# Smart Device Controller vs Tablo

The clearest difference is rating: Smart Device Controller at 3.3 against Tablo's 1.9. Smart Device Controller also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Tablo's advantage is ratings volume (57 vs 6) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Smart Device Controller holds the better App Store score, 3.3 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tablo has 57 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 27% of Smart Device Controller's written reviews are positive against 20% of Tablo's.

Smart Device Controller ships an update every 3 months, Tablo every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on September 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart Device Controller | Tablo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-device-controller/id1372692970/reviews)** | [1.9 (57 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tablo/id6446037140/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **57** |
| Positive reviews | **27.3% of reviews** | 19.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 152 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [SEKISUI KINZOKU CO., LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1343709801) | [Nuvyyo Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/445058626) |

## What reviewers say

### Smart Device Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-device-controller/id1372692970)

Transform your smartphone into a wireless remote for model trains. It offers compatibility with Soundbox, allowing for operation or use as a wireless power pack without the Soundbox. Control your model train setups with ease.

**Highlights:** Wireless model train operation, Soundbox compatibility, Use as wireless power pack, Smartphone remote control

**In-app purchases:** none


### Tablo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tablo/id6446037140)

Record and watch live TV from your antenna and streaming channels without a subscription. Access broadcast content and local news on any device in your home, including smartphones and tablets.

**Highlights:** Record live TV, Watch streaming channels, No subscription required, Access on all home devices, Includes local news and sports, Works with TV antennas

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable
- 🔓 Secure and stable
- 💰 Great value for cord-cutters
- 📺 Excellent OTA TV experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Inconsistent performance across devices
- 🕰️ Slow app load times
- 🔀 Confusing navigation and UI

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to watch recordings in progress
- Unreliable channel scanning and guide data
- Connectivity issues with certain network setups
- Compatibility problems with newer devices

**Requested features**

- Picture-in-picture mode
- Remote access to recordings
- Improved channel guide and DVR management
- Seamless integration with smart home devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart Device Controller free?

Smart Device Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Tablo free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Smart Device Controller or Tablo?

Smart Device Controller is rated higher. Smart Device Controller averages 3.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Tablo averages 1.9 from 57 ratings.

### Do Smart Device Controller or Tablo have ads?

Tablo shows ads; Smart Device Controller does not.

### Which is updated more often, Smart Device Controller or Tablo?

Smart Device Controller ships an update every 3 months, and Tablo every 5 weeks. Most recently, Smart Device Controller was updated on September 29, 2026 and Tablo on September 29, 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.*