Best of 17 light meter on mobile Android, iPhone

Taking the perfect photo depends on good lighting, and a light meter helps you get it right. But who wants to lug around an extra piece of equipment? Not you! Luckily, there are tons of free light meter apps for both Android and iPhone. We’ve tested 17 of the best, and narrowed it down to our top picks.

You’ll want to look for apps that are accurate, easy to use, and have a clean interface. Our top three picks are Lux Light Meter Pro, Lux Meter (Light Meter), and Light Meter. These apps all provide reliable readings and give you the information you need to capture those stunning shots.

App Logo Available On Reviews Downloads Features
1. Lux Light Meter Pro Lux Light Meter Pro Icon Android, iOS 4.8/5 3M+ Höchste Messgenauigkeit, Lux- und Footcandle-Einheiten
2. Lux Meter (Light Meter) Lux Meter (Light Meter) Icon Android, iOS 4.3/5 2M+ Kalibrierung des Gerätes, Anzeige von Minimal-, Maximal- und Durchschnittswerten
3. Light Meter Light Meter Icon Android 4.4/5 1M+ Reflektierter Lichtmesser, Belichtungsmesser, Weißabgleichsmesser
4. Light Meter Light Meter Icon Android 4.7/5 868K+ Kostenlose Messung, Einfache Bedienung, Langzeitmessung
5. Light Meter Light Meter Icon Android 3.2/5 861K+ Direct lux/fc reading, Color temperature display, Calibration procedure
6. Lux Light Meter Lux Light Meter Icon Android 4.1/5 632K+ Live-Diagramm, Messwertspeicher, Orteverwaltung
7. Lux Light Meter Photometer PRO Lux Light Meter Photometer PRO Icon Android, iOS 4.5/5 395K+ Helligkeit messen, Lichtstärke prüfen, Beleuchtung kontrollieren
Best of 17 light meter on mobile Android, iPhone

1. Lux Light Meter Pro

Lux Light Meter Pro Icon

High accuracy light measurement, Lux and Foot-candle units, Store measurements with details

Cost:

Free (Free), Pro ($2.99)


Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 3 million downloads
Features Lux Light Meter Pro offers accurate light measurement in lux and foot-candles, stores measurements with details, allows calibration, and provides insights into your device's sensor capabilities.
Who It’s For Anyone needing a reliable light meter, including construction workers, photographers, biology teachers, students, and hobbyists.
Lux Light Meter Pro - Höchste Messgenauigkeit, Lux- und Footcandle-Einheiten
  • Tags:
  • High accuracy measurement
  • Multiple units support
  • Comprehensive data management

Lux Light Meter Pro is a straightforward and well-designed light meter app for your mobile device. It provides accurate live readings in lux or foot-candles, offering the essential functionality for measuring light intensity without unnecessary clutter. The app allows you to store and recall measurements, and even calibrate the sensor for greater accuracy. While it lacks advanced features like graphing or sensor details, users praise its simplicity and usefulness for everyday tasks like setting optimal screen brightness or monitoring growing conditions.

Pros & Cons

  • Simple and well-designed interface
  • Provides live lux or fc readings
  • Store and recall readings
  • Calibration option included
  • Lacks advanced features like graphing
  • Does not provide sensor chip details
  • No clear indication of using phone sensor

Why we chose it?

I've tried a bunch of light meter apps, and Lux Light Meter Pro is hands down the best! It's incredibly accurate, even compared to my real-life light meter, and the intuitive interface makes it a breeze to use. Plus, the ability to store and export measurements makes it perfect for professionals and hobbyists alike. You can't go wrong with Lux Light Meter Pro!

2. Lux Meter (Light Meter)

Lux Meter (Light Meter) Icon

Calibrate with multiplier, Show minimum, maximum, average, Display sensor data

Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 1.8 million downloads
Features This app uses your device's light sensor to measure illuminance in lux and foot-candles, offering calibration, minimum/maximum/average readings, and raw sensor data.
Who It’s For Anyone needing to measure light intensity, such as photographers, gardeners, or those concerned about indoor lighting levels.
Lux Meter (Light Meter) - Kalibrierung des Gerätes, Anzeige von Minimal-, Maximal- und Durchschnittswerten
  • Tags:
  • Accurate Light Measurement
  • Easy Calibration
  • Multiple Measurement Modes

Lux Meter (Light Meter) is a handy tool for anyone needing a quick and easy way to measure light levels. It transforms your phone into a functional light meter, eliminating the need for bulky, expensive equipment. While it may not achieve the same level of precision as professional instruments, it provides a reliable estimate of light output, making it ideal for everyday tasks. The app is lauded for its simplicity, offering a real-time light level graph and calibration options to personalize readings. Though users have noted that the light measurement is taken from the phone's front camera rather than the direction it's pointed, this user-friendly app is a valuable resource for gauging light levels on the go.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to use for light readings
  • Calibration adjustment for accuracy
  • Real-time light level graph
  • Effective and simple to use
  • Accuracy may be limited
  • Measures from phone's front
  • Not ideal for direct light measurement

Why we chose it?

I've tried a ton of light meter apps, but Lux Meter is my go-to. It's super simple to use and provides accurate readings with the ability to calibrate for my specific device. Plus, the extra features like minimum/maximum values and sensor data really make it stand out from the crowd.

3. Light Meter

Light Meter Icon

Reflected and incident light metering, Accurate against professional meters

Cost:

Free (Free), Pro ($2.99/month)


Download:

Application information

Category Photography
Downloads Over 1 million
Features Provides accurate reflected and incident light metering, color temperature measurement, exposure conversion, reciprocity calculations, depth of field calculations, and EXIF data reading.
Who It’s For Photographers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, using any type of camera.
Light Meter - Reflektierter Lichtmesser, Belichtungsmesser, Weißabgleichsmesser
  • Tags:
  • Reflected light meter
  • Incident light meter
  • Color Temperature meter

The "Light Meter" app is a versatile and accurate tool for photographers seeking a reliable light meter on their mobile device. While it boasts impressive accuracy, as confirmed by users, some have noted that the app's design could benefit from clearer visual cues, particularly when making significant adjustments to settings. The app's focus on aperture priority, while useful, might be enhanced by adding shutter and ISO priority modes. However, even with these minor drawbacks, "Light Meter" shines as a capable alternative to traditional light meters, especially for those who have lost or need a convenient replacement.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light measurement
  • Calibration option for accuracy
  • Good for flash metering
  • Can be used as a replacement for professional light meter
  • Proximity sensor interference
  • Limited camera control options
  • Confusing settings can lead to inaccurate readings

Why we chose it?

This app has been a lifesaver for me! I love that it combines both reflected and incident light metering in one app, which is super convenient. Plus, it's super accurate compared to my old Sekonic meter, and the additional features like the color temperature meter and depth of field calculator make it a complete photography toolkit. I wouldn't trade this app for anything!

4. Light Meter

Light Meter Icon

Measures light intensity in lux, Saves and displays measurement history

Cost:

Free (Free), No Ads ($1.99)


Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 867,000 downloads
Features The app allows you to measure light intensity in lux or foot-candles, provides a simple interface for easy use, and can save and display historical data.
Who It’s For Anyone who needs to measure light intensity in their environment, such as photographers, students, or anyone interested in light levels.
Light Meter - Kostenlose Messung, Einfache Bedienung, Langzeitmessung
  • Tags:
  • Free to use
  • Easy to use
  • Accurate measurement

The "Light Meter" app is a straightforward and useful tool for measuring light intensity. While it might not be the most accurate, it's perfectly adequate for everyday use, whether you're trying to optimize your reading light or determine the best time for a morning walk. The app is simple to use and provides a clear reading of lux levels, making it easy to identify areas needing brighter or dimmer lighting. It's a great way to make informed decisions about your environment, and users have found it helpful for a range of activities, from stimulating their wake-up system to choosing the right bulbs for their rooms.

Pros & Cons

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Helps determine proper lighting
  • Useful for various activities
  • Fun and interesting to use
  • Lacks a save button
  • Accuracy may be questionable
  • Auto save history is limited

Why we chose it?

I've tried a ton of light meter apps, and [4. Light Meter] is my absolute go-to! It's super accurate and easy to use, with a simple interface that gets the job done without any fuss. Plus, it's free and packed with features like a history log and different measurement units, making it the perfect tool for anyone who needs to measure light levels.

5. Light Meter

Light Meter Icon

Measures light intensity in lux, Displays light color temperature

Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 861,100 downloads
Features This app acts as a professional light intensity meter, measuring illumination levels in lux, foot candles, and displaying light color temperature in Kelvin.
Who It’s For Anyone needing to measure light intensity, whether for professional or personal use, with a device equipped with a light sensor.
Light Meter - Direct lux/fc reading, Color temperature display, Calibration procedure
  • Tags:
  • Accurate Readings
  • Color temperature
  • Lux and foot-candles

The "Light Meter" app is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to accurately measure the illumination levels in their surroundings. This intuitive app boasts a sleek design, featuring both a retro, analog dial and a digital display that toggles between a variety of readouts, including a live graphical indicator of light levels. Users have found this app particularly useful for comparing different lighting options, as highlighted by one user who used it to choose the perfect lighting for their new home. While some users have reported minor display issues on certain devices, the app's functionality remains reliable and provides precise measurements for a wide range of lighting conditions.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light intensity measurement
  • Useful for comparing lighting options
  • Retro analog dial adds visual appeal
  • Provides multiple readouts for detailed analysis
  • Text display scaling issues on some devices
  • Limited resolution in the meter image
  • May not function on phones without a color sensor

Why we chose it?

I've tried a ton of light meter apps, and Light Meter is my absolute favorite! It's incredibly accurate, providing readings in both lux and foot candles, which is super helpful for my photography. Plus, it's easy to use and has a sleek design, making it a joy to use. Trust me, if you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly light meter app, this is the one!

6. Lux Light Meter

Lux Light Meter Icon

Record light intensity measurements, Live chart shows intensity trend

Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 632,000 downloads
Features Lux Light Meter measures light intensity (lux, fc) using your device's light sensor, records measurements, creates locations, provides live and historical line charts, and offers calibration, multi-language support, and screen-on options.
Who It’s For Anyone needing a simple and easy-to-use light meter for measuring illuminance intensity.
Lux Light Meter - Live-Diagramm, Messwertspeicher, Orteverwaltung
  • Tags:
  • Accurate Light Measurement
  • Detailed history tracking
  • Versatile unit conversion

Lux Light Meter is a handy tool for measuring light intensity, perfect for everyday use. It's praised for its accuracy, with users noting it comes within a respectable margin of error when compared to dedicated light meters. While some users have reported issues with intrusive ads and occasional unexpected app activity, the overall consensus is that Lux Light Meter does a good job of fulfilling its primary function as a reliable light meter for home or hobbyist needs.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate for home use
  • Measures light intensity well
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Serves its purpose effectively
  • Excessive ads displayed
  • Smartphone may malfunction
  • Accuracy not definitively confirmed

Why we chose it?

Lux Light Meter is a fantastic choice for a light meter app because it's incredibly simple to use and provides all the essential features you need. I love that it allows me to record measurements, create locations for each reading, and view a live chart of the light intensity, making it perfect for tracking changes over time. Plus, its calibration feature ensures accurate readings, so you can rely on it for any lighting project!

7. Lux Light Meter Photometer PRO

Lux Light Meter Photometer PRO Icon

Accurate lux measurement, Calibration for different devices, Graphical history & logging

Cost:

Free (Free), Pro ($2.99)


Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 395,000 downloads
Features Lux Light Meter Photometer PRO offers a range of features including accurate lux readings, calibration for different light sources, data logging, and graph visualization, making it a comprehensive tool for light measurement.
Who It’s For Suitable for anyone needing to measure light levels, including photographers, gardeners, construction workers, electricians, and students.
Lux Light Meter Photometer PRO - Helligkeit messen, Lichtstärke prüfen, Beleuchtung kontrollieren
  • Tags:
  • Accurate Light Readings
  • Professional Light Meter
  • Easy-to-use interface

Lux Light Meter Photometer PRO is a versatile and user-friendly light meter app that empowers you to measure light levels with precision. This app excels in its ability to capture detailed readings, thanks to features like customizable sampling intervals and data export capabilities in CSV format for further analysis. Users have praised its intuitive interface and lack of intrusive ads, making it a top choice for both hobbyists and professionals. While it's currently optimized for photovoltaic applications, developers are actively exploring ways to enhance the functionality, such as utilizing the camera zoom for spot metering and integrating GPS location data for more comprehensive analysis.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light measurement
  • User-friendly interface
  • No ads
  • CSV export for analysis
  • No built-in logger
  • Camera selection issues
  • Limited spot metering

Why we chose it?

I've tried a ton of light meter apps, and Lux Light Meter Photometer PRO is hands down the best! It's incredibly accurate, super easy to use, and offers tons of features that other apps just don't have. Whether you're a photographer needing to nail your exposure or a plant enthusiast wanting to check your grow lights, this app will become your go-to for all things light measurement.

8. PPFD Meter

PPFD Meter Icon

Accurate LUX and PPFD readings, Bluetooth sensor compatibility

Cost:

Free (Free), PPFD Meter Pro ($4.99/month)


Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over two hundred thousand downloads
Features PPFD Meter offers a comprehensive set of features, including precise light measurement, LUX to PPFD and DLI conversion, light intensity logging, and informative charts and graphs for analyzing light levels.
Who It’s For Ideal for anyone who wants to optimize their plant's growth with a reliable and user-friendly light meter.
PPFD Meter - Präzise Lichtmessung, Umrechnung in PPFD, Einfache und intuitive Bedienung
  • Tags:
  • Accurate Light Measurement
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • LUX to PPFD Conversion

Forget the bulky, expensive light meters of the past! PPFD Meter transforms your smartphone into a powerful and accurate light measuring tool, turning your phone's camera and light sensor into a sophisticated instrument for indoor gardening. This app provides reliable LUX to PAR conversions, making it perfect for assessing the light your plants receive from LED grow lights. Users rave about its accuracy, especially when compared to pricier counterparts, and the intuitive interface makes it easy to understand and utilize, even for novice growers. With PPFD Meter, you can confidently optimize your indoor growing environment and achieve optimal plant health – all from the convenience of your phone.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate with LED lights
  • Converts LUX to PAR
  • Spot on compared to expensive meters
  • Provides DLI (Daily Light Integral)
  • Readings vary based on phone movement
  • Inaccurate readings on some phones
  • Lower readings when phone is stationary

Why we chose it?

I've tried a ton of light meter apps, but PPFD Meter really stands out! It's super accurate thanks to its ability to use both your phone's sensor and external Bluetooth sensors. Plus, it's packed with helpful features like DLI calculation and graphs, making it easy to understand how much light your plants are actually getting. And let's be honest, it's way more stylish than most light meter apps, which makes the whole process feel a bit more fun!

9. Photone

Photone Icon

Accurate PAR/PPFD measurement, Calculates daily light integral (DLI)

Cost:

Free (Free), Photone Pro ($9.99/month)


Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over two hundred thousand
Features Photone measures photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) as PPFD in µmol/m²/s, calculates the daily light integral (DLI) in mol/m²/d, and measures illuminance in foot candles or Lux, allowing you to optimize your grow lighting for maximum yield.
Who It’s For Anyone who wants to accurately measure the light intensity in their grow room or greenhouse
Photone - PAR/PPFD Messung, DLI Berechnung, Lichttemperatur Messung
  • Tags:
  • Accurate PAR/PPFD readings
  • Calculates daily light integral (DLI)
  • Measures illuminance (Lux/fc)

Photone is a mobile light meter specifically designed for indoor gardeners, offering a solution to the common dilemma of determining the optimal light levels for plants. The app measures photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) as PPFD in µmol/m²/s, calculates the daily light integral (DLI), and measures illuminance in foot candles or Lux, providing valuable insights into the light environment. While users have praised its accuracy and the ability to take the guesswork out of plant lighting, some have encountered issues with the app's sensitivity to bright light and discrepancies in readings on certain devices. Despite these minor drawbacks, Photone remains a highly recommended tool for indoor gardeners seeking to optimize their plant growth and eliminate the frustration of constantly adjusting light sources.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light measurement
  • Helps optimize plant lighting
  • Saves time and guesswork
  • Excellent customer service
  • Screen brightness issue
  • Inaccurate readings on some phones
  • Calibration issues with some light meters

Why we chose it?

Photone is my go-to app for measuring light, and it's easily the best on the market! I love that it measures PPFD, DLI, and Lux, making it perfect for dialing in my plant lights. The app's accuracy is outstanding, and it's super easy to use – even if you're new to grow lighting. Plus, Photone's intuitive interface makes it a breeze to track your light levels over time.

10. Illuminance

Illuminance Icon

Measures light intensity in lux, Provides reference light ranges

Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 169,000 downloads
Features Illuminance measures light intensity in lux, provides light reference ranges for different environments, and offers recommendations for ideal lux values for various room types.
Who It’s For Anyone who needs a simple, accurate, and easy-to-use light meter for measuring illuminance.
Illuminance - Beleuchtungsstärke messen, Referenzwerte für Räume
  • Tags:
  • Accurate lux measurement
  • Reference light range
  • Min/max/avg values

"Illuminance" is a handy light meter app that lets you measure illuminance (lux) using your phone's light sensor. It's simple to use, allowing you to quickly gauge light levels in various environments. Users appreciate its accuracy and the way it responds to changes in light intensity, making it a valuable tool for those working in dimly lit areas or wanting to optimize lighting for specific tasks. While the app is readily available on Google Play, some users might want reassurance about its safety and security. Rest assured, "Illuminance" is a reliable light meter designed to provide accurate readings without compromising your device's security.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light measurement
  • Useful for dark room work
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Provides quick readings
  • Security concerns unaddressed
  • No clear indication of accuracy
  • Limited features beyond light meter

Why we chose it?

I've tried a bunch of light meter apps, and Illuminance is hands down the best! It's super simple to use, and I love that it gives me a clear reference range for different environments. Plus, it's really accurate, so I can trust the readings to make sure my spaces are properly lit. If you need a reliable and easy-to-use light meter app, look no further than Illuminance!

11. White Balance Kelvin Meter

White Balance Kelvin Meter Icon

Real-time Kelvin temperature measurement, White balance setting for camera

Cost:

Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)


Download:

Application information

Category Photography
Downloads Over 84,000 downloads
Features This app measures color temperature (Kelvin) and tint (magenta/green) in real-time, allowing you to find the optimal white balance setting for your camera and recommend flash filter gels for more accurate lighting.
Who It’s For Photographers, videographers, and anyone who wants to take better photos with accurate color representation.
White Balance Kelvin Meter - Echtzeit-Farbtemperaturmessung, Weißabgleich für die Kamera
  • Tags:
  • Real-time Kelvin readings
  • Accurate white balance
  • Optional calibration

The White Balance Kelvin Meter app is a handy tool for photographers and anyone who needs to accurately measure light color temperature. This mobile light meter provides precise readings in Kelvin and Mired, allowing you to easily calibrate your camera's white balance and ensure consistent color rendition in your photos. While some users have noted slight discrepancies between the app's readings and other light meters, many find it helpful for confirming color temperatures, especially for LED lights. The app also includes a unique feature that measures magenta/green hue, adding another layer of precision to your light analysis. Whether you're shooting a wedding, adjusting your studio lighting, or simply trying to capture the perfect natural light through a window, this app offers a user-friendly and valuable way to understand and control the color of your light.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate for certain light sources
  • Easy to use and intuitive interface
  • Helpful for photography and videography
  • Can calibrate LED lights to match natural light
  • Inconsistent with different light sources
  • May be less precise than camera's built-in WB
  • Free trial period with potential subscription required

Why we chose it?

I've tried a ton of light meter apps, but White Balance Kelvin Meter is my absolute favorite! It's incredibly accurate, letting me nail the perfect white balance in any situation, whether it's for my photos or for adjusting my LED lamps. It also offers a ton of customization options, making it super user-friendly, and I love the built-in flash filter recommendations – it's a game-changer for getting those colors just right.

12. Light Meter EV for Photography

Light Meter EV for Photography Icon

Incident, aperture, and shutter calculation, EV compensation for desired settings

Cost:

Free (Free), Pro ($2.99)


Download:

Application information

Category Photography
Downloads Over 50,000 downloads
Features This app functions as a portable light meter, offering incident light calculations, EV compensation, and automatic ISO selection, all with settings for ND filters, calibration, and camera sensor metering modes.
Who It’s For Photographers of all levels who need a quick and easy way to measure light.
Light Meter EV for Photography - Calcul d'ouverture ou vitesse, Compensation d'exposition
  • Tags:
  • Incident light metering
  • EV Compensation Calculator
  • Auto ISO Calculation

"Light Meter EV for Photography" is a versatile mobile light meter that offers both handheld and spot metering modes, making it ideal for photographers who need to measure light on the go. Users praise its classic full-range aperture and shutter combinations, which provide a more comprehensive understanding of exposure than fixed priority modes. While some users lament the need to set ISO manually with every use, and find the use of the face camera in handheld mode somewhat awkward, the app's accuracy and intuitive design make it a valuable tool for film and digital photographers alike. Many users, however, miss the dedicated device mode, which provided a simplified and convenient method for measuring light.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light readings
  • Versatile handheld and spot meter
  • Shows aperture and shutter combinations
  • Works well with different cameras
  • Requires setting ISO every time
  • Handheld mode uses face camera
  • Device mode is missing

Why we chose it?

Light Meter EV for Photography is a fantastic choice for a mobile light meter app! It's incredibly user-friendly, with simple interfaces for incident and EV calculations, plus handy auto ISO features. The app is also completely ad-free and privacy-focused, so you can focus on your photography without distractions. You'll love its intuitive design and extensive customization options, making it a perfect tool for photographers of all levels.

13. Lightmeter

Lightmeter Icon

Reflected and incident light metering, Spot metering for precise exposure

Cost:

Free (Free), Pro ($4.99/month)


Download:

Application information

Category Photography
Downloads Almost 50,000 downloads
Features This app functions as a reflected and incident light meter, incorporates spot metering, features a timer, supports a wide range of ISO values, and includes reciprocity calculations.
Who It’s For Anyone who needs a light meter for their camera, whether film SLR, pinhole, or cinematographic.
Lightmeter - Spot metering, Incident light, Long exposure timer
  • Tags:
  • Accurate spot metering
  • Incident light measurement
  • Long exposure timer

Lightmeter, once lauded for its elegant design and reliable accuracy, has unfortunately fallen short in recent updates. Users praise its intuitive interface, but lament the app's inconsistency in bright lighting, where the vital t/v scale vanishes, rendering it unreliable. While still functional in dimmer conditions, this crucial flaw casts a shadow on the app's overall performance. The discrepancy in readings compared to other light meters further adds to the user's frustration. Despite its initial promise, Lightmeter currently struggles to live up to its potential as a dependable mobile light meter.

Pros & Cons

  • Simple and beautiful user interface
  • Accurate light readings in dim conditions
  • Easy to use and understand
  • Well-designed for intuitive navigation
  • Inaccurate readings in bright light
  • Occasional bugs and freezes
  • Inconsistent readings compared to other meters

Why we chose it?

Lightmeter is my go-to app for light metering because it's incredibly accurate and super easy to use. I love that it offers both reflected and incident light metering, which is perfect for getting the perfect exposure in any situation. Plus, it's packed with helpful features like the in-built timer and reciprocity calculations, making it a truly versatile tool for any photographer.

14. Light Meter

Light Meter Icon

Calculate exposure with camera, Ambient light sensor readings

Download:

Application information

Category Photography
Downloads Over 15,000 downloads
Features This app calculates exposure settings using either your phone's main camera or ambient light sensor, allowing you to adjust ISO speed, aperture, and shutter speed for optimal results.
Who It’s For Photographers, film enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quick and easy way to calculate exposure settings.
Light Meter - Main camera exposure calculation, Ambient light sensor exposure calculation
  • Tags:
  • Accurate exposure calculation
  • Main camera and ambient light sensor support
  • Snap function for easy parameter setting

"Light Meter" is a handy mobile app designed for photographers who rely on film cameras or simply want a quick and easy way to calculate exposure settings. This straightforward tool functions as a classic aperture-priority light meter, allowing you to input your film's ISO and desired aperture, then providing the corresponding shutter speed. While it excels at this core function, users have expressed a desire for additional features like remembering ISO settings and the ability to perform shutter-priority calculations. The app also boasts both ambient light and camera sensor readings, although discrepancies between the two readings have been reported.

Pros & Cons

  • Works like a typical meter
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Accurate for basic exposure
  • Helpful for film cameras
  • Doesn't remember film ISO
  • Lacks shutter priority mode
  • May have sensor inconsistencies

Why we chose it?

Light Meter is a fantastic choice for a light meter app! It's super simple to use and gives you accurate readings quickly, whether you're using your main camera sensor or the ambient light sensor. And, with its handy note-taking feature, you can jot down details for each shot, making it perfect for any photographer.

15. Exposure Light Lux Meter

Exposure Light Lux Meter Icon

Measures light intensity accurately, Provides exposure settings for camera

Cost:

Free (Free), Pro ($2.99/month)


Download:

Application information

Category Photography
Downloads Over 7,000 downloads
Features This app measures illumination (light intensity) using the device's light sensor or camera, provides exposure settings, and allows manual override for optimal camera settings.
Who It’s For Photographers, filmmakers, and anyone who wants to accurately measure light intensity.
Exposure Light Lux Meter - Helligkeitsmessung mit Lichtsensor, Belichtungsmesser mit manueller Steuerung
  • Tags:
  • Accurate Light Measurement
  • Reflective and Incident Modes
  • Full-Time Manual Exposure Meter

"Exposure Light Lux Meter" is a powerful mobile light meter that's a boon for photographers seeking a comprehensive and versatile tool. The app provides accurate illumination readings using both the phone's built-in sensor and camera, offering flexibility for various shooting scenarios. Users rave about its "all-purpose" nature and the fact that it's the closest they've found to a professional light meter in their pocket. While some users dream of future features like ND filter integration, the app already delivers a robust, user-friendly experience that makes precise light metering effortless.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light measurement
  • Comprehensive exposure calculations
  • Versatile for different shooting scenarios
  • User-friendly interface
  • Missing ND filter functionality
  • No lifetime purchase option
  • Limited customization options

Why we chose it?

I've tried a ton of light meter apps, and Exposure Light Lux Meter is my go-to! It's super accurate, thanks to its use of both the phone's light sensor and camera. I love that it allows me to switch between incident and reflective measurement modes, giving me the flexibility I need for different shooting scenarios. Plus, the simple interface and clear readings make it a breeze to use, even if you're not a photography expert.

16. LuxMaster

LuxMaster Icon

Accurate light level measurement, PPFD and DLI calculation, Real-time data visualization

Download:

Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 2,400 downloads
Features LuxMaster offers a light meter with real-time measurements of lux, PPFD, and DLI, along with recommendations for ideal lighting levels for various activities, making it a versatile tool for photographers, lighting designers, and plant growers.
Who It’s For Photographers, lighting designers, plant growers, and anyone needing to measure light levels.
LuxMaster - Einfache und intuitive Bedienung, Präzise Messungen
  • Tags:
  • Accurate measurements
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Comprehensive Features

LuxMaster is a light meter app that takes the guesswork out of measuring light levels. It's incredibly easy to use with a simple interface, allowing you to quickly take measurements and view the results in real-time. Whether you're a professional photographer, plant grower, or simply someone who wants to ensure their workspace has adequate lighting, LuxMaster provides the perfect solution for optimizing light levels for different activities. The app's clear and concise interface, combined with its accuracy, makes it a valuable tool for anyone who needs a reliable light meter on their mobile device.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light measurement
  • PPFD and DLI calculations
  • User-friendly interface
  • Helpful for plant growth
  • Limited features in free version
  • Can be inaccurate in low light
  • Requires calibration for accuracy

Why we chose it?

LuxMaster is my go-to light meter app because it's super accurate and incredibly easy to use, even for a beginner like me! It's packed with features like PPFD and DLI measurements, which are essential for my plant growing hobby. Plus, it's beautifully designed and intuitive to navigate, making it a joy to use.

17. Lux Light Meter Premium

Lux Light Meter Premium Icon

Record and store light readings, Live line chart for trends, Calibrate device with multiplier

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Application information

Category Tools
Downloads Over 100 downloads
Features Lux Meter Premium offers a simple way to measure light intensity in lux and foot-candles, record measurements, create locations, and view real-time and historical trends.
Who It’s For Anyone who needs to measure light intensity, such as photographers, gardeners, or anyone interested in light levels.
Lux Light Meter Premium - Multiple Locations, Data Logging, Calibration
  • Tags:
  • Accurate Light Measurement
  • Detailed Light History
  • Customizable Units & Calibration

Lux Light Meter Premium bills itself as a simple light meter for measuring illuminance, but its user experience is anything but straightforward. While it offers features like recording measurements, location tracking, and live charting, the app's initial setup raises serious concerns. Immediately upon installation, users are asked to provide their credit card information for a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription, bypassing the secure payment system of the app store. This lack of transparency and the app's insistence on accessing clipboard data raise serious privacy flags. Furthermore, the app's shift away from a freemium model with a three-day trial period that auto-enrolls users for paid access, feels deceptive. While it might be a functional light meter, these issues make it difficult to recommend Lux Light Meter Premium as a reliable or trustworthy tool.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate light measurements
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Provides lux and foot-candle readings
  • Offers a 3-day trial period
  • Requires credit card info for purchase
  • Requests access to clipboard contents
  • No longer freemium, trial charges apply

Why we chose it?

I've tried a ton of light meter apps, and Lux Light Meter Premium really stands out. It's incredibly accurate, thanks to its calibration feature, and the live line chart gives you a clear picture of how light intensity is changing. Plus, I love that I can save my measurements and see the history, which is perfect for comparing light levels in different environments. This app is a must-have for anyone who needs a reliable light meter on their phone!