# Bright vs HM | DC

The clearest difference is update cadence: Bright at every 2 months against HM | DC's every 9 months. HM | DC's advantage is review sentiment (70% vs 51%) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Bright ships an update every 2 months, HM | DC every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bright | HM | DC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bright/id1369989022/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.7% of reviews | **70.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 40 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HILDEBRAND TECHNOLOGY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/594186469) | [Hornby Hobbies Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/870599697) |

## What reviewers say

### Bright

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bright/id1369989022)

Track your electricity and gas usage in real-time from your smart meters. This app helps you manage energy consumption and spend more efficiently, contributing to carbon reduction goals. Requires compatible hardware for full functionality.

**Highlights:** Real-time energy consumption monitoring, Electricity and gas usage tracking, Smart meter data access via DCC or CAD, Clamp-on sensor support for electricity, Energy spend management, Carbon efficiency goals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Near real-time usage data
- 👍 Free and valuable app
- 💡 API access bonus
- 👍 Simple and accurate updates
- 👍 Good data analytics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Login issues after updates
- 🐛 Data not loading or syncing
- 🐛 Registration/sign-up problems
- 🐛 Password reset not working

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes
- Data not loading
- Login issues
- Registration errors
- Password reset emails not received

**Requested features**

- Export data (CSV)
- More data analysis
- iOS widget
- Support for dual-rate electricity tariffs (Economy 7)
- Apple Watch version


### HM | DC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hm-dc/id1561194436)

Control your model train DC layout wirelessly using Bluetooth. Manage multiple circuits, locomotive speed, braking, sounds, and accessories like signals and lights. Plan your track layouts with an integrated builder.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth low energy control, Independent control of 2 circuits, Locomotive speed and braking control, Loco sound and inertia features, Accessory control (signals, lights), Integrated track layout planner

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bright free?

Bright is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is HM | DC free?

HM | DC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Bright or HM | DC have ads?

Neither Bright nor HM | DC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bright or HM | DC?

Bright ships an update every 2 months, and HM | DC every 9 months. Most recently, Bright was updated on October 12, 2026 and HM | DC on September 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*