Comparison

Ham Logging vs Beacon 73

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

Head to head
About

Ham Logging

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Ham Logging is a comprehensive QSO logging app for amateur radio operators. It serves as a master log that syncs with the most popular ham radio platforms — LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog, QRZ.com Logbook, HRDLog.net, CloudLog, Wavelog, N1MM Logger+, and more — so you keep one log instead of juggling many. KEY FEATURES • Full ADIF 3.1.4 import and export with spec-correct UTF-8 length prefixes • CSV and JSON round-trip backup across every stored field • QRZ.com lookup with auto-search, profile photo, and local cache • 21 logging-service integrations: 10 with live API, 11 export-ready • Incremental sync — never re-uploads what you have already sent • Bidirectional LoTW / eQSL / ClubLog / QRZ / CloudLog / Wavelog • N1MM Logger+ UDP bridge on your local network • Rover Mode: large-target, voice-dictated callsign entry for mobile operating • POTA, SOTA, WWFF, contest, and propagation-mode fields with dedicated UI • Per-QSO QSL card export — themed, code-rendered PNG • Monthly and yearly statistics with shareable bar-chart images PROPAGATION AND MAP • World map with great-circle bearing lines to every worked station • Gray-line terminator overlay with aurora layer (NOAA OVATION) • 24-hour MUF prediction with band openings • PSK Reporter + WSPR path prediction heatmap • Live solar terrestrial data and band-by-band DX potential • Unified Spots tab — DX cluster, POTA, and contests in one place PRIVACY-FIRST • No accounts, no ads, no analytics, no third-party tracking SDKs • All QSO data stays on your device — sync only happens when you tap Sync • Microphone permission is used only by Rover Mode voice dictation; audio is processed by the operating system speech engine and never recorded or transmitted • Local-network permission is requested only if you configure the N1MM bridge DARK MODE + ACCESSIBILITY • Theme-aware throughout — every dialog, panel, and chart respects dark mode • Font-scale slider for global text sizing • Tips & Tricks — 100 rotating contextual hints, toggleable from Settings Built solo by Yousuf AL Balushi (A46UNX) — Unixeer. Designed for the amateur radio community to simplify QSO logging and synchronization across multiple services.

About

Beacon 73

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Beacon 73 makes sending your APRS position simple. Just open the app and start. SIMPLE BEACONING • Start or stop auto-beaconing from a clear, focused dashboard • Send your position immediately whenever you choose • See when your last beacon was sent and when the next one is due SMART TIMING Choose manual, timed, or movement-aware Smart beaconing. Beacon 73 can adapt beacon timing to your speed and direction. MAP AND TRACK • See nearby APRS station callsigns, icons, and status • View your current position and recent location track • Use a map to see other stations in real-time TRY IT SAFELY Demo Mode uses simulated data, does not request your location, and cannot transmit. Explore the app before entering your callsign. Beacon 73 connects to APRS-IS. Live operation requires a valid amateur radio callsign and APRS-IS passcode. Beacon 73 is not an emergency or safety service.

Screenshots

Ham Logging4 screens
Beacon 734 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Beacon 73 at every 3 days against Ham Logging's fortnightly. Ham Logging's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ham Logging ships an update fortnightly, Beacon 73 every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
Ham Logging versus Beacon 73: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHam LoggingBeacon 73
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYousif AL BalushiDAVID BRET SANDERS

In-app purchases

None

Ham Logging

No in-app purchases

None

Beacon 73

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ham Logging free?
Ham Logging is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Beacon 73 free?
Beacon 73 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Ham Logging or Beacon 73 have ads?
Neither Ham Logging nor Beacon 73 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ham Logging or Beacon 73?
Ham Logging ships an update fortnightly, and Beacon 73 every 3 days. Most recently, Ham Logging was updated on October 15, 2026 and Beacon 73 on October 12, 2026.

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