allowing for local logging and optional global propagation mapping.

**Highlights:** Live decode table, Slot-aligned transmitter with QSO composer, Built-in waterfall display, Local QSO logbook with ADIF export, Map of decoded stations, Optional PSK Reporter integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SimpleFT8 Pro | $3.99 | one-time |


### Lux Light Meter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lux-light-meter-illuminance/id6790679680)

Measure ambient light levels with your iPhone. Get real-time lux and foot-candle readings, with specialized modes for photography and plant care. Track light history and calibrate for accuracy.

**Highlights:** Ambient light metering (lux/fc), Photography exposure suggestions, Plant light (PPFD/DLI) estimation, Continuous measurement and history, Optional meter calibration, Privacy-friendly local storage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Subscription | $7.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleFT8 free?

SimpleFT8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Lux Light Meter free?

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

### Do SimpleFT8 or Lux Light Meter have ads?

Neither SimpleFT8 nor Lux Light Meter shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleFT8 or Lux Light Meter?

SimpleFT8 ships an update every 3 days, and Lux Light Meter fortnightly. Most recently, SimpleFT8 was updated on September 21, 2026 and Lux Light Meter on September 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.*