Comparison

Helvar ActiveAhead vs SmartControl Next

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

Head to head
About

Helvar ActiveAhead

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Helvar ActiveAhead app allows you to configure and adjust the truly intelligent wireless lighting solution ActiveAhead Generation 2. To use this application you must have a supported mobile device equipped with Bluetooth. With this app you can perform adjustments; such as, grouping, parameter changes and wall panel configuration, to the self-learning ActiveAhead Generation 2 system. To configure a wireless wall panel, mobile device must be equipped with NFC.

About

SmartControl Next

Features
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Take control of your installation wherever you are with SCN. Monitor your devices in real time, adjust key settings, receive alarms, review history and keep everything organized from one app. SmartControl Next is designed for both everyday users and technical profiles, with a flexible experience that adapts to simple daily control or more advanced device management. Key features: • Remote device control • Real-time monitoring • Alarms and notifications • History and statistics • Scheduling and holiday mode • Area and map-based organization • Shared access for multiple users • Maintenance logbook • Bluetooth setup and pairing • Firmware updates on compatible devices

Screenshots

Helvar ActiveAhead4 screens
SmartControl Next4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SmartControl Next at every 3 days against Helvar ActiveAhead's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Helvar ActiveAhead ships an update every 3 months, SmartControl Next every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 5 level
Helvar ActiveAhead versus SmartControl Next: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHelvar ActiveAheadSmartControl Next
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS16.415.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size45 MB79 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHelvar Ltd.EFICIENCIA Y FUTURO INGENIERIA SL.

In-app purchases

None

Helvar ActiveAhead

No in-app purchases

None

SmartControl Next

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Helvar ActiveAhead free?
Helvar ActiveAhead is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SmartControl Next free?
SmartControl Next is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Helvar ActiveAhead or SmartControl Next have ads?
Neither Helvar ActiveAhead nor SmartControl Next shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Helvar ActiveAhead or SmartControl Next?
Helvar ActiveAhead ships an update every 3 months, and SmartControl Next every 3 days. Most recently, Helvar ActiveAhead was updated on September 8, 2026 and SmartControl Next on September 13, 2026.

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