# CFX vs Hue Essentials

The clearest difference is rating: Hue Essentials at 4.2 against CFX's 1.2. Hue Essentials also leads on review sentiment (37% vs 11%) and device support (5 vs 3). CFX's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hue Essentials sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. CFX asks for nothing beyond the download.

Hue Essentials holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 1.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 117 and 138 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 11% of CFX's written reviews are positive against 37% of Hue Essentials's.

CFX ships an update weekly, Hue Essentials every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CFX | Hue Essentials |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.2 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cfx/id1042557010/reviews) | **[4.2 (138 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hue-essentials/id1462943921/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 117 | **138** |
| Positive reviews | 10.9% of reviews | **37.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 16 MB | 271 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dometic Group AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1152908752) | [Thomas Vos](https://appshunter.io/developer/1462943920) |

## What reviewers say

### CFX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cfx/id1042557010)

Monitor and control your compatible fridge/freezer remotely via Wi-Fi. Adjust temperatures, manage power sources, set alarms, and receive alerts for lid openings. Ideal for managing your portable cooling device from a distance.

**Highlights:** Remote temperature control and monitoring, Turn fridge/freezer on/off, Set battery protection level, Select temperature units (°C/°F), Set temperature alarms, View power source (AC/DC), Lid open alerts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Simple and intuitive interface when working
- 🎯 Effective temperature and settings control
- ⚡ Quick setup for some users
- 📱 Basic functionality operates as designed

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 WiFi connection fails consistently
- 🐛 Bluetooth pairing not recognized
- 🐛 App stuck on connection guide screen
- 🐛 App freezes at startup
- 📵 WiFi connection disables cellular/internet access

**Reported bugs**

- App does not recognize WiFi connection despite phone showing connected
- Bluetooth search fails to detect cooler
- App stuck on connection guide as only available option
- App crashes on startup
- App freezes during setup process

**Requested features**

- Bluetooth connectivity option
- Apple Watch app integration
- Better visual indicators for fridge section status
- Improved temperature slider with precise control
- Battery consumption tracking


### Hue Essentials

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hue-essentials/id1462943921)

Unlock the full potential of your smart lighting system. Create custom scenes, dynamic effects, and automate your lights with schedules and triggers. Control multiple smart home bridges and devices seamlessly for a personalized ambiance.

**Highlights:** Custom scenes and effects, Music and entertainment sync, Sunrise/sunset automation, Multi-bridge control, Device discovery and setup, Button and sensor automation, Away from home control

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Effects: Christmas | $0.99 | one-time |
| Effects: Universe | $0.99 | one-time |
| Effects: Wonders of nature | $0.99 | one-time |
| Effects: Romantic | $0.99 | one-time |
| Effects: Floral fantasy | $0.99 | one-time |
| Effects: Spooky | $0.99 | one-time |
| Multiple bridges | $4.99 | one-time |
| Premium | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent Hue lighting control
- 👍 Works well with multiple bridges
- 💡 Customizable remote controls
- 🚀 Faster than official Hue app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and crashes frequently
- 🔒 In-app purchases required for key features
- 👎 Poor execution and user experience
- 🔋 Widgets and Apple Watch app not working

**Reported bugs**

- Fade feature not working
- Saving automations not working
- Crashes when checking 'About' section
- Widgets and Apple Watch app issues

**Requested features**

- Repeat/loop function for automations
- Strobing/flashing effects
- Dark mode
- Alexa integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CFX free?

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

### Is Hue Essentials free?

Hue Essentials is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, CFX or Hue Essentials?

Hue Essentials is rated higher. CFX averages 1.2 out of 5 from 117 ratings, while Hue Essentials averages 4.2 from 138 ratings.

### Do CFX or Hue Essentials have ads?

Neither CFX nor Hue Essentials shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CFX or Hue Essentials?

CFX ships an update weekly, and Hue Essentials every 2 weeks. Most recently, CFX was updated on October 4, 2026 and Hue Essentials on October 3, 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.*