# Activate Home vs Updater

The clearest difference is rating: Updater at 4.9 against Activate Home's 4.0. Updater also leads on review sentiment (48% vs 30%) and ratings volume (6.9K vs 413). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Updater holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Updater has 6.9K ratings behind it against 413, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Activate Home's written reviews are positive against 48% of Updater's.

Activate Home ships an update monthly, Updater every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Activate Home | Updater |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (413 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activate-home/id1117019183/reviews) | **[4.9 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/updater-essential-moving-app/id1613789699/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 413 | **6.9K** |
| Positive reviews | 29.8% of reviews | **48.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 261 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rise Buildings, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1117019182) | [Updater Incorporated](https://appshunter.io/developer/1567677480) |

## What reviewers say

### Activate Home

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activate-home/id1117019183)

Manage your building's access, communications, and services from your phone. Receive alerts for packages, reserve amenities, and connect with your property team and neighbors.

**Highlights:** Building access control, Visitor registration, Service request management, Amenity reservations, Package arrival notifications, Resident communication, Digital building key

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Work orders are easy to create
- 👍 Support team responsive
- 👍 Secure and thorough entry system
- 👍 Efficient for property management
- 👍 User-friendly navigation for residents

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐌 App takes forever to open
- 🐌 App is slow to load
- 🐌 Mobile key unreliable
- 🐌 Access only works in certain spots
- 🐌 UI is terrible/clumsy

**Reported bugs**

- Mobile key not working
- “No response met from Salto SVN” error
- Visitors disappearing
- Packages checked out/in disappearing
- “General error” when opening

**Requested features**

- Add phone key to Apple Wallet
- Improve offline functionality for app launch/key access
- Add a hard fob solution for non-smartphone users
- Implement a buzz-in feature for visitors/deliveries
- Allow users to see other's elevator reservations


### Updater

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/updater-essential-moving-app/id1613789699)

This app streamlines the moving process by offering a centralized platform for essential tasks. It helps users forward mail, set up utilities, compare internet plans, secure insurance, find movers, and purchase packing supplies. Moving checklists and tips are also provided to reduce stress and save time.

**Highlights:** Forward mail and update addresses, Compare and set up TV/internet, Connect utility services, Secure insurance, Find and book movers, Purchase moving supplies, Moving checklists and tips

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient and easy to use
- 🚀 Streamlines the moving process
- 💡 Helpful checklist and reminders

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable app
- 🤖 Pushy and aggressive sales tactics
- 🤔 Inaccurate information and service availability
- 🔒 Privacy and security concerns
- 💰 Overpriced services compared to direct providers

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent login issues and app crashes
- Incorrect address and service information
- Inability to complete tasks and set up services

**Requested features**

- Ability to cancel or modify services easily
- Better integration with existing utility providers
- More transparent and flexible pricing options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Activate Home free?

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

### Is Updater free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Activate Home or Updater?

Updater is rated higher. Activate Home averages 4.0 out of 5 from 413 ratings, while Updater averages 4.9 from 6.9K ratings.

### Do Activate Home or Updater have ads?

Neither Activate Home nor Updater shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Activate Home or Updater?

Activate Home ships an update monthly, and Updater every 2 weeks. Most recently, Activate Home was updated on November 2, 2026 and Updater on November 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.*