Control4 for OS 3 vs Access Control by Shelly
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Control4 for OS 3
Transform your iPhone or iPad into a personal interface for your smart home. Control all connected devices, including lights, thermostats, security, and media, with a redesigned, personalized experience. Requires a Control4 Smart Home OS 3 system.
- Personalized user interface
- Control lights, thermostats, security
- Manage music and video
- Access favorites and room-specific settings
- Intuitive volume control
- Customizable room wallpapers
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This Control4 app is specifically designed to be used with Control4 Smart Homes running OS 3. It turns your iPhone or iPad into your personal user interface to control all your smart home devices. ------------ NOTE: Prior to using this app, your Control4 system must be updated to Control4 Smart Home OS 3 or later. If you are unsure of the software version on your system, check with your Control4 Dealer or login to your Control4 account at control4.com. ------------ Smart Home OS 3 was thoughtfully redesigned to make it more personal and the smart home OS of choice for families. It enables you to check on the status and control your entire smart home including music, video, lights, thermostats, security system, cameras, door locks, garage doors, pools, and much more. New features in OS 3 • Favorites give you fast access to the devices and sources that you use most • Quickly personalize the interface right from the app • Each room can have its own favorites for fast access to the things you use most • Hide icons that are less important, but easily access them through the room menu • Swipe between favorite rooms to quickly navigate around the home • Filtering lets you see all lights, locks and shades, or just those that are on, unlocked or open • All-new Active Media Bar shows what’s currently playing and gives you fast control of media • Easily adjust volume through a new, intuitive volume slider control • Background wallpapers for each room can now be easily changed right from the app Visit Control4.com to learn more, find a showroom near you, or find a independent professional integrator.
Access Control by Shelly
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Welcome to the forefront of access control management with our Shelly Access Control application. Designed to streamline and fortify your security infrastructure, our application puts you in full command of who enters your premises and when. Say farewell to antiquated, manual methods and embrace the efficiency of digital access management. Our Shelly Access Control application empowers you to effortlessly administer access permissions remotely, ensuring your premises remain secure from anywhere in the world. With customizable permission settings, you receive the flexibility to tailor access levels to individual users or groups, ensuring precise control over who has access to sensitive areas. Stay vigilant with real-time monitoring features that provide instant notifications and live updates on access events. Whether it's granting access to employees, visitors, or service personnel, our application ensures you're always in the know. We understand that integration is key to a seamless security ecosystem. That's why our application seamlessly integrates with your existing hardware and systems, providing a comprehensive access control solution that works harmoniously with your infrastructure. Experience the ease of access control management with our user-friendly interface. Navigating through access permissions, monitoring access events, and configuring settings has never been simpler. Take the next step in modernizing your security infrastructure. Contact us today to learn more about how our Shelly Access Control application can elevate your security measures and provide unparalleled peace of mind.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Control4 for OS 3 at fortnightly against Access Control by Shelly's every 2 months. Access Control by Shelly's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Control4 for OS 3 ships an update fortnightly, Access Control by Shelly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Control4 for OS 3 | Access Control by Shelly |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (577 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 21.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 577 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 212 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Snap One, LLC | SHELLY EUROPE EOOD |
Bugs and requests
Control4 for OS 3
Reported bugs
5 issues- Intercom and doorbell issues
- Thermostat controls not working as expected
- Inability to connect to the system remotely
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- Unexpected app crashes and freezes
Requested features
5 requests- Apple Watch app support
- Better integration with Apple ecosystem
- Improved voice control and Alexa integration
- More customization options for users
- Faster and more responsive app performance
Access Control by Shelly
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Control4 for OS 3
No in-app purchases
Access Control by Shelly
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Control4 for OS 3 free?
Is Access Control by Shelly free?
Do Control4 for OS 3 or Access Control by Shelly have ads?
Which is updated more often, Control4 for OS 3 or Access Control by Shelly?
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