Comparison

ERA Vault Alarm System vs AlarmSMS Controller

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ERA Vault Alarm System

Features
Read full description

The Vault self-monitoring/communicating alarm system can be remotely controlled and monitored from anywhere in the world. Alerts and notifications are sent via SMS text messaging as they happen, they include: entry/exit, power failure/recovery, flood, smoke and more. The Vault Alarm System includes an RFID Contactless Tag Reader, which allows quick disarm with a swipe of the Contactless Tag. The App allows you to name up to 50 Tags so you know you has used the Alarm. Change the name of up to 50 zones, in the event of an Alarm activation the Vault will communicate details of the Sensor triggered via SMS and/or dial out to the pre-stored phone numbers with a 10 second recordable alarm voice message. All settings can be changed via the Vault app, including: Entry and Exit delays, Siren volume and ring time, store Phone and SMS numbers, add a Speed Dial number to contact with a press of a button on the Panel. The Vault App also allows you to connect to a HD WiFi IP116 Camera (available separately) to view, talk to via two-way audio and monitor your home remotely. Living in a home protected by ERA is Total Security ERA is a name synonymous with home security, as a market leader in the design of innovative security solutions we have a range of products to secure your home. With over 175 years of manufacturing, design and innovation, we have been firmly at the heart of securing Britain’s homes since 1838. From trusted window and door security products, to the latest in smart-home solutions, ERA has a wealth of knowledge and a vast product range to fulfil all your home security needs.

About

AlarmSMS Controller

Features
Read full description

AlarmSMS Controller is a simple, flexible GSM alarm control app for security systems that support SMS commands. Instead of typing the same SMS commands every time, you can create clean command buttons for your alarm system and use them whenever you need to arm, disarm, check status, activate stay mode, control siren functions, manage zones, or send any custom command supported by your GSM alarm panel. AlarmSMS Controller is not locked to one alarm brand. You can add your alarm phone number, create your own SMS commands, choose icons and colors, and organize everything in one easy-to-use interface. Main features: β€’ Control compatible GSM alarm systems by SMS β€’ Create custom arm, disarm, stay, status, siren, and zone commands β€’ Add multiple alarm profiles β€’ Save alarm phone numbers and command presets β€’ Choose icons and colors for each command β€’ Organize your most used security commands β€’ Works with many GSM alarm panels that accept SMS commands β€’ Backup and restore your setup β€’ No account required β€’ Data stored locally on your device Perfect for users who already have a GSM alarm panel and want a faster, cleaner way to send SMS control commands without remembering command codes manually. Important: AlarmSMS Controller does not monitor your alarm system, receive alarm events, or replace a professional security service. The app only helps you prepare and send SMS commands to compatible GSM alarm systems. SMS charges may apply depending on your mobile provider.

Screenshots

ERA Vault Alarm System4 screens
AlarmSMS Controller4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ERA Vault Alarm System at none against AlarmSMS Controller's 1. ERA Vault Alarm System also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16.0). AlarmSMS Controller's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 10 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. AlarmSMS Controller sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ERA Vault Alarm System asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ERA Vault Alarm System ships an update every 10 months, AlarmSMS Controller every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
ERA Vault Alarm System versus AlarmSMS Controller: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterERA Vault Alarm SystemAlarmSMS Controller
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 2 months β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.0 β€” better16.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size77 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperERA HOME SECURITY LIMITEDGeorge Alexandrou

In-app purchases

None

ERA Vault Alarm System

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

AlarmSMS Controller

One-time1
  • AlarmSMS Pro$4.99

Questions

Is ERA Vault Alarm System free?
ERA Vault Alarm System is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AlarmSMS Controller free?
AlarmSMS Controller is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ERA Vault Alarm System or AlarmSMS Controller have ads?
Neither ERA Vault Alarm System nor AlarmSMS Controller shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ERA Vault Alarm System or AlarmSMS Controller?
ERA Vault Alarm System ships an update every 10 months, and AlarmSMS Controller every 2 months. Most recently, ERA Vault Alarm System was updated on October 10, 2026 and AlarmSMS Controller on October 25, 2026.

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