The APiLOG Alternative with BLE Sensors and a Native App
A native iOS and Android app with Whisper voice notes transcribed on the phone, BLE sensor reads from BroodMinder and BEEP, and a local-only mode that turns off cloud sync. HiveSense is the sensor-aware alternative to APiLOG.
Free for up to 15 hives. Voice works offline. No credit card.
APiLOG runs in the browser. HiveSense runs as a native app.
APiLOG made an early bet on voice and video AI for beekeepers, and the product reflects that: hands-free voice recording, video notes with AI data extraction, QR and NFC hive tags, an AI assistant, and role-based team collaboration on its Professional plan. It runs as a web app in any browser, on phone, tablet or desktop. APiLOG has confirmed to us that voice capture, transcription and data extraction all run on-device, with cloud as an optional path, and that everything except settings works with no signal. If you want video notes or desktop access, APiLOG is a reasonable choice.
So voice is not the dividing line, and an earlier version of this page was wrong to say it was. Both apps transcribe on the device and sync the record later. The differences are in what surrounds the inspection note.
HiveSense is a native iOS and Android app. It reads BLE hive sensors directly (BroodMinder, BEEP, standard Bluetooth scales), which APiLOG does not do by design; its site says “no expensive gadgets”. It has a local-only mode where records stay on the phone with no sync. And the free tier covers 15 hives. The trade-offs on our side: a one-time ~181 MB Whisper model download, audio only (no video), and no desktop version.
Feature comparison
| Feature | HiveSense | APiLOG |
|---|---|---|
| Voice-to-text inspections | Yes | Yes |
| Where transcription runs | On the phone (Whisper) | On-device; cloud optional |
| Transcript appears with no signal | Yes | Yes |
| Video notes with AI extraction | No | Yes |
| Offline logging, syncs later | Yes | Yes, except settings |
| BLE sensor support (BroodMinder, BEEP) | Yes | No |
| Local-only mode (no cloud sync) | Yes | No |
| Free tier | Up to 15 hives | 2 hives, 1 apiary |
| Queen lineage and genetics tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Treatment records and scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Team roles | Pro plan | Professional plan |
| Data export | Paid plans | Yes |
| Runs as | Native iOS and Android app | Web app in any browser |
Checked against apilog.app (product page, FAQ and pricing) on 27 September 2026 and corrected on 28 September 2026 with APiLOG's own input. APiLOG's feature set may have changed since; if something here is out of date, tell us at support@tryhivesense.com and we will correct it.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
How is HiveSense voice different from APiLOG voice?
Less than we originally wrote. Both apps transcribe on the device: APiLOG has told us that voice capture, transcription and data extraction all run on-device, with a cloud path as an option, and that only the resulting record syncs once you are back online. HiveSense runs Whisper on the phone with a one-time model download and no cloud option at all. The practical differences are elsewhere: APiLOG also handles video and runs in any browser; HiveSense is a native app with a local-only mode that turns off cloud sync.
Why does on-device voice matter?
Three reasons. One: the transcript is there on the spot, even with no signal — most apiaries have poor cell service. Two: your audio is not sent to a speech service to be transcribed, which matters for sensitive notes about a queen breeder, a sick hive, or a buyer. Three: the feature does not depend on a server being reachable.
Does APiLOG have features HiveSense does not?
Yes. Video notes with AI extraction, NFC hive tags, an AI beekeeping assistant that answers questions from your records, weather and pollen forecasts per apiary, shareable honey profiles for jars, and desktop access from any browser. HiveSense handles audio only, ships as a native iOS and Android app, and concentrates on offline reliability and BLE sensors.
Does APiLOG work offline?
Yes. APiLOG is a web app that caches itself on your device after the first visit, and APiLOG has confirmed to us that inspections, voice capture, transcription and data extraction all work with no signal; only settings and preferences need a connection. Records sync when you reconnect. HiveSense works the same way offline, and adds a local-only mode where nothing syncs at all.
Why would I switch from APiLOG?
Three reasons, and none of them is voice. If you want BLE sensor readings — BroodMinder, BEEP, and standard Bluetooth weight scales — on the same timeline as your inspection notes. If you want a native iOS or Android app with a local-only mode, so your records can stay on the phone with no sync. Or if you want a larger free tier: HiveSense is free for up to 15 hives, APiLOG for 2.
Is HiveSense really free?
Yes. The free tier covers up to 15 hives with no time limit and no credit card — including unlimited voice notes, offline mode, queen tracking, and treatment schedules. Pro ($5.99/mo) adds unlimited hives, BLE sensors, team collaboration, and advanced analytics.
Can I import my APiLOG data?
APiLOG supports data export on every plan. HiveSense does not currently have a one-click importer, but reach out to support@tryhivesense.com and we will help bring structured records and voice-note transcripts over.
Not ready to install? Grab the free guide.
Get our 2026 Beginner Beekeeping Starter Guide (PDF) — no app required. One email, then decide in your own time.
Sensors, voice and records in one native app
Free for up to 15 hives. On-device Whisper. BLE sensors on Pro, $5.99/mo.
See the full 2026 app comparison