Comparison

ST SmartControl vs BallanNET

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

Head to head
About

ST SmartControl

Features
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ST SmartControl is a smartphone app and a Wi-Fi radio receiver that allows the smartphone to act as a remote control. Using the smartphone Wi-Fi, the app orders the appropriate radio receiver to execute the command. Once the app is launched, a virtual remote control is visible on the smartphone display. To activate the automation, just press the corresponding button, like a traditional remote control. The app will give a signal of its correct functioning by means of a virtual LED signal. It's easy to use and anyone can do it, in fact you just need to be able to use a smartphone. It is a virtual remote control to operate doors, gates, garages, or any kind automation. On first use: Install the WI-FI receiver. Download the app. Configure the type of automation. Launch the app on your smartphone. Operational use: Start the app and press the virtual button visible on the smartphone screen to activate the corresponding automation. ST SmartControl allows you to use the same device to operate several gates or automations configured to them and allows you to maintain the receiving system/electronic control unit in case of loss or theft of the remote control. In fact in these cases you just need to lock the smartphone. ST SmartControl means zero maintenance cost, it is environmentally friendly, no printed circuit boards, and no batteries to replacing.

About

BallanNET

This application connects to smart home devices through a cloud server and dedicated hardware. It allows users to configure administrators and multiple users, define usage scenarios, and manage device communication securely.

Highlights
  • Connects to smart home devices
  • Cloud server integration
  • User and administrator configuration
  • Scenario definition
  • Secure data transmission
  • Privacy protection
Read full description

Il sistema BallanNET è costituito da accessori hardware (BallanNET HUB e RIOB), un BallanNET cloud-server e da un’applicazione (BallanNET app) per Smartphone. BallanNET app instaura connessioni mediante BallanNET cloud-server con gli BallanNET HUB, i quali dialogano via radio (in modo bidirezionale in protocollo di codifica dedicato) con i dispositivi periferici RIOB. BallanNET HUB richiede la presenza di una connessione internet con WiFi 2.4GHz. BallanNET app consente di configurare un amministratore e più utenti e di definire scenari di utilizzo. Per proteggere l'integrità e la riservatezza dei dati scambiati, BallanNET si avvale del protocollo HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) e di un protocollo criptografico dedicato. Per tutelare la privacy dell’utente il BallanNET cloud-server conserverà solamente un nome, una password e un codice generato da BallanNET app detto BallanNET code. Il nome utente e la password sono di fantasia e costituiscono l’account dell’utente stesso: reinserendo tali credenziali e il BallanNET code in un nuovo smartphone il precedente smartphone sarà disabilitato.

Screenshots

ST SmartControl4 screens
BallanNET4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: BallanNET at monthly against ST SmartControl's every 9 months. ST SmartControl's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ST SmartControl ships an update every 9 months, BallanNET monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
ST SmartControl versus BallanNET: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterST SmartControlBallanNET
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size57 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStartec srlBallan S.p.A.

In-app purchases

None

ST SmartControl

No in-app purchases

None

BallanNET

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ST SmartControl free?
ST SmartControl is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is BallanNET free?
BallanNET is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ST SmartControl or BallanNET have ads?
Neither ST SmartControl nor BallanNET shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ST SmartControl or BallanNET?
ST SmartControl ships an update every 9 months, and BallanNET monthly. Most recently, ST SmartControl was updated on October 8, 2026 and BallanNET on October 7, 2026.

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