Comparison

Hanna Lab vs NextUpReef

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
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+.

About

NextUpReef

This app helps reef tank hobbyists manage their aquarium's health and equipment. It offers AI-powered analysis, parameter logging, smart outlet control, and community insights to optimize tank conditions and simplify maintenance.

Highlights
  • AI Reef Advisor for tank analysis
  • Parameter logging and trend charting
  • Smart outlet control for equipment
  • Neptune Apex integration
  • Tank setup and livestock tracking
  • Smart reminders for maintenance
  • Reef community insights
Features
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NextUpReef is the reef tank app that keeps your whole system in one place: water chemistry, dosing, equipment, livestock, reminders and AI advice that actually knows your tank. Built for reefers, by a reefer. LOG A FULL TEST IN SECONDS Record alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, salinity, pH, temperature, ammonia and nitrite. Your last values pre-fill, and every entry is color-coded against your target range as you type. Pick your tank type (mixed reef, SPS, LPS, softie, nano, ULNS and more) for sensible default targets, or set your own. EVERY TREND, TWO SCORES — REEF PULSE See a chart for every parameter with your target range drawn in and water changes marked. Your Reef Score shows how healthy the tank is today; your Stability Score shows how steadily you keep it that way. Tap either score to see exactly what's helping and what's holding it back. REEF AI ADVISOR (PRO) A full analysis of your tank built from your own data: parameters and trends, water changes, livestock, equipment and dosing. See what's working, what needs attention and what to do next, ranked by urgency. Ask Reef AI Chat anything about your reef, check livestock compatibility with the Stocking Advisor, and log results by snapping a photo of your test kit. EVERY DOSE, ONE CHECKLIST The Dosing screen lists everything due today, whether you dose by hand, with your own pump or automatically. Tap Dosed to log it and watch whether alkalinity, calcium and magnesium are holding steady. Choose from 50+ common products with label strengths built in. Pro adds a dose calculator that dials in your daily dose from your own test trend, and a daily dosing reminder at the time you pick. CONTROL YOUR REEF GEAR (PRO) • Neptune Apex: sync temperature, pH, salinity and Trident alkalinity, calcium and magnesium into your logs; switch outlets; run Feed Mode; set heater temperatures; and schedule dosing with a built-in safety shutoff. • Shelly smart plugs: schedules run on the plug, even with no internet. For dosing pumps, each dose is confirmed by power draw and you're alerted if one is missed. • CoralVue HYDROS (early access): cloud-connected readings and control from anywhere. NEVER MISS A WATER CHANGE Schedule water changes and maintenance like filter socks, carbon and RO/DI filters. Reminders arrive inside the notification hours you choose. EVERYTHING IN YOUR TANK — MY REEF Track fish, corals and inverts with care info, plus equipment, lighting schedules, dosing, salt mix, monthly tank photos and what it all cost. NEW TO REEFING? NEW TANK GUIDE Follow six guided phases from setup through cycling, the ugly phase, first fish and first corals to an established reef, with a checklist for each step. LEARN FROM THE BEST TANKS — COMMUNITY Browse the leaderboard and see inside top-ranked tanks: their parameters, salt, lighting, equipment, dosing and water change habits. Compare your tank with others like it. Your tank stays private unless you choose to share it. ON THE BIG SCREEN Pro members can open the web dashboard at portal.nextupreef.com for full-screen charts and a CSV export of their readings. FREE TO START NextUpReef is free to download and use. NextUpReef Pro unlocks AI features, device control, the dose calculator, unlimited tanks and reminders, the web dashboard and more. Every new account gets a 30-day Pro trial with no payment details required. Privacy Policy: https://nextupreef.com/privacy Terms of Service: https://nextupreef.com/terms Questions or ideas: info@nextupreef.com Neptune Systems and Apex are trademarks of Neptune Systems. CoralVue and HYDROS are trademarks of CoralVue, Inc. Shelly is a trademark of Shelly Group. NextUpReef is independent and not affiliated with these companies.

Screenshots

Hanna Lab4 screens
NextUpReef4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hanna Lab at none against NextUpReef's 2. Hanna Lab also leads on rating (4.0 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (10 vs 3). NextUpReef's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 5 months). On price, review sentiment, ads 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. NextUpReef sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Hanna Lab asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Hanna Lab holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 3 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 45% of Hanna Lab's written reviews are positive against 50% of NextUpReef's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hanna Lab ships an update every 5 months, NextUpReef every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Hanna Lab versus NextUpReef: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHanna LabNextUpReef
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (10 ratings) — better3.7 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews45.5% of reviews50.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings10 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB59 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperHanna Instruments, Inc.Adam Winstead

Customer experience

Hanna Lab

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive45.5%
Neutral9.1%
Negative45.5%

NextUpReef

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

Hanna Lab

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

NextUpReef

Subscriptions2
  • NextUpReef Pro$4.991 Month
  • NextUpReef Pro$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Hanna Lab free?
Hanna Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is NextUpReef free?
NextUpReef is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Hanna Lab or NextUpReef?
Hanna Lab is rated higher. Hanna Lab averages 4.0 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while NextUpReef averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.
Do Hanna Lab or NextUpReef have ads?
Neither Hanna Lab nor NextUpReef shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hanna Lab or NextUpReef?
Hanna Lab ships an update every 5 months, and NextUpReef every 4 days. Most recently, Hanna Lab was updated on September 25, 2026 and NextUpReef on September 28, 2026.

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