First vs HeatNext
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
First
Connect your mobile device to a commercial vehicle's diagnostic port to monitor its health status. Understand fault codes, view vehicle specifications, and track trip data to improve uptime and aid in service and repair.
- Connect to vehicle diagnostic port
- Monitor vehicle health status
- View active and inactive fault codes
- Display vehicle specifications (VIN, ECU info)
- Track trip data (fuel, miles, speed, hours)
- Generate and share vehicle reports
Read full descriptionHide full description
NEXIQ First-Link™ is an application that provides important features to the drivers and service technicians of commercial vehicles and equipment. These features help the driver connect the mobile device to the diagnostic port; they also monitor the vehicle's health status and increase the vehicle's uptime. If a Check Engine Light is illuminated, the application assists the driver to understand the cause so that he can seek assistance (i.e., service and repair), if needed. Service technicians can utilize the information gathered by the application to aid in vehicle service and repair. Features include: • Faults – Active and Inactive fault codes present at the time of connection are displayed. • Vehicle Specs – Vehicle information including VIN, ECU software and hardware information is displayed. • Life / Trip – Displays trip-specific information related to fuel usage, miles, maximum speed, cruise control speed, hours of operation, etc. • Parameters – Displays parameters specific to the modules on the vehicle (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.) • Report – Generates a session-specific report containing vehicle information (i.e., faults, vehicle specs, parameters, and life/trip information); can be uploaded to the cloud, emailed, etc. • Sharing - Enables the driver to share vehicle information gathered to dispatch, service providers, etc. • OnCommand® Support - Optional feature to allow users to upload health reports to the OnCommand® servers. • Blue-Link Mini firmware update to v1.09, if the adapter has older firmware.
HeatNext
Read full descriptionHide full description
HeatNext is a friendly app that allows you to remotely manage your home heating system using your mobile device. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: First at none against HeatNext's 4. First also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). HeatNext's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. HeatNext sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. First asks for nothing beyond the download.
First ships an update every 5 months, HeatNext every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 19, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | First | HeatNext |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.3 (16 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 16.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 16 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 128 MB | 32 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Snap-on Inc. | Nomnio |
In-app purchases
First
No in-app purchases
HeatNext
- Plus Package$1.991 Month
- Advanced Package$3.991 Month
- Plus Package$18.991 Year
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Advanced Package$37.991 Year







