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.
2 comments