# Paxton Key vs Hydrawise

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hydrawise at 39% 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.

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 39% of Hydrawise's.

Paxton Key ships an update every 9 months, Hydrawise every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Paxton Key | Hydrawise |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (735 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paxton-key/id1510947334/reviews) | **[4.7 (64K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydrawise/id1618847331/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 735 | **64K** |
| Positive reviews | 3.6% of reviews | **38.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 9 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Paxton Access Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/363711041) | [Hunter Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/710090127) |

## What reviewers say

### Paxton Key

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paxton-key/id1510947334)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hydrawise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydrawise/id1618847331)

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.

**Highlights:** Predictive Watering™, Local weather insights, Water savings optimization, Lush landscape creation, Remote irrigation management

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Improved performance
- 💡 Useful features like weather-based watering
- 🔒 Secure system

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 👎 Confusing user interface
- 🔍 Difficult to find/access certain features
- 📉 Lack of important functionality from previous app

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Zones not starting as scheduled
- Incorrect flow rate and water usage data

**Requested features**

- Ability to pause/resume programs
- Customizable watering schedules
- Improved reporting and historical data
- Easier manual zone control


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Paxton Key free?

Paxton Key is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Hydrawise free?

Hydrawise is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Paxton Key or Hydrawise?

Hydrawise is rated higher. Paxton Key averages 4.4 out of 5 from 735 ratings, while Hydrawise averages 4.7 from 64K ratings.

### Do Paxton Key or Hydrawise have ads?

Neither Paxton Key nor Hydrawise shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Paxton Key or Hydrawise?

Paxton Key ships an update every 9 months, and Hydrawise every 3 weeks. Most recently, Paxton Key was updated on September 26, 2026 and Hydrawise on September 27, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*