Comparison

CBI Home vs Melon Mobile

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

Head to head
About

CBI Home

This application allows for remote control of various devices from anywhere. Users can set up custom automations and scenarios based on device variables, and share control with others. Receive custom notifications for switching paraphernalia.

Highlights
  • Remote device control
  • Control multiple devices
  • Custom automation scheduling
  • Scenario creation
  • Device control sharing
  • Custom notifications
Features
Read full description

Remotely control CBI switching paraphernalia Control multiple devices with one App from anywhere Schedule custom automation and scenarios based on device specific variables Share device control with other users Custom notifications switching paraphernalia Control multiple devices with one App from anywhereSchedule custom automation and scenarios based on device specific variablesShare device control with other users Custom notifications

About

Melon Mobile

Features
Read full description

Yup, we said it - the first-ever fully customisable mobile network in Mzansi – built to disrupt what all the other big companies are doing, in favour of more freedom, better month-to-month plans and a more affordable way to do mobile. Say goodbye to rigid plans, long-term contracts and all those other things that lock you in, and hello to freedom with our innovative Melon App. Why Melon Mobile? · We’re 100% Digital: No paperwork, no stores, no frustration - we're 100% digital. · You’re in control: Whether you want to build your own month-to-month Voice & Data plan (and change it any time) or choose one of our Unlimited Calls & Texts + Data plans. · Mobile made by you: More control means a happier you. We let you decide how you want your mobile plan to work for you. Need more Data next month? Change your plan. Less Data? Change it again. You’re in charge here. · Keep your number: Switch to Melon and keep your number. Porting takes a day, and it can be done from our App. · We keep things simple: Sign-up is a breeze. Order a free SIM, complete Self-RICA, all on our App or Website, without having to visit a store. · We don’t do contracts: You’re not locked into anything with us. Build a plan, choose a plan, change a plan – it’s all up to you. So, what’s this free trial thing? We’re giving you the chance to put us to the test for 14 days, for free. That’s 14 days of our Unlimited Calls & Texts plus 5GB Data, for free. Become a Melon test pilot by signing up to your free trial. 1. Visit www.melonmobile.co.za. 2. Register & choose your SIM (physical or eSIM). 3. Pay a small delivery (if needed) and SIM Activation fee. 4. Download the Melon Mobile App. 5. RICA & Activate SIM. 6. Enjoy your free trial. It’s easy-peasy. But wait, there’s more: Once you’re testing us out, take a look at all the other amazing things you can get from Melon. You can refer a friend and get tech vouchers up to R1000. We’ve introduced free eSIMs on all compatible smartphones and devices. We’ve brought in something we like to call, “Family Plans”, which allows you to add more SIMs to your account, giving you control over Data & Voice usage for your whole family. We’ve brought in AI, to learn more about our customer behaviour, so we can make our product even better. And we’re only getting started. #MoveToMelon and put us to the test with your free trial. Visit melonmobile.co.za and download the Melon App today. Welcome to the sweet side of mobile.

Screenshots

CBI Home4 screens
Melon Mobile4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Melon Mobile at every 2 months against CBI Home's every 12 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CBI Home ships an update every 12 months, Melon Mobile every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
CBI Home versus Melon Mobile: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCBI HomeMelon Mobile
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (88 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews56.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings88 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size207 MB49 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperRoy SchwanMelon Mobile Holdings (Pty) Ltd

In-app purchases

None

CBI Home

No in-app purchases

None

Melon Mobile

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CBI Home free?
CBI Home is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Melon Mobile free?
Melon Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do CBI Home or Melon Mobile have ads?
Neither CBI Home nor Melon Mobile shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CBI Home or Melon Mobile?
CBI Home ships an update every 12 months, and Melon Mobile every 2 months. Most recently, CBI Home was updated on October 20, 2026 and Melon Mobile on October 31, 2026.

Other comparisons