Best Amateur Radio Logging Apps for Android and iOS in 2026

If you operate portable, do IOTA, POTA, SOTA, or just want to log QSOs without a laptop, a good mobile logging app saves time and errors. Here are the best amateur radio logging apps for Android and iOS right now, based on features, LoTW/QRZ support, contest use, and offline capability.

Quick Comparison Table

App	Platform	Price	Best For	LoTW Upload	QRZ Logbook	Offline Use	Official Site
HAMRS	Android, iOS, Win, Mac, Linux	Free. Pro $4.99/yr optional	POTA, SOTA, WWFF, portable ops	Yes via ADIF export	Yes via ADIF	Full offline	hamrs.app
PoLo – Portable Logger	Android, iOS	Free	POTA, field day, rapid entry	Yes via ADIF	Yes via ADIF	Full offline	polo.ham2k.com
CloudlogOffline	Android, iOS	Free	Cloudlog users who need offline	Syncs to Cloudlog server	Via Cloudlog	Full offline	github.com/cloudlogoffline
VK Port-a-Log	Android, iOS	$9.99 one-time	VK portables, WWFF, SOTA	Yes via ADIF	Yes via ADIF	Full offline	vk3zpf.com/vk-port-a-log
QRZ Mobile App	Android, iOS	Free. Subscriber features $	QRZ users, simple logging	Yes direct	Yes direct	Limited	qrz.com
HamLog	iOS only	$1.99	Casual logging, LoTW user	Yes direct	No	Yes	pignology.net/hamlog
SDR-Mobile Logger	Android	Free	SOTA specific	Yes via ADIF	No	Yes	on6zq.be

1. HAMRS – The POTA and SOTA Standard

Focus: Fast logging for portable operators. Built specifically for POTA, SOTA, WWFF.
Why hams use it: Huge buttons, auto time, template for parks and summits. You can log 100 QSOs without touching a keyboard. Exports ADIF 3.1.4 that works with LoTW, QRZ, eQSL.
Key features:

Full offline. No cell signal needed at a summit
Remembers previous QSOs for dup checking
Built in POTA and SOTA database. Tap the park or summit and it fills the fields
Runs on everything: phone, tablet, laptop
Exports to LoTW and QRZ via ADIF. Pro version adds direct QRZ upload

Limitations: Not for contesting. No CAT control.
Download: Android Play Store | iOS App Store
Website: hamrs.app

2. PoLo – Portable Logger – Fastest for Field Ops

Focus: Speed. Designed by ham2k for operators who need to log a pileup fast.
Why hams use it: The UI is optimized for one hand. Swipe to enter RST, huge Next QSO button, audio cues. Popular for POTA activators running 100+ QSOs/hour.
Key features:

Offline first with instant startup
Auto lookup from HamDB, QRZ XML if online
Custom fields for POTA, SOTA, field day
Exports ADIF, CSV, Cabrillo
Free and open source

Limitations: No direct LoTW upload. Export then upload.
Download: Android Play Store | iOS App Store
Website: polo.ham2k.com

3. CloudlogOffline – For Cloudlog Users

Focus: Companion app for the Cloudlog web logger.
Why hams use it: If your main log is Cloudlog on a server, this app lets you log offline at a park then sync when you have internet. No manual ADIF needed.
Key features:

Full offline QSO entry
Two way sync with your Cloudlog instance
Pulls QRZ and HamQTH data when online
Supports SOTA, POTA, WWFF fields

Limitations: You must already run Cloudlog. Not standalone.
Download: Android Play Store | iOS App Store
Website: github.com/dh1tw/CloudlogOffline

4. VK Port-a-Log – Built for Portable Awards

Focus: VK and ZL portable ops, but works worldwide. Strong WWFF and SOTA support.
Why hams use it: Written by VK3ZPF who activates parks weekly. UI is built around real field use. Handles multi park activations and UTC well.
Key features:

Custom fields for WWFF, SOTA, POTA, SiOTA
Rig control via Bluetooth CAT for IC-705, FT-891
Real time dup checking across multiple activations
ADIF export formatted for LoTW, eQSL, Club Log

Limitations: Paid app. Android version is more mature than iOS.
Download: Android Play Store | iOS App Store
Website: vk3zpf.com/vk-port-a-log

5. QRZ Mobile App – Best for QRZ Logbook Users

Focus: Direct integration with QRZ.com.
Why hams use it: If you live in QRZ logbook, this is the simplest. Look up a call, tap Log Contact, done.
Key features:

One tap logging to QRZ logbook
Direct LoTW upload if you are a QRZ subscriber
Call sign lookup with bio, QSL info
Works on phone and tablet

Limitations: Needs internet for most features. Offline mode is basic. No contest support.
Download: Android Play Store | iOS App Store
Website: qrz.com

6. HamLog – Simple LoTW Logger for iOS

Focus: iPhone and iPad users who want direct LoTW without a PC.
Why hams use it: One of the few iOS apps that talks directly to LoTW using your TQSL cert. No ADIF export dance.
Key features:

Direct LoTW upload and download
DXCC tracking
iCloud sync between iPhone and iPad
Works offline

Limitations: iOS only. UI is dated. No POTA/SOTA templates.
Download: iOS App Store
Website: pignology.net/hamlog

How to Pick One

If you do	Pick this app
POTA or SOTA activations	HAMRS or PoLo. PoLo is faster, HAMRS has more templates
You use Cloudlog at home	CloudlogOffline
You want Bluetooth CAT with IC-705	VK Port-a-Log
All your logging is on QRZ	QRZ Mobile App
You need direct LoTW on iPhone	HamLog
SOTA in Europe	SDR-Mobile Logger for Android

Important Tips Before You Head Out

Test ADIF export at home: Log 5 fake QSOs, export, and upload to LoTW or QRZ. Fix problems before you are on a summit with no signal.
Set your phone to UTC: Most awards require UTC. iOS: Settings > General > Date & Time > turn off Set Automatically, pick UTC. Android: Use Set Time to UTC apps.
Bring power: Logging apps drain battery. These are lighter than N1MM on a laptop, but still bring a power bank.
Backup: Email yourself the ADIF after each activation. Phones get dropped.

All these apps are actively maintained in 2025 and 2026. For most portable hams, HAMRS or PoLo will cover 95% of needs. If you are deep in one ecosystem like Cloudlog or QRZ, use their dedicated app.