# HomeLights for HomeKit — user reviews

> 43 indexed App Store user reviews of HomeLights for HomeKit by Anthonin Cocagne, rated 4.80/5 from 73 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homelights-for-homekit/id6448572776/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homelights-for-homekit/id6448572776.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 66 · 4★ 4 · 3★ 1 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 2

## Newest reviews (12 of 43)

### 5/5 — Solves one of the smart homes biggest hurdles.

*2024-12-01*

Those who are into smart homes know one of the most annoying parts is finding the right room to control the light you want when opening the home app. 

For those who have looked into how to solve this, you may have come across the madness of home assistant, where people would put a raspberry pi with a Bluetooth beacon in each room, which would measure how close/far your phone/watch was from each beacon to tell which room you are in. And even after all that work, you would still need to deal with, maintain, and build dashboards to display the correct lights in home assistant. A fun way to pass time for hobbyist, a good way to get divorced for the rest of us. 

This solves the issue pretty easily after a small amount of setup. Walk around your rooms for 20 seconds to train the app to recognize which room is which- this is very clever, it uses Bluetooth to measure signal strength of other things in your home, like tvs and speakers, to tell which room you are in based on the strength of signal to these items. Best of all, it ties into your existing Apple home setup. I keep the widget on my phone at all times and it works great. 

The lifetime license is a cherry on top!

**Developer response:** Hi AlBilly12,

Wow, I absolutely loved reading your review! You perfectly captured the struggle of smart home enthusiasts and the overly complex solutions out there. The "good way to get divorced" part had me laughing—I totally get what you mean!

I’m really glad HomeLights makes room detection easy for you and that the widget fits well into your setup. Huge thanks for the support, and I really appreciate you getting the lifetime license!

Best,
Anthonin

### 5/5 — Incontournable

*2024-09-10*

Si vous avez un système HomeKit avec plein de lumières, cette application est un must. Le contrôle de la luminosité et de la température des lumières n'a jamais été aussi facile et rapide. Le plus : l'ajout récent des activités en direct qui permettent de tirer partie de la Dynamic Island en donnant la possibilité de contrôler les lumières en un tap de n'importe où ! Un grand merci au développeur pour les mises à jour régulières qui améliorent continuellement l'app.

### 5/5 — Solves Light Management Elegantly

*2024-08-14*

The room guessing is very useful and up to this point has been fairly accurate for me. 

Definitely worth the investment!

**Developer response:** Hi IntRec,

Thanks for the 5-star review! I’m glad to hear the Room Detection is working well for you. Really appreciate the support!

Best,
Anthonin

### 5/5 — Simply Awesome!

*2024-08-04*

Just downloaded.. this is fantastic! It solves my frustrations with controlling my HomeKit lights via traditional methods. Super simple and clean.. love it!

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2024-07-24*

I'm loving it

### 5/5 — Slick app, great added features

*2024-07-23*

Usually the auxiliary apps to HomeKit offer little functionality beyond the native app itself. The auto detection feature and live widgets in this app, however, are game changers. I’d be willing to bet it gets shut down in the near future—once Apple buys the developers out in a bid to include the auto detect features in the native Home app itself. 

Great app in a slick package that works well and is worth the money spent.

**Developer response:** Hi Mrlightison,

Wow, what a compliment! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the Room Detection and Widgets. Hearing that they feel like game changers means a lot. Thanks for the support and for recognizing the effort that goes into making HomeLights shine.

Best,
Anthonin

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2024-07-22*

I'm loving it

### 5/5 — First impressions

*2024-07-20*

Just amazing app, love the idea and the room control layout, I will use some old iPhone devices as light switches.

### 5/5 — Klasse!

*2024-07-13*

Bisher sehr zufrieden! Die Erkennung des Raums funktioniert gut, auch wenn ich ein das Setting bevorzuge, wo die Reihenfolge der Räume festgelegt ist. 
Dass stetig neue Features dazukommen und Shortcuts implementiert sind lässt mich weiter hoffen, dass die App noch besser wird.

### 5/5 — Huge improvement over home app

*2024-07-05*

Hated setting all the lights individually in that native home app. This is way better and faster and the dev updates regularly. Probably my most used app. Thanks!

### 5/5 — Easy to set up and easy to use

*2024-06-26*

The setup process is very easy. Merely walk around your place to let the app discover your lights. I have Hue and Nanoleaf.  It seems to discover all Bluetooth and WiFi devices.  Once it has done so, pick the devices that are your lights. Make sure they are in the correct assigned rooms.
 After the setup, you can control brightness, temperature, color, etc.  You can control by room or by light.
I hesitate to use the word ‘simple’. It is dead simple, but don’t get the wrong impression, it’s also a joy to use because you don’t have take hours and hours to set it up and try to figure out how the silly thing works.

### 5/5 — Simply Awesome!

*2024-06-14*

Just downloaded.. this is fantastic!  It solves my frustrations with controlling my HomeKit lights via traditional methods.  Super simple and clean.. love it!

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Useless to me

*2025-10-03*

Unfortunately, the application identifies devices using obscure manufacturing model numbers. I have no idea what many of these devices are.

### 1/5 — Pas convaincu

*2024-09-07*

À vouloir faire simple on peut parfois s’emmêler les pinceaux. Rien que le retour sur l'accueil est problématique… l’application est globalement très peu intuitive. La typographie est difficilement lisible. En fait, c’est une bonne version béta qui, selon moi, aurait du être gratuite.

**Developer response:** Bonjour PPKChantilly,

Merci beaucoup pour votre retour. Je suis désolé d'apprendre que l'application ne vous a pas convaincu. J'imagine que vous faites référence aux gestes lorsque vous mentionnez que l'app n'est pas intuitive, et je prends note de cette remarque. L'application a été conçue pour être la plus efficace possible, et ces gestes visent justement à améliorer cette efficacité (même si des boutons classiques sont également disponibles pour les différentes actions). Le retour à l'accueil se fait par un clic sur la flèche ou un swipe vers le bas. N'hésitez pas à me contacter via l'application si quelque chose vous a particulièrement bloqué, je me ferai un plaisir de vous assister.

Je suis navré que vous n'ayez pas pu apprécier HomeLights à sa juste valeur en raison des gestes ou de la typographie. Je prends bien en compte vos remarques pour les prochaines mises à jour, même s'il me faudra trouver un équilibre entre la satisfaction des utilisateurs actuels et votre retour.

Encore merci pour votre avis, et j'espère que vous aurez l'occasion de donner une autre chance à HomeLights à l'avenir !

Bonne journée,
Anthonin

### 1/5 — You cannot use anything in the app without it making you buy an app purchase

*2024-08-31*

This app look very interesting and it has good reviews. I’m sure it could possibly be a good app but I don’t know. I haven’t had the opportunity to. I’ve set up the app and as soon as I try to do anything, ask me to go premium this is now including, changing the dimmer settings on the lights so I can’t even turn the light up and down on the phone which is one of its main functions if this was a truly free trial let’s say it was timed. You give a day or a week then I am pretty sure I would’ve brought this up because it seems very interesting but having this tactic of drawing you in saying it’s free and then every function being hidden behind a payroll is kind of disgusting.
Ps i’ve just come back to the app to check whether the review has gone live and it still hasn’t. I’m hoping the Apple is running a process through this to check the review for rude words of which they will find and then will put the review up live I will be checking in on this on a regular basis if I don’t see it live within a week I will be ringing Apple up to make a complaint, even on top of all that I don’t see why my one star shouldn’t count straight away as you don’t need to check the one star for anything I will be checking back. I will be making sure this review goes up.

**Developer response:** Hi, 

Thank you for taking the time to review HomeLights. I understand your concerns about the limitations of the free version and appreciate your feedback. The free version allows you to fully control two rooms of your choice. For users with larger setups, upgrading to the full version is necessary to unlock all rooms and access premium features, such as Room Detection. HomeLights also offers a 14-day free trial, specifically designed to give users the opportunity to try out the full version without spending any money.

I'm always looking for ways to enhance the user experience in both versions of the app. If you have any suggestions or further feedback, I'd love to hear them. Feel free to email me through the app to discuss more about this. Thank you again for your feedback, and I hope you'll give HomeLights another chance in the future!

Best,
Anthonin

### 1/5 — Free version is barely useable

*2024-02-12*

Only 2 rooms can be controlled with the free version.

**Developer response:** Hi JLIspace,

Thank you for taking the time to review HomeLights. I understand your concerns about the limitations of the free version and appreciate your feedback. As a solo developer, I've dedicated over 1000+ hours to building and improving HomeLights, aiming to offer a useful and quality experience. There's a significant challenge in dedicating so much time without finding a way to monetize the app. The free version is designed for users with smaller setups to use indefinitely, but for those with larger needs, upgrading to the full version to unlock all rooms and premium features is indeed necessary. Also keep in mind that a 14-days free trial is available to try out the full version. I'm always looking for ways to enhance the user experience within both versions and would love to hear any suggestions you might have. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best,
Anthonin

### 2/5 — Lovely concept

*2024-10-13*

I really enjoy the apps concept of having a „smart“ remote for your lights directly on your phone. However, the app‘s design could be improved a lot. I just feels out of place, not really like an iPhone app. I’d love to see an app that’s more akin to other apple apps. HomeLights fonts, colors and UI just feels odd to me :(

**Developer response:** Hey there timlwsk,

Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback. I’m glad you like the concept of HomeLights! The design is inspired by the iOS Remote for controlling Apple TVs, aiming to replicate that kind of remote experience but for lights. The font choice was made to allow writing long names without taking up too much space, but I understand it might still feel off. I’ll be working on making the UI and overall design more consistent with typical Apple apps in the future.

Thanks again for your feedback, I hope you’ll give it another try down the line!

Best,
Anthonin

### 2/5 — Bof

*2024-10-10*

Trop compliqué à mettre en œuvre

**Developer response:** Bonjour lolothx,

Je suis désolé d'apprendre que vous avez trouvé l'application difficile à utiliser. Pourriez-vous svp me contacter via l'application ou par email à homelights@anthopak.dev pour m'expliquer ce que vous avez trouvé compliqué à mettre en oeuvre ? Cela me permettra de mieux comprendre et d'améliorer cette partie de l'application.
S'il s'agit de la fonctionnalité de Détection de pièce, j'ai essayé de la rendre la plus accessible possible en nécessitant uniquement un scan de chaque pièce. Cette étape est indispensable pour cartographier la pièce pour obtenir des résultats précis par la suite.

Merci d'avance pour votre aide afin d'améliorer l'application.

Bonne journée,
Anthonin

### 3/5 — Love the features—HATE the design

*2024-11-27*

Room detection is such a compelling and powerful feature, made all the more attractive by the suite of Shortcut actions made available. It’s just a shame that as a result of questionable design choices, actually using the app itself becomes such an unappealing experience.

### 4/5 — Makes lights simple and intuitive

*2025-10-28*

Sometimes less is more. This is the best HomeKit light control app I’ve found so far.  Thoughtfully designed and uncomplicated. Apple Watch companion app could have some minor improvements: make it easier to turn rooms on/off with a tap and integrate better with live activity feature from phone if possible (live activity on watch shows from phone but isn’t interactive and doesn’t launch watch app).

### 4/5 — Love the features—HATE the design

*2025-04-21*

UPDATE: The new design is such a welcome change. Definitely a step in the right direction (one that has me considering extending my subscription another year). Previous rating = 3/5
With the changes = 4/5

***
Room detection is such a compelling and powerful feature, made all the more attractive by the suite of Shortcut actions made available. It’s just a shame that as a result of questionable design choices, actually using the app itself becomes such an unappealing experience.

**Developer response:** Hi tomc_23,

Thanks so much for the update, I'm really glad to hear the new design feels like a step forward for you! Your earlier feedback about the UI wasn't lost on me, and it helped shape this redesign. I'm also thrilled that the Room Detection and Shortcuts features are proving useful. If anything still feels off or unpolished, I'd love to hear about it, there's always room to keep improving. Feel free to reach out directly at homelights@anthopak.dev with any specific feedback.

Thanks again for sticking with HomeLights!

Best,
Anthonin

### 5/5 — Out of space

*2026-03-02*

This is the most useful easiest to handle amazing and very very well. Well working app concerning to control HomeKit in the world.

## Most praised reviews (9 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Beautiful app

*2026-03-01*

Very polished, easy to use. Exactly what I needed for my wall-mounted iPad. Works in landscape if anyone’s wondering like I was.

### 5/5 — Impressed with the utility

*2025-12-02*

I don't often write app reviews, but I this app is so useful that I want others to know about it. It feels like magic. After a super easy set up, it knows what room I'm in with 99.9% accuracy and lets me quickly control the lights, either all together or individually. I find myself using this over Apple's Home app for light control as well, and it's fast and easy to get back to the main screen to control other rooms. Just one swipe and tap and I'm in the room I want to be in. An it's a one-time payment? Heck yes. Don’t sleep on this app.

### 5/5 — I love it so much hfhjkuukk

*2025-10-22*

I need a new updeta

### 5/5 — Easy to set up and easy to use

*2025-07-14*

The setup process is very easy. Merely walk around your place to let the app discover your lights. I have Hue and Nanoleaf.  It seems to discover all Bluetooth and WiFi devices.  Once it has done so, pick the devices that are your lights. Make sure they are in the correct assigned rooms.
 After the setup, you can control brightness, temperature, color, etc.  You can control by room or by light.
I hesitate to use the word ‘simple’. It is dead simple, but don’t get the wrong impression, it’s also a joy to use because you don’t have take hours and hours to set it up and try to figure out how the silly thing works.

### 5/5 — Excellent App

*2025-07-04*

Once you get used to the fairly easy to use UI, it’s a delight to use. The room detection feature is the best by far. It’s part of a the premium version which is only a one time fee. You can try it however in a trial. It works great once set up.

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2025-03-30*

I love this app. I love the concept, and it’s a very powerful way to control the lights in the house. Highly recommend downloading it!

**Developer response:** Hi Surimaty,

Thank you so much for this review! I'm really happy to hear you're enjoying the concept and power of HomeLights. Your recommendation means a lot and helps others discover the app too.

Best,
Anthonin

### 5/5 — Well designed and beautiful!

*2025-03-29*

My goto app for adjusting HomeKit lights due to its excellent use of iOS features as well as superb design. Good job!

**Developer response:** Hi tboydsto,

Thank you for the kind words! I'm thrilled to hear HomeLights has become your go-to for HomeKit lighting.

Really appreciate the support!
Best,
Anthonin

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2025-01-18*

Room detection works impressively flawless. Makes you wonder why Apple never had the idea. First HomeKit app I actually use frequently besides the main Home app. Please keep the new ideas and features coming!

**Developer response:** Hi Timmmah,

Really appreciate the 5-star review! I'm glad to hear Room Detection is working so well for you, it's one of my favorite features too! And yeah, I’ve also wondered why Apple never built something like this. Thanks for the encouragement, I’ve got plenty more ideas in the works!

Best,
Anthonin

### 5/5 — Great app for HomeKit

*2025-01-10*

Easy and smart. Now if it could also trigger scenes and shortcuts..,

**Developer response:** Hi LawHusick1,

Thanks for the 5-star review! Glad you’re enjoying the app. HomeLights can actually trigger scenes, just use the scene button on the right of the room remote. As for Shortcuts, feel free to email me! Depending on what you’re trying to do, you might already be able to make it work with HomeLights' Shortcuts actions.

Best,
Anthonin

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*