SmartFilter for SMS vs Home Kat Inspector
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SmartFilter for SMS
This app intelligently filters unwanted SMS messages using machine learning. It offers extensive customization options to tailor filtering rules and ensures user privacy by analyzing messages directly on the device.
- Machine learning spam detection
- Customizable filtering options
- Filter unknown sender messages
- Filter messages with URLs
- Filter messages from email addresses
- On-device message analysis
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Spam texts are annoying, and sometimes dangerous. SmartFilter works with your iPhone's built-in message filtering to sort them out before they land in your inbox — turn it on once and it runs automatically from then on. Set your own rules, or install ready-made packs for toll scams, fake tax notices, gift card cons, crypto pitches, delivery scams, job and loan scams, phishing, and election spam. Two more packs route marketing texts and receipts into their own folders. Messages can go to Junk, Promotions, Transactions, or straight to your inbox — you decide. Paste in a real message and tap the words that matter, and SmartFilter writes the rule for you. Save test messages so you can check your setup any time you change something. And if you want to know why a message ended up where it did, SmartFilter shows you the exact path it took. Your rules sync across your devices with iCloud. Report junk, or tell SmartFilter it got one wrong, right from the Messages app — no extra steps. SmartFilter also catches spam that tries to sneak past filters using lookalike letters and hidden characters. Every message is analyzed on your phone. Nothing you receive is ever sent to a server — that's not a policy, it's how the app works. SmartFilter is free to use, with a limit on how many filters you can save. Subscribe monthly, yearly, or once for good to unlock unlimited filters, every premium pack, regex and case-sensitive matching, test messages, and alternate app icons. Already a supporter from an earlier version? You're covered — no need to buy again. SmartFilter is made by one independent developer. If it's working for you, a review goes a long way. For in-app purchases and subscriptions, see https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Home Kat Inspector
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Home Kat Inspector allows you to view every property of any HomeKit device and find devices connected to the local network, including anything discoverable by mDNS/DNS-SD/Bonjour, TP-Link Kasa and Tapo outlets and bulbs, Logitech Harmony Hubs and Tuya based devices. Inspector Not all HomeKit Services or Characteristics can be seen in other apps using the Apple HomeKit API. Certain device types like Televisions or certain Services on some devices like Adaptive Lighting are hidden from view. Devices available for pairing are listed. Select Pair with Inspector to access every detail of the device. Unpair from Inspector to allow it to be connected back to your HomeKit network. If a device you want to inspect is already paired with HomeKit, remove it in the Home app, and then select Pair with Inspector. Home App API Examine the information available to apps using the HomeKit API Local Devices Discover devices found on the local network, listed by Service Type or by IP. Examine the broadcast information sent out by each device. HomeKit hobbyists and HomeKit device developers will find this app indispensable. Available on macOS, iOS and iPadOS
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: SmartFilter for SMS at Free against Home Kat Inspector's $5.99. SmartFilter for SMS also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). Home Kat Inspector's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads 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
SmartFilter for SMS is free to download; Home Kat Inspector costs $5.99 up front. SmartFilter for SMS sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Home Kat Inspector asks for nothing beyond the download.
SmartFilter for SMS ships an update every 2 months, Home Kat Inspector every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SmartFilter for SMS | Home Kat Inspector |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $5.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (168 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 168 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 17.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 25 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jacob Grant | Guy Brooker |
Bugs and requests
SmartFilter for SMS
Reported bugs
10 issues- Keyword blocking only sometimes works
- Keyword function stopped working
- Letting through texts with block words
- Spam-detection model not working well
- ML not working, legitimate messages filtered as spam
Show 5 moreShow fewer
- Allow Words filter not working
- Report SMS doesn't work
- Spam still shows notification icon
- Spam still comes in to inbox with alerts
- False positives inevitable at the start, retraining could be easier
Requested features
8 requests- Sort into personalized folders
- Ability to filter specified short numbers
- User defined regex
- Delete all button for junk
- Immediately delete setting for certain words
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- Report functionality directly in message app
- Mark messages sent to junk as safe
- Option to be blissfully unaware of junk notifications
Home Kat Inspector
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
SmartFilter for SMS
- Monthly$1.491 Month
- Yearly7 Days trial$8.991 Year
- Leave a Tip!$4.99
- One time$19.99
Home Kat Inspector
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SmartFilter for SMS free?
Is Home Kat Inspector free?
Do SmartFilter for SMS or Home Kat Inspector have ads?
Which is updated more often, SmartFilter for SMS or Home Kat Inspector?
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