# Z vs HSBuddy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: HSBuddy at 76% against Z's 19%. HSBuddy also leads on rating (4.6 vs 2.3) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). Z's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

HSBuddy holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 29 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 19% of Z's written reviews are positive against 76% of HSBuddy's.

Z ships an update every 4 months, HSBuddy every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Z | HSBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z-tool-plus/id1018864080/reviews) | **[4.6 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsbuddy/id1317682478/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **29** |
| Positive reviews | 18.8% of reviews | **76.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 34 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HomeSeer](https://appshunter.io/developer/333195371) | [Antonio Vargas Garcia](https://appshunter.io/developer/1317682477) |

## What reviewers say

### Z

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z-tool-plus/id1018864080)

This tool simplifies the setup of Z-Wave devices for your smart home. It allows you to easily add, remove, and name devices directly from your phone or tablet. Once configured, you can manage advanced settings through your HomeSeer web interface.

**Highlights:** Include Z-Wave devices, Exclude Z-Wave devices, Name Z-Wave devices, Use with phone or tablet, Integrates with HomeSeer

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### HSBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsbuddy/id1317682478)

Control your HomeSeer home automation system from your mobile device and Apple Watch. Manage devices, run events, view camera feeds, and create custom dashboards. Automate tasks with Siri shortcuts and widgets.

**Highlights:** Control and edit devices, Run and edit events, View camera feeds, Customizable dashboards, Siri shortcuts, Home Screen widgets, Push notifications

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Z free?

Z is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is HSBuddy free?

HSBuddy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Z or HSBuddy?

HSBuddy is rated higher. Z averages 2.3 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while HSBuddy averages 4.6 from 29 ratings.

### Do Z or HSBuddy have ads?

Neither Z nor HSBuddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Z or HSBuddy?

Z ships an update every 4 months, and HSBuddy every 2 months. Most recently, Z was updated on October 7, 2026 and HSBuddy on October 7, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*