Comparison

SMA 360° vs ShineTools

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

Head to head
About

SMA 360°

This app simplifies the commissioning of SMA Home Energy Systems for installers. It allows for easy connection to hybrid inverters and meters, system configuration, and direct registration to the Sunny Portal.

Highlights
  • Fast commissioning of SMA Home Energy Systems
  • Streamlined installation with hybrid inverters
  • Effortless device scanning and addition
  • Comprehensive system configuration overview
  • Direct Sunny Portal registration
  • Homeowner invitation for monitoring
Features
Read full description

The SMA 360° app offers installers a fast and straightforward commissioning process for SMA Home Energy Systems. Whether it's a basic setup with a single SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy hybrid inverter or a deluxe configuration featuring up to 5 hybrid inverters, SMA Energy Meter, compatible batteries and rapid shutdown devices, this app streamlines the installation process. *Scan QR code* Say goodbye to the hassle of manually connecting to each inverter's Wi-Fi. Enjoy an easy and seamless connection experience. *Add devices* The SMA 360° app scans for all other Sunny Boy Smart Energy hybrid inverters and SMA Energy Meters, enabling you to effortlessly add them to your system. *System configuration* Set up an entire SMA Home Energy System with a single comprehensive overview. *Portal registration* Directly register the SMA Home Energy System on Sunny Portal, invite the homeowner for monitoring, and guide them to create a Sunny Portal login while also downloading the SMA Energy app.     Supported models for commissioning: SBSE 3.8 - 7.7   In brief: The SMA 360° app is a comprehensive resource to support solar power professionals installing SMA Home Energy Systems.

About

ShineTools

This professional tool streamlines the setup, diagnostics, and commissioning of local sites for authorized installers. It offers quick site deployment, automatic anomaly detection with troubleshooting, and real-time device status checks via WiFi and Bluetooth.

Highlights
  • Quick site setup and deployment
  • Automatic installation diagnostics
  • Precise troubleshooting guidance
  • Device commissioning via WiFi/Bluetooth
  • Real-time device status checks
  • Parameter configuration
  • Firmware updates
Read full description

ShineTools is a professional local commissioning tool for authorized Growatt installers, integrating core functions such as quick site setup, installation diagnostics, and device commissioning, improving operational efficiency. Quick Site Setup: Deliver one-stop site deployment solutions, streamline workflows, and cut down site commissioning time. Installation Diagnostics: Automaticly detect system anomalies and provide precise troubleshooting guidance, enabling efficient plant setup and maintenance. Device Commissioning: Connect via WiFi and Bluetooth to enable real-time device status checks, parameter configuration, and firmware updates.

Screenshots

SMA 360°4 screens
ShineTools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: SMA 360° at 3.2 against ShineTools's 2.1. SMA 360° also leads on review sentiment (15% vs 0%). ShineTools's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SMA 360° holds the better App Store score, 3.2 against 2.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27 and 19 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 15% of SMA 360°'s written reviews are positive against 0% of ShineTools's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SMA 360° ships an update every 2 months, ShineTools every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SMA 360° versus ShineTools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSMA 360°ShineTools
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.2 (27 ratings) — better2.1 (19 ratings)
Positive reviews15.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings27 — better19
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size154 MB76 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperSMA Solar Technology AGShenzhen Growatt New Energy Technology Co.,Ltd

Customer experience

SMA 360°

All ratings27 ratings
Positive51.9%
Neutral11.1%
Negative37.0%
Written reviews40 reviews
Positive15.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative80.0%

ShineTools

All ratings19 ratings
Positive26.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative73.7%
Written reviews41 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral2.4%
Negative97.6%

In-app purchases

None

SMA 360°

No in-app purchases

None

ShineTools

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SMA 360° free?
SMA 360° is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ShineTools free?
ShineTools is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SMA 360° or ShineTools?
SMA 360° is rated higher. SMA 360° averages 3.2 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while ShineTools averages 2.1 from 19 ratings.
Do SMA 360° or ShineTools have ads?
Neither SMA 360° nor ShineTools shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SMA 360° or ShineTools?
SMA 360° ships an update every 2 months, and ShineTools every 3 weeks. Most recently, SMA 360° was updated on September 20, 2026 and ShineTools on September 10, 2026.

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