HID Reader Manager vs SBD Assist
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HID Reader Manager
This app simplifies the management of compatible HID readers. It allows administrators to configure settings, update firmware, and export reader status. Users can also upgrade readers to support Bluetooth and OSDP.
- Configure reader settings
- Upgrade reader firmware
- Inspect and export reader status
- Enable Bluetooth support
- Enable OSDP support
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HID Reader Manager streamlines management of compatible HID Signo, iCLASS SE® and multiCLASS SE readers in the field. Administrators can easily adjust configuration settings, upgrade firmware, inspect and export current reader status, and upgrade compatible readers to support Bluetooth and/or OSDP. -Bluetooth is used to communicate with the reader hardware. If Bluetooth is not enabled communication to readers will not function. -Calendar is used to log the error/information. If Calendar is not enabled logging will not function. -Location is used to obtain the location of the Reader for administration purpose and improving user experience. If Location is not enabled communication to readers will not function.
SBD Assist
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Security By Design’s Assist tool is used by contractors and end user organizations to document physical security infrastructure from initial surveys to final sign-off. Users of this app must contact Security By Design to set up an account with access to the appropriate data set. There is no charge to download, install or use this app, but access will not be provided unless approved by a current Security By Design client. The Assist app includes site and floor plans, where users can review physical security device location and type, answer questions, take relevant photos, and sign off security installations and surveys in the field. It allows users to temporarily download one or more sites with limited or no connectivity and synchronize when connectivity becomes available.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: HID Reader Manager at every 2 months against SBD Assist's every 6 months. 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.
HID Reader Manager ships an update every 2 months, SBD Assist every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HID Reader Manager | SBD Assist |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.6 (27 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 10.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 27 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 13.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 258 MB | 21 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | HID Global | Security By Design, Inc. |
In-app purchases
HID Reader Manager
No in-app purchases
SBD Assist
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is HID Reader Manager free?
Is SBD Assist free?
Do HID Reader Manager or SBD Assist have ads?
Which is updated more often, HID Reader Manager or SBD Assist?
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