Comparison

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.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Machine learning spam detection
  • Customizable filtering options
  • Filter unknown sender messages
  • Filter messages with URLs
  • Filter messages from email addresses
  • On-device message analysis
Read full description

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/

About

Home Kat Inspector

Features
Read full description

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

SmartFilter for SMS4 screens
Home Kat Inspector4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
SmartFilter for SMS versus Home Kat Inspector: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmartFilter for SMSHome Kat Inspector
PriceFree — better$5.99
Rating4.3 (168 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings168 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS26.017.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size25 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJacob GrantGuy 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 more
  • 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 more
  • 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

4 purchases

SmartFilter for SMS

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$1.491 Month
  • Yearly7 Days trial$8.991 Year
One-time2
  • Leave a Tip!$4.99
  • One time$19.99
None

Home Kat Inspector

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SmartFilter for SMS free?
SmartFilter for SMS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Home Kat Inspector free?
Home Kat Inspector costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do SmartFilter for SMS or Home Kat Inspector have ads?
Neither SmartFilter for SMS nor Home Kat Inspector shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SmartFilter for SMS or Home Kat Inspector?
SmartFilter for SMS ships an update every 2 months, and Home Kat Inspector every 4 months. Most recently, SmartFilter for SMS was updated on October 29, 2026 and Home Kat Inspector on October 30, 2026.

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