Tooling
Make

Ham Logging Software

CQRLOG, Cloudlog, Log4OM, N1MM, KLog — log your QSOs and sync to LotW / eQSL / ClubLog.

The logbook is to ham radio what the workout journal is to lifting — most people skip it; the disciplined ones get awards. Modern logbooks sync to LotW (Logbook of the World), eQSL, ClubLog, HRDlog, QRZ.com Logbook, and WSJT-X / JTAlert in real time. Cross-link with Ham Digital Modes (logs WSJT-X via UDP), Ham Contesting (contest-specific loggers), Ham Rig Control (Hamlib) for CAT integration.

FOSS picks

  • ★ CQRLOG — Linux native (Lazarus / Free Pascal), MySQL-backed. Deep integration with LotW / eQSL / ClubLog / HRDlog. DXCC tracker, IOTA, WAS, US counties, satellite QSO tracking. Hamlib CAT, fldigi / WSJT-X capture, color-coded "needed for award" alerts. GPL. The default Linux logger.
  • ★ Cloudlog — PHP / MySQL; web-based; runs on any LAMP stack including a Pi. Multi-user, mobile-responsive, ADIF import/export, LotW / eQSL / ClubLog upload, WSJT-X / Fldigi UDP listener for hands-free logging. The default for "log from any device, any room". GPLv3.
  • KLog — Qt cross-platform (Linux / Win / Mac); LotW / eQSL / ClubLog; ADIF; less feature-rich than CQRLOG but cross-platform. GPL.
  • TQSL / TrustedQSL — ARRL's command-line / GUI tool for signing ADIF files for LotW upload. Required for LotW. Free, closed-source-ish (the cert system is ARRL's).
  • YFKlog — old Linux logger; sunset; nostalgic.

Closed but loved

  • Log4OM (V2) — Windows; closed; freeware. Excellent feature set: integrated cluster, WSJT-X bridge, QSL printing, awards tracking, eQSL / LotW / ClubLog. Most-recommended Windows free logger in 2026.
  • DXLab Suite (DXKeeper / DXView / SpotCollector) — Windows; freeware; closed; classic suite-of-apps style. Steep learning curve; passionate user base. AA6YQ.
  • Ham Radio Deluxe Logbook — Windows; paid (~$100). Pretty, integrated with HRD's rig control / DM780 / SatTracker. Most users skip in favor of Log4OM in 2026.
  • DXKeeper (part of DXLab) — closed; free; well-regarded.
  • HRD Logbook — closed; paid.
  • N3FJP AC Log — Windows; pay-once (~$30); simple, well-loved by US hams.
  • N1MM Logger+ — Windows; free; primarily a contest logger but also fine for general logging. See Ham Contesting.
  • RUMlog (DL2RUM) — macOS native; free; closed; the Mac logger of choice. AA RUMlogNG.
  • Pignology PA1 Logger — closed niche logger.
  • MacLoggerDX — macOS; paid (~$100); commercial Mac logger; integrated with cluster, rig control, prop forecasts.

Field / portable / SOTA-POTA

  • ★ HAMRS — cross-platform, field-day-style mobile logger for Parks-on-the-Air (POTA), Summits-on-the-Air (SOTA), portable activations. Quick entry, GPS-aware, ADIF export. iOS / Android / desktop. Closed; free for basic, paid for cloud sync.
  • POTA Spotter / SOTA Mapper — companion sites for activation logging.
  • VK port-a-log (Android) — alternative portable logger.

Real-time WSJT-X integration

  • JTAlert — Windows companion to WSJT-X; alerts for needed countries / states / grids / friends, automatic logging into HRD / Log4OM / DXKeeper / N3FJP / N1MM / Cloudlog. Closed, free.
  • GridTracker — see Propagation & Band Conditions; FT8 grid map + auto-log to Cloudlog and others. Closed, free.

QSL / award sync targets

  • ★ LotW (Logbook of the World) — ARRL's electronic QSL system. Required for DXCC, WAS, WAZ confirmations. Free; needs digital cert via TQSL.
  • ★ eQSL — alternative electronic QSL; some awards accept it. Free.
  • ★ ClubLog — by G7VJR; free; OQRS (Online QSL Request Service), DXCC matrix views, club statistics. Most DXpeditions use ClubLog as their public log.
  • QRZ.com Logbook — free; ties to QRZ profile pages.
  • HRDlog.net — log-share network; closed.
  • OQRS — sub-feature of ClubLog; how DX-peditions handle paper-QSL requests.

Practical guidance

  • ADIF is the universal format. Every logger imports/exports ADIF (.adi / .adif). You're never locked in. Migrate by exporting ADIF from old logger, importing to new.
  • Sync once a day to LotW, more if you're chasing DXCC. The LotW workflow: WSJT-X writes to your logger → logger exports ADIF → TQSL signs ADIF → upload to ARRL.
  • Confirmation rate. LotW confirmation rate is ~40% on FT8 (most stations log on LotW within a week). eQSL is faster (auto-confirm) but accepted by fewer awards.
  • Cloudlog on a Pi is the canonical "always-on home shack web logger." Reverse-proxy via Caddy / Nginx; Tailscale for remote access.
  • Mobile / iPad logging: Cloudlog's web UI works well on tablets; HAMRS is purpose-built for phones in the field.
  • Backup the database. MySQL dump / SQLite snapshot weekly. Logs are uniquely yours; awards can take 20 years.
  • Don't double-log. Pick one "source of truth" — usually CQRLOG or Cloudlog — and export-only into others. WSJT-X → Cloudlog → LotW is the modern default.

License / pricing notes

  • CQRLOG / Cloudlog / KLog / TQSL — FOSS / free.
  • Log4OM / Ham Radio Deluxe — closed; Log4OM is free, HRD is paid.
  • HAMRS / RUMlog / DXKeeper / N3FJP — closed; HAMRS is free-tier-with-paid-cloud, others free or pay-once.
  • MacLoggerDX — closed paid.
  • LotW / eQSL / ClubLog / QRZ Logbook — free services; LotW requires ARRL membership for some upload features (free for confirmations).

Pick this if…

  • Default Linux logger: CQRLOG.
  • Default web / Pi-hosted logger: Cloudlog.
  • Default Windows free logger: Log4OM V2.
  • Default macOS logger: RUMlog (free) or MacLoggerDX (paid).
  • Cross-platform, simple: KLog.
  • Field / POTA / SOTA mobile: HAMRS.
  • All-in-one Windows paid suite: Ham Radio Deluxe.
  • Required for any award: TQSL + LotW account.

Previous

Ham Rig Control (Hamlib)

Next

Ham Contesting Software

On this page