# Vario vs Eltako GFA5

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Vario at none against Eltako GFA5's 2. Vario also leads on iOS requirement (8.2 vs 11.0). Eltako GFA5's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 8 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Eltako GFA5 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Vario asks for nothing beyond the download.

Vario ships an update every 8 months, Eltako GFA5 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Vario | Eltako GFA5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 92.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 28 MB | 91 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.2** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Insta GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1048969396) | [Eltako GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1483618687) |

## What reviewers say

### Vario

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vario/id1048969397)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Eltako GFA5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eltako-gfa5/id1555852467)

Control your home's blinds, lights, heating, and alarms with this smart home app. Set up custom rules and automations, and integrate devices from various manufacturers. Regular updates ensure your smart home controller stays current.

**Highlights:** Control blinds, lighting, heating, and alarms, Customizable rules and automations, Integrate third-party devices, Voice control via Amazon Echo and Google Assistant, Room, device, and favorite sorting, Intuitive setup with clear instructions

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cloud Dienste 12 Monate | $29.99 | one-time |
| Cloud Dienste 24 Monate | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Vario free?

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

### Is Eltako GFA5 free?

Eltako GFA5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Vario or Eltako GFA5 have ads?

Neither Vario nor Eltako GFA5 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Vario or Eltako GFA5?

Vario ships an update every 8 months, and Eltako GFA5 every 2 months. Most recently, Vario was updated on October 18, 2026 and Eltako GFA5 on October 23, 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.*