# Nucleus Smart vs AB Remote

The clearest difference is update cadence: Nucleus Smart at every 2 months against AB Remote's every 29 months. Nucleus Smart also leads on review sentiment (28% vs 13%) and ratings volume (709 vs 74). AB Remote's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.0 for Nucleus Smart against 3.0 for AB Remote. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Nucleus Smart has 709 ratings behind it against 74, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 28% of Nucleus Smart's written reviews are positive against 13% of AB Remote's.

Nucleus Smart ships an update every 2 months, AB Remote every 29 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nucleus Smart | AB Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (709 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nucleus-smart/id1210236531/reviews) | **[3.0 (74 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ab-remote/id1502613895/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **709** | 74 |
| Positive reviews | **28.0% of reviews** | 12.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 29 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 226 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Cochlear Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/489503787) | [Advanced Bionics, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/533826496) |

## What reviewers say

### Nucleus Smart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nucleus-smart/id1210236531)

This app allows users to control their hearing sound processor directly from a mobile device. Adjust volume, treble, bass, and sensitivity settings, and stream audio wirelessly. It also helps locate lost devices and monitor battery levels and usage statistics.

**Highlights:** Control sound processor settings, Activate wireless streaming, Adjust volume, treble, bass, sensitivity, Locate lost sound processor, View processor status and battery, Track usage statistics

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Convenient Bluetooth connectivity
- 🎧 Excellent audio streaming
- 💡 Useful features like 'Find My Processor'

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connectivity issues
- 🔁 Unstable app performance after updates
- 🔋 Inaccurate battery level reporting
- 🤔 Limited functionality compared to expectations

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes or fails to detect processors
- Streaming audio issues and unexpected disconnections
- Settings changes not persisting after app restarts

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch support
- Ability to save custom settings
- Improved Bluetooth range and stability
- Parental controls for shared devices


### AB Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ab-remote/id1502613895)

Control volume and program settings for specific hearing devices. Access helpful information directly through your smartphone.

**Highlights:** Volume control, Program changes, Access help information, Direct connectivity, Sound processor control

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nucleus Smart free?

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

### Is AB Remote free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Nucleus Smart or AB Remote?

AB Remote is rated higher. Nucleus Smart averages 3.0 out of 5 from 709 ratings, while AB Remote averages 3.0 from 74 ratings.

### Do Nucleus Smart or AB Remote have ads?

Neither Nucleus Smart nor AB Remote shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nucleus Smart or AB Remote?

Nucleus Smart ships an update every 2 months, and AB Remote every 29 months. Most recently, Nucleus Smart was updated on September 23, 2026 and AB Remote on September 22, 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.*