Logging Contacts
QRZ vs. Club Log for Logging Contacts
Both QRZ and Club Log are popular platforms for logging amateur radio contacts, but they offer different features, subscription models, and upload/download capabilities. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two.
QRZ.com
I personally use QRZ to log my QSOs. Besides QRZ, I also upload my QSOs to the SOTA (Summits on the Air) Database when activating summits.
Subscription Model
QRZ operates on a tiered subscription system:
-
Free (Basic) Account:
- Can log and view QSOs, but features are limited.
- About 150 QSOs allowed for free users.
- No advanced analytics or detailed statistics.
- Limited access to call sign lookup and integration with other logging platforms.
- No ADIF export or syncing with Logbook of The World (LoTW).
-
Premium Accounts:
- Unlimited QSOs: Premium users can log an unlimited number of QSOs.
- Enhanced Logbook Features: Sync with LoTW and eQSL for automatic QSO confirmations.
- Export/Download Logs: Download logs in ADIF, CSV, and other formats.
- Advanced Analytics: Detailed statistics, band/mode charts, and log summaries.
- Ad-Free: Premium users enjoy an ad-free browsing experience.
-
Subscription Levels:
- QRZ XML Data Subscription: Full access to QRZ’s call sign database for integration with logging software like Ham Radio Deluxe.
- QRZ Logbook Premium/Platinum: Unlocks advanced logbook features, larger QSO storage, LoTW syncing, and detailed statistics.
Limits for Free Users
- Limited QSOs: Restricted to ~150 QSOs.
- No ADIF Export: Free users cannot export logs in ADIF format.
- Basic Analytics: No access to advanced analytics or statistics.
Upload/Download Logs
- Upload: Logs can be uploaded in ADIF format, even for free users.
- Download: Log export (ADIF/CSV) is only available for premium users.
- Syncing: Premium users can sync their logs with LoTW and eQSL for automatic QSO confirmation.
Club Log
Subscription Model
Club Log is completely free to use, with no paid subscriptions. The platform is supported by user donations.
Limits for Free Users
Since Club Log is free, all features are available without restrictions:
- Unlimited QSO Storage: Upload as many QSOs as you like.
- Advanced Analytics: Access detailed band/mode breakdowns, propagation stats, and leaderboards.
- DX Tools: Free tools for DXCC tracking, including real-time DX spotting.
- Log Matching for DXpeditions: Easily verify QSOs with DXpeditions that upload logs to Club Log.
Upload/Download Logs
- Upload: Upload logs in ADIF format either manually or through automatic sync with programs like Log4OM or N1MM.
- Download: Download logs in ADIF format for backup or transfer.
- Syncing: Sync your logs with LoTW and eQSL for confirmed QSOs and award tracking.
Comparison: QRZ vs. Club Log
| Feature | QRZ (Free) | QRZ (Premium) | Club Log (Free) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QSO Storage | ~150 QSOs | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| ADIF Upload | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADIF Download | No | Yes | Yes |
| LoTW Sync | No | Yes | Yes |
| eQSL Sync | No | Yes | Yes |
| DX Cluster Integration | No | No | Yes |
| Advanced Analytics | No | Yes | Yes |
| Logbook Awards | Basic | Full Access | Full Access (DX-focused) |
| Cost | Free | Subscription ($30-60/year) | Free (Donations accepted) |
Summary
- QRZ is feature-rich but has limitations for free users. Premium users get access to unlimited QSOs, log exports, and advanced syncing with LoTW and eQSL.
- Club Log is entirely free and offers robust features, including unlimited QSO storage, advanced analytics, and syncing with LoTW and eQSL, making it ideal for serious DXers and contesters.
