Logging software guide
Amateur radio logging software compared. N1MM+, Log4OM, HAMRS, CloudLog, and others for contest, general, and portable logging.
Logging software compared, from contest to portable to general purpose.
Choosing logging software
| Software | Platform | Cost | Best for | LoTW upload | CAT control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N1MM+ | Windows | Free | Contesting | Yes | Yes |
| Log4OM | Windows | Free | General logging | Yes | Yes |
| HAMRS | Win/Mac/Linux/Mobile | Free | Portable (POTA/SOTA) | Export ADIF | No |
| CloudLog | Web (self-hosted) | Free | Multi-device access | Yes | Via API |
| MacLoggerDX | macOS | $95 | Mac users | Yes | Yes |
| RUMlogNG | macOS | Free | Mac users | Yes | Yes |
| N3FJP | Windows | $50 | Beginners, simple contests | Yes | Yes |
For contesting: N1MM+
N1MM+ is the standard contest logging software. Free. Windows only. Handles every major contest format. Integrated band map, multiplier tracking, CW/digital macro sending, radio control, cluster integration, and Cabrillo log generation. The learning curve is steep but every serious contester uses N1MM+.
For general logging: Log4OM
Log4OM is a comprehensive general-purpose logger. Free. Windows only. LoTW/eQSL/ClubLog integration. Award tracking (DXCC, WAS, VUCC). CAT control. DX cluster. QSL management. The general-purpose logger for Windows users who want everything in one application.
For portable operations: HAMRS
HAMRS runs on phones, tablets, and laptops. Free. POTA and SOTA logging templates built in. Exports ADIF for LoTW upload. No CAT control (you are operating portable, so frequency changes are manual). HAMRS is what POTA and SOTA activators use because it runs on whatever device they carry.
For Mac users: RUMlogNG or MacLoggerDX
macOS has fewer logging options. RUMlogNG is free and capable. MacLoggerDX ($95) is the premium option with more features. Both support LoTW and CAT control.
For multi-device: CloudLog
CloudLog is a self-hosted web application. Install it on a server or Raspberry Pi, access it from any browser on any device. Free and open-source. Useful for operators who log from multiple computers or want a centralized log accessible anywhere.
The minimum viable approach
If you just want to log contacts and upload to LoTW:
- Download HAMRS (free, any platform)
- Log contacts during operating sessions
- Export ADIF file after each session
- Upload ADIF to LoTW via TQSL
This takes 5 minutes to set up and handles everything a casual operator needs.