Comparison

Hanna Lab vs ReefCtrl

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

ReefCtrl

Manage your reef aquarium with this intelligent platform. Monitor equipment, track water chemistry, and receive smart alerts. It integrates with Neptune Apex controllers and offers AI-powered assistance for hobbyists.

Highlights
  • Neptune Apex integration
  • Smart alerts and notifications
  • Water chemistry tracking
  • Dosing management
  • AI reef assistant
  • Equipment and livestock management
Features
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Take full control of your reef aquarium with ReefCtrl — the intelligent reef management platform built for serious hobbyists. NEPTUNE APEX INTEGRATION Sync your Apex controller automatically via apex fusion — no port forwarding or tunnels needed. Monitor all outlets live, toggle equipment with safety confirmations, and track power consumption in real time. SMART ALERTS Get push notifications the moment something needs attention — parameter spikes, Apex offline, maintenance due, or dosing containers running low. Dismiss with intelligent cooldowns so you only hear what matters. WATER CHEMISTRY TRACKING Log and chart Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, pH, Salinity, Nitrate, Phosphate and more. Visualise 30-day trends. Import ICP lab results from Triton, ATI, or Fauna Marin with AI-powered analysis. DOSING MANAGEMENT Track Fauna Marin Balling, ESV B-Ionic, Red Sea Reef Foundation, Kalkwasser and more. Monitor Neptune DDR container levels live. Log doses with one tap — no typing required. AI REEF ASSISTANT Chat with AI about your tank. Generate Neptune Apex programming code in plain English. Get personalised recommendations based on your actual parameters. EQUIPMENT & LIVESTOCK Manage your full equipment list with maintenance schedules and reminders. Track your fish and coral with species-specific care notes. ReefCtrl works with or without a Neptune Apex. Start with manual parameter logging and add automation as you grow.

Screenshots

Hanna Lab4 screens
ReefCtrl4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ReefCtrl at 100% against Hanna Lab's 45%. ReefCtrl also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hanna Lab ships an update every 5 months, ReefCtrl every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Hanna Lab versus ReefCtrl: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHanna LabReefCtrl
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (10 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews45.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings10 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHanna Instruments, Inc.Jayanth Vignesh Ramachandran

Customer experience

Hanna Lab

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

ReefCtrl

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Hanna Lab

No in-app purchases

None

ReefCtrl

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hanna Lab free?
Hanna Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ReefCtrl free?
ReefCtrl is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Hanna Lab or ReefCtrl have ads?
Neither Hanna Lab nor ReefCtrl shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hanna Lab or ReefCtrl?
Hanna Lab ships an update every 5 months, and ReefCtrl every 9 days. Most recently, Hanna Lab was updated on September 25, 2026 and ReefCtrl on October 4, 2026.

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