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 — 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.