Paxton Key vs Hydrawise
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Paxton Key
Transform your iPhone into a virtual key for building and car park access. Control your Paxton10 system to grant entry and perform predefined actions like setting alarms. This app eliminates the need for physical access cards.
- Use iPhone as a virtual access key
- Gain access to buildings and car parks
- Control Paxton10 system
- Perform predefined system actions
- Receive virtual keys remotely
Read full descriptionHide full description
Please note, this app is compatible with Paxton10 V3.3 and newer only. When used in conjunction with a Paxton10 system from Paxton, this app allows you to use your iPhone as a means of accessing a building. By presenting your iPhone to a wall mounted reader you will be able to control the Paxton10 system to; - Gain access to a building or car park - Carry out predefined actions within the system such as setting an intruder alarm This app allows users to have ‘virtual keys’ sent to them prior to visiting a building, dispensing with the need to obtain and carry a separate access card. About Paxton10 Paxton10 is an access control and video management system from Paxton. Built on a foundation of secure access control, Paxton10 knows where people are and allows the building to respond as required. Paxton10 combines security and convenience, and is suitable for all types of buildings. Paxton aims for engineering excellence, creating intelligent, innovative products that are fit to meet the challenges and trends of the quickly evolving security industry. This app directly supersedes the Paxton Key v1 app (discontinued 30th November 2022).
Hydrawise
Optimize your irrigation with intelligent watering schedules based on local weather forecasts. This app helps conserve water while ensuring your landscape stays healthy and vibrant. Manage your irrigation system remotely for ultimate convenience.
- Predictive Watering™
- Local weather insights
- Water savings optimization
- Lush landscape creation
- Remote irrigation management
Read full descriptionHide full description
Elevate Your Irrigation Experience with Hydrawise! Discover the ultimate in irrigation control with the Hydrawise App. Harness the power of Predictive Watering™, fueled by local weather data, to optimise water usage and enhance your landscape's vitality. Key Features: Predictive Watering: Let advanced algorithms adjust schedules based on local weather forecasts, saving water and promoting a thriving landscape. Improved Local Weather Insights: Dive into weather data with enhanced icons and descriptors that make it easier to understand the forecast's impact on your irrigation schedule. Maximise Water Savings: Hydrawise intelligently adapts watering schedules, conserving water without compromising landscape health. Lush Landscapes: Create an environment of beauty and sustainability by tailoring irrigation to your landscape's unique needs. Stay Connected: Never lose touch with your irrigation system — manage it remotely and with ease. Experience the Future of Irrigation: Hydrawise empowers you to take command of your irrigation system like never before. • Embrace the power of Predictive Watering, seamlessly integrating local weather data to optimise water usage. • Cultivate a landscape that flourishes while saving water and effort. • Stay in touch with your irrigation, from anywhere, anytime. Download the app now and embark on a journey to transform your landscape into a masterpiece of efficiency and beauty!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hydrawise at 38% against Paxton Key's 4%. Hydrawise also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (64K vs 735). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Hydrawise holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hydrawise has 64K ratings behind it against 735, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 4% of Paxton Key's written reviews are positive against 38% of Hydrawise's.
Paxton Key ships an update every 9 months, Hydrawise every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Paxton Key | Hydrawise |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (735 ratings) | 4.7 (64K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 3.6% of reviews | 38.4% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 735 | 64K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 86 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Paxton Access Ltd | Hunter Industries |
Customer experience
Paxton Key
Hydrawise
Bugs and requests
Paxton Key
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Hydrawise
Reported bugs
3 issues- App crashes on launch
- Zones not starting as scheduled
- Incorrect flow rate and water usage data
Requested features
4 requests- Ability to pause/resume programs
- Customizable watering schedules
- Improved reporting and historical data
- Easier manual zone control
In-app purchases
Paxton Key
No in-app purchases
Hydrawise
No in-app purchases
