Comparison

Lens vs HiLook

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Lens

Access your security cameras from anywhere using your iPhone or iPad. View live HD video, navigate through recordings with a timeline, and easily add CCTV devices from various brands.

Highlights
  • Live HD video streaming
  • Timeline navigation for recordings
  • Add CCTV devices remotely
  • Compatible with major brands
  • Easy, intuitive interface
  • QR code device setup
Features
Read full description

Safire Lens is the video surveillance app you need. Do you want to check what is going on at home or in your company? Use your iPhone with Lens to access your security cameras and see full HD video in real time. Did you miss something? Do you want to go back and check a specific moment? You only have to select the desired date in the calendar and navigate through the timeline to see the recordings. What does Safire Lens offer? The possibility to add your CCTV devices and access your cameras from anywhere. You only need your iPhone or iPad and an internet connection. Forget about complicated menus and hard configuration processes. Easy to use and intuitive. Safire Lens has been designed to give the best experience for beginners as well as more advanced users. You will be able to access your cameras with no need of advanced technical knowledge. You only have to add your devices using an IP address, a domain or a QR code. Compatible with the main video surveillance brands, Safire Lens is the only application that allows you to access them all. Download the app for free and start watching your cameras right now."

About

HiLook

Access and view live video streams from your DNRs, NVRs, and IP cameras remotely. Play back recorded footage to review past events and receive instant notifications when motion is detected by your devices.

Highlights
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Video playback
  • Motion detection alerts
  • Remote camera access
  • Cloud P2P support
Features
Read full description

long description : The HiLookVision app is designed to work with DNRs, NVRs and IP cameras which support Cloud P2P function.It allows you to live with your cameras remotely.All you need to do is creating an account and adding device into the account, then you can enjoy the real-time video from cameras on a global scale. it also allows you to play back recorded video to search every milestone of your life.When motion detection alarm of your device triggered, you can get an instant message notification from XXX app. Key Features: 1. Real-time monitoring 2. Video playback 3. Motion detection alarm notification

Screenshots

Lens4 screens
HiLook3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: HiLook at 4.7 against Lens's 3.0. HiLook also leads on review sentiment (37% vs 0%) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). Lens's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ads, monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Lens sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. HiLook asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

HiLook holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HiLook has 23K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Lens's written reviews are positive against 37% of HiLook's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Lens ships an update every 3 weeks, HiLook every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Lens versus HiLook: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLensHiLook
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)4.7 (23K ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews37.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings223K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size109 MB522 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLONG XIANG EXPORTACION IMPORTACION SLHikvision Digital Technology Co.,Ltd

Customer experience

Lens

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

HiLook

All ratings22,599 ratings
Positive93.2%
Neutral3.0%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews259 reviews
Positive37.1%
Neutral10.8%
Negative52.1%

Bugs and requests

Lens

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

HiLook

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Local view quits unexpectedly
  • Notifications not working
  • Playback not functioning properly
  • Frequent app crashes and freezes

Requested features

5 requests
  • Allow customizable alert sounds
  • Add 6-camera view option
  • Improve remote access and connectivity
  • Implement faster video playback speeds
  • Provide better instructions and documentation

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Lens

One-time10
  • Proteção24HFree
  • ServielFree
  • Rafa CámarasFree
Show 7 more
  • SelectVigiFree
  • SM SistemiFree
  • NIX GRUP DE SEGURETATFree
  • TBO WORKING SEGURIDADFree
  • SecurcastFree
  • M.T.S. Multi Tech SystemFree
  • Sistemi and TecnologieFree
None

HiLook

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Lens free?
Lens is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HiLook free?
HiLook is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Lens or HiLook?
HiLook is rated higher. Lens averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while HiLook averages 4.7 from 23K ratings.
Do Lens or HiLook have ads?
Neither Lens nor HiLook shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Lens or HiLook?
Lens ships an update every 3 weeks, and HiLook every 4 months. Most recently, Lens was updated on October 6, 2026 and HiLook on October 20, 2026.

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