Ham Logging vs Beacon 73
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
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 ā LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog, QRZ.com Logbook, HRDLog.net, CloudLog, Wavelog, N1MM Logger+, and more ā 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 ā 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 ā 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 ā 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 ā 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 ā every dialog, panel, and chart respects dark mode ⢠Font-scale slider for global text sizing ⢠Tips & Tricks ā 100 rotating contextual hints, toggleable from Settings Built solo by Yousuf AL Balushi (A46UNX) ā Unixeer. Designed for the amateur radio community to simplify QSO logging and synchronization across multiple services.
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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
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.
| Parameter | Ham Logging | Beacon 73 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Every 3 days ā better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod ā better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 ā better | 17.0 |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 32 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Yousif AL Balushi | DAVID BRET SANDERS |
In-app purchases
Ham Logging
No in-app purchases
Beacon 73
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Ham Logging free?
Is Beacon 73 free?
Do Ham Logging or Beacon 73 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Ham Logging or Beacon 73?
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