# Access Control vs TheMerode

The clearest difference is update cadence: TheMerode at monthly against Access Control's every 9 months. Access Control's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.5.0). On price, ads, 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.

Access Control ships an update every 9 months, TheMerode monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Access Control | TheMerode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 21.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 75 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.5.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Niko n.v.](https://appshunter.io/developer/441504490) | [The Merode](https://appshunter.io/developer/1627001079) |

## What reviewers say

### Access Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/access-control/id1439301381)

Monitor your home's entrance remotely. Receive video calls from your doorbell, see visitors, and converse with them. Unlock your door and even peek outside at any time, all from your smartphone.

**Highlights:** Receive video calls from external unit, See and converse with visitors, Unlock electronic door locks remotely, Peek outside functionality, Easy QR-code setup, Share with family members

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### TheMerode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/themerode/id1627001077)

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Access Control free?

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

### Is TheMerode free?

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

### Do Access Control or TheMerode have ads?

Neither Access Control nor TheMerode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Access Control or TheMerode?

Access Control ships an update every 9 months, and TheMerode monthly. Most recently, Access Control was updated on September 21, 2026 and TheMerode on September 25, 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.*