Sutro vs Fricold
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Sutro
Effortlessly manage your pool or spa water quality. This app works with a smart monitor to automatically track pH, free chlorine, alkalinity, and temperature, providing insights that make sense for optimal water conditions.
- Automatic water quality monitoring
- pH tracking
- Free chlorine measurement
- Alkalinity tracking
- Temperature monitoring
- Seamless app integration
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Sutro is the simple, safe, and seamless way to manage your Pool (or Spa) water with measurements that make sense and monitoring that is automatic. The Sutro app works with the Sutro Smart Monitor to measure your pool or spa’s pH, free chlorine (ppm), alkalinity, and temperature without you having to do anything.
Fricold
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Reduce the Cost of Ownership Fricold can reduce your HVAC system’s operating costs. It provides precise temperature control, reducing energy usage. This smart thermostat app also ensures you get the services you need when you need them. It incorporates the following innovative features: • Remote monitoring • Predictive maintenance alerts • One-touch appointment booking • Service at the touch of a button A crisp LCD screen ensures all functions are easy to find and use. Is your home not comfortable or are energy costs going up? Use the onscreen service request feature to get prompt assistance from your local HVAC company. Get the Most Out of Your Climate Control System The Fricold app lets you control and monitor temperature, fan speed, and other functions via the main control panel or a smartphone. The future of home comfort and on-demand service, it delivers benefits including: • Smart Notifications: Receive instant notifications on changes in system performance so you can be proactive with maintenance. • Real-Time Monitoring: By monitoring the health of your HVAC system, Fricold can provide predictive maintenance alerts, which can prevent downtime and increase equipment lifespan. • Service Alerts: Receive notifications of service reminders, membership renewals, and more. Even receive custom messages from your HVAC provider. • Diagnostic Tools: An overview of system health and air quality are available at the touch of a button, at no extra cost. • System Health and Air Quality Alerts: If a problem with your climate control system or an indoor air quality issue is detected, you and your service provider will be automatically notified. Quick and Simple Installation The convenience of a Fricold thermostat begins even before you start using it. Swapping out an old unit is simple. A technician removes the old thermostat, mounts the new one, and connects the wiring. They’ll even help you set up the app. The new model’s settings are adjusted to meet your climate control requirements. It provides an instant response so you experience immediate comfort. Settings from the old thermostat instantly transfer over using the serial numbers of both units, so the process is fast, simple, and convenient. Forge an Instant Connection with Your HVAC Provider The Fricold thermostat and app display your HVAC company’s logo onscreen. Their help is available at the touch of a button, so you can put your trust and confidence in a local contractor. It’s not just a modern thermostat. Fricold is a direct link between you and your AC/heating services provider. Be a Part of the NuveNetwork Nuve has partnered with local HVAC companies so you benefit from new services and smart technologies. Real-time access to your system allows contractors to quickly diagnose and resolve system issues. This can result in fewer emergency calls and in-home visits, so you can save time and money. Get Started Today Getting a Fricold thermostat and app is easy. Once you’re ready, a representative will contact you and schedule an appointment. Visit the App Store or contact your HVAC dealer to learn more.
Screenshots
Verdict
Sutro and Fricold are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
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.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Sutro | Fricold |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (175 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 175 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 61 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sutro Connect Inc | Nuve Home |
Bugs and requests
Sutro
Reported bugs
4 issues- App crashes and freezes
- Disconnection issues with hub
- Calibration failures
- Inaccurate water chemistry readings
Requested features
4 requests- Measure total hardness and CYA
- Customizable notification settings
- Ability to cancel subscription easily
- Improved app stability and user experience
Fricold
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Sutro
No in-app purchases
Fricold
No in-app purchases









