HowTall vs Meridian
Side-by-side comparison of features, pros & cons, pricing, and community votes (2026).
🏆 Meridian leads with 463 upvotes
Measure anyone's height in real time with iPhone LiDAR
HowTall is an innovative iOS application that leverages LiDAR technology and ARKit body-pose estimation to measure a person's height in real time. Designed for iPhone Pro users with LiDAR sensors (iPhone 12 Pro or later), it allows users to simply point their device at someone and instantly get an accurate height reading in centimeters or feet/inches. Its fully on-device processing ensures user privacy, as no data is sent to servers, and all camera and depth frames are discarded after processing. The app's ease of use and privacy focus make it ideal for health, fitness, or casual use cases where quick, reliable height measurements are needed without the hassle of manual tools or external devices. Its integration of AR and LiDAR technology makes it a standout for those interested in augmented reality applications and real-time measurements, offering a seamless and modern approach to a common need.
Pros
- Accurate real-time height measurement using advanced AR and LiDAR technology
- Privacy-focused with on-device processing and no account requirements
- Easy to use with minimal setup, requiring only an iPhone with LiDAR
- No in-app purchases or subscriptions, free to use
- Supports measurements in both metric and imperial units
Cons
- Limited to iPhone Pro models with LiDAR (iPhone 12 Pro or newer)
- Requires iOS 17+ which may exclude older devices
- Accuracy may vary slightly depending on user environment and positioning
Best for
- • Quick height assessments in health and fitness settings
- • Measuring children or family members casually at home
- • For real estate or interior design to gauge room or furniture heights
- • Educational demonstrations of AR and LiDAR technology
Pricing: Free and straightforward to use, with no in-app purchases or subscriptions, making it accessible for all compatible users.
Don't let your work go unnoticed. Get promoted!
Meridian is an open-source AI work journal designed to streamline daily work documentation without relying on cloud storage or accounts. Installed locally on your device, it automatically captures and summarizes your daily activities in plain English, providing a comprehensive overview of your work by the end of each day. Its seamless integration with project management tools like Jira allows users to generate draft updates that are ready for review and posting, saving time and reducing manual entry. Meridian is ideal for professionals who value privacy, control over their data, and efficient work tracking. Its open-source nature and offline functionality make it a unique choice for developers, remote workers, and teams seeking a secure, customizable tool that enhances productivity without external dependencies.
Pros
- Local, offline operation ensures complete data privacy and security
- Automatic daily summaries save time and improve work recall
- Integrates smoothly with project management tools like Jira
- Open-source and MIT-licensed, offering customization and transparency
- No account or cloud setup required, simplifying onboarding
Cons
- Limited to users comfortable with open-source and local software
- May require technical knowledge to customize or troubleshoot
- No commercial support or dedicated customer service
Best for
- • Daily work logging for remote software developers
- • Automated project updates for project managers
- • Personal productivity tracking and reflection
- • Secure, private work journaling for sensitive projects
Pricing: Free and open-source software, with no cost for download or use. Users may incur costs if they choose to customize or host locally, but there are no subscription fees or paid plans.