Hanna Lab vs Reef.Tools
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Hanna Lab
Transform your mobile device into a professional-grade pH meter or data management system. Connect with compatible Hanna Instruments probes and meters to conduct precise measurements, store data securely, and access it via the cloud.
- pH meter functionality with Bluetooth probes
- Data management with compatible meters
- Hanna Cloud compatibility for data sync
- Live measurements and trend graphs
- Data export in PDF and CSV formats
- Calibration and logging features
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The Hanna Lab App turns your iPhone or iPad into a full-featured pH meter when used with a Hanna Instruments HALO® or HALO2 pH probe with Bluetooth® Smart technology or a data management system when used with a Hanna Instruments HI98494 or HI98594 Multiparameter Bluetooth Portable Meter or HI97115 Marine Master Waterproof Multiparameter Photometer. Whether you're in the lab, in the field, or at your desk, Hanna Lab delivers professional-grade measurements with flexible access, reliable storage, and intuitive control. The Hanna Lab App now features Hanna Cloud compatibility. Once connected, data from HALO & HALO2 probes, HI98494 & HI98594 and HI97115 meters, can be automatically uploaded to Hanna Cloud. Hanna Cloud is a free web-based application accessible from your PC, tablet, or phone. Features will vary depending on the connected device. They include but are not limited to live measurements, trend graphs, log history, device settings, alarms, and target ranges. •HALO or HALO2 pH Probes When used with HALO pH probes, functions include: -Clear and concise calibration screens for calibration of up to 5 points. -Annotated data points can be saved with measurement-specific information. When using a Halo2 pH probe annotated readings can be saved on demand or on stability. -Data is automatically saved every hour. Data can be shared via PDF or CSV format. -Dynamic graphing provides measurement information linearly. Graph axes may be expanded using pinch-to-zoom technology for enhanced viewing. When connected to Hanna Cloud, log files from the HALO pH probes can be uploaded automatically or manually from log history. Files on the cloud can be merged and exported with a reduced logging interval. Annotated readings from the HALO probes can be uploaded immediately to the cloud and saved in a separate data file. •HI98494 or HI98594 Multiparameter Meter When used with a HI98494 or HI98594 Multiparameter Bluetooth Portable Meter, functions include: -Data can be shared via PDF or CSV format. -Downloaded log files with dynamic graphing. Graph axes may be expanded using pinch-to-zoom technology for enhanced viewing. -GLP information for the previous five calibrations. -User-selectable measurement units. -Stay up to date with the latest firmware updates for the HI98594 on the device information page. When connected to Hanna Cloud, log files can be uploaded automatically or manually in log history. New data added to uploaded log-on-demand files is automatically synced to the cloud. Log files that have been uploaded to the cloud have user-selectable parameters measurement units, and four parameters can be graphed at the same time. •HI97115 Marine Master Photometer When used with a HI97115 Marine Master Waterproof Multiparameter Photometer, functions include: -User-defined method groups for routine analysis. -Readings can be collected using the app or synced directly from the HI97115 meter. -Data can be shared via PDF or CSV format. -Trend data with dynamic graphing. Graph axes may be expanded using pinch-to-zoom technology for enhanced viewing. -Stay up to date with the latest firmware updates on the device information page. -A demo meter has been included, showing all the features of this app. When connected to Hanna Cloud, log files can be uploaded automatically or manually in log history. When connected to Hanna Cloud, user-defined target ranges can be set, and four parameters can be graphed at the same time. Hanna Lab is compatible with iOS 15 or newer and iOS devices with Bluetooth 4.0+.
Reef.Tools
This app simplifies reef tank maintenance with science-backed tools. It offers a precision dosing calculator for over 30 elements, customizable schedules, and insights into water chemistry. Compare your tank's parameters to natural ocean values.
- Precision dosing calculator for 30+ elements
- Customizable dosing schedules
- Reef chemistry insights
- Support for multiple brands and custom targets
- Comparison to natural ocean parameters
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Reef.Tools: Simplify reef-keeping, whether you're a novice or a seasoned aquarist. Maintain a thriving reef tank with ease using science-backed tools and insights. Key Features: Precision Dosing Calculator: Accurately dose 30+ elements with support for multiple brands and safe reference levels. Comprehensive Schedules: View day-to-day dosing plans and customize as needed. Chemistry Insights: Discover the importance, risks, and roles of each element in your reef. Customizable Preferences: Use your preferred products, set custom targets, or exclude elements you don’t dose. Ocean References: Compare your tank’s parameters to natural seawater values from locations like the Red Sea and Fiji. Built by reefers, for reefers, Reef.Tools removes the guesswork, letting you focus on what matters most: a thriving, vibrant reef. Your reef. Your rules. Simplified.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hanna Lab at 45% against Reef.Tools's 0%. Hanna Lab also leads on rating (4.0 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (10 vs 2). Reef.Tools's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 5 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Hanna Lab holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hanna Lab has 10 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of Hanna Lab's written reviews are positive against 0% of Reef.Tools's.
Hanna Lab ships an update every 5 months, Reef.Tools daily. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Hanna Lab | Reef.Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (10 ratings) — better | 3.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 45.5% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 10 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 32 MB | 32 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Hanna Instruments, Inc. | Ivena LLC |
Customer experience
Hanna Lab
Reef.Tools
In-app purchases
Hanna Lab
No in-app purchases
Reef.Tools
No in-app purchases








