# U vs Hik

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hik at 67% against U's 12%. Hik also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.8) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months). U's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hik sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. U asks for nothing beyond the download.

Hik holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hik has 1.1K ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 12% of U's written reviews are positive against 67% of Hik's.

U ships an update every 5 months, Hik fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | U | Hik |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-control/id1230920915/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hik-partner-pro-formerly-hpc/id1485563654/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 12.3% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 82 MB | 363 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BFT SpA](https://appshunter.io/developer/699617160) | [HIKVISION EUROPE B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1628803995) |

## What reviewers say

### U

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-control/id1230920915)

Control your home's automated gates and systems remotely via your smartphone or tablet. Open, close, or stop automations from anywhere with an internet connection, and even set up automatic opening as you approach.

**Highlights:** Remote open/close/stop of automation systems, Real-time status monitoring, Automatic opening via GPS proximity, Scenario creation for multiple automations, Easy user function sharing, Administrator control over user access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hik

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hik-partner-pro-formerly-hpc/id1485563654)

This platform provides Hikvision partners with access to product information, promotions, and marketing materials. It offers tools for efficient customer and device management, remote installation, troubleshooting, and earning rewards.

**Highlights:** SADP Tool on Mobile App, Product information access, Promotions and marketing materials, Online project registration and support, Remote installation and handover, System health monitoring, Rewards and co-branding opportunities

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AllType Device Monthly Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Network Camera Monthly Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| All-Type Device Annual Package | $29.99 | one-time |
| Network Camera Annual Package | $29.99 | one-time |
| AllType Device Annual Package | $29.99 | one-time |
| Cobranding 1 Year Package | $29.99 | one-time |
| All-Type Device Annual Package | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best app
- 🚀 Excellent management platform
- 🚀 Enhances team efficiency
- 🚀 Reliable, offers up-to-date technology
- 🚀 Excellent for installers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Lag issues after updates
- 🤯 Difficult to configure/troubleshoot
- 🔒 No permission for live view after handover
- 🤑 Chargeable features in the UK
- 🐛 Crashes, sluggish, and power-hungry

**Reported bugs**

- Fails to log in, stuck on white screen
- Incorrect time/date configuration
- Motion detection settings not saving
- DDNS not working
- Encoding device issues

**Requested features**

- Landscape mode for iPad
- Remote firmware upgrade
- Advanced event/rule configuration
- Cloud Attendance feature in India


## Frequently asked questions

### Is U free?

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

### Is Hik free?

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

### Which has better reviews, U or Hik?

Hik is rated higher. U averages 1.8 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Hik averages 4.8 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do U or Hik have ads?

Neither U nor Hik shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, U or Hik?

U ships an update every 5 months, and Hik fortnightly. Most recently, U was updated on November 2, 2026 and Hik on November 5, 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.*