ZenConfig vs BLE Controller
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ZenConfig
Configure and monitor Zenseio telemetry and sensor devices. This utility app allows users to read device status and adjust various settings. Requires iPhone 7 or higher with iOS 13 for NFC functionality.
- Read device status
- Change configuration settings
- NFC support
- Device monitoring
- Telemetry data reading
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ZenConfig helps you read, configure, and check compatible Zenseio telemetry and sensor devices in the field. Use a supported NFC-enabled iPhone to read a device, review its settings and status, make changes, and write the configuration back. Read the device again to verify that your changes applied. Features: - Redesigned interface with light and dark appearance. - Device configuration and status diagnostics. - Configuration templates you can save, edit, import, and share. - Write confirmation and verification by reading the device again. - Activity history with CSV export and support sharing. - Optional location recording for device activities, enabled with your permission. Recorded locations may be included in history exports and support bundles you choose to share. - English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Polish UI options. On iPad, manage templates, activity history, and settings. Physical NFC device interactions require a supported NFC-enabled iPhone and compatible Zenseio hardware. Requires iOS or iPadOS 16.4 or later. No account sign-in is required for the local configuration workflow. Supported device settings vary by hardware and firmware.
BLE Controller
This app enables wireless control of microcontrollers like Arduino and ESP32 via Bluetooth Low Energy. It features a customizable remote interface, a serial console for real-time data monitoring, and device management tools for makers and hobbyists.
- Customizable button interface
- Real-time serial console
- Device scanning and management
- Bi-directional communication
- Offline functionality
- Dark and light themes
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Control your Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Micro:bit and IoT devices wirelessly with BLE Controller - the ultimate Bluetooth Low Energy remote and serial terminal for makers, hobbyists, and professionals. POWERFUL BLUETOOTH CONTROL BLE Controller provides seamless wireless communication with your microcontroller projects. Connect to any Bluetooth-enabled Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, or IoT device and take full control from your iPhone or iPad. CUSTOMIZABLE REMOTE CONTROL Create your perfect control interface with fully customizable buttons. Each button can be personalized with: - Custom labels and commands - Color-coded organization - Icon selection from 20+ options - Instant command transmission Perfect for robot control, smart home automation, motor control, LED strips, servo control, and more. Send commands like Forward, Backward, Left, Right, Stop, or any custom serial commands your project needs. SERIAL CONSOLE & TERMINAL Monitor real-time data from your devices with the built-in serial console. View sensor readings, debug messages, and system logs as they happen. Send custom commands directly to your device and receive instant feedback. Features: - Real-time data streaming - Command history - Clear and organized log view - Custom baud rate configuration - Bi-directional communication SMART DEVICE MANAGEMENT - Quick scan for nearby BLE devices - Auto-save recent connections - RSSI signal strength monitoring - One-tap reconnection to favorite devices - Device connection history PROFESSIONAL FEATURES - Dark and light theme options - Haptic feedback for tactile response - Offline functionality - no internet required - Privacy-focused - your data stays on your device - No subscription fees or in-app purchases PERFECT FOR - Arduino robot control (cars, drones, rovers) - ESP32/ESP8266 IoT projects - Home automation systems - Robotics competitions - STEM education and learning - Prototype testing and development - Maker projects and hackathons - Industrial automation - Smart device integration - Serial communication testing EASY SETUP 1. Enable Bluetooth on your device 2. Upload BLE serial code to your Arduino/ESP32 3. Tap "Scan" to find your device 4. Connect and start controlling 5. Customize buttons for your project needs RELIABLE & STABLE Built with professional-grade Bluetooth libraries ensuring stable connections and reliable data transmission. Advanced error handling and automatic reconnection keep you connected to your projects. CONTINUOUS UPDATES We're committed to making BLE Controller the best Bluetooth control app for makers. Regular updates bring new features, improvements, and bug fixes. SUPPORT & COMMUNITY Need help? Our support team is ready to assist with setup questions, connection issues, or feature requests. Join thousands of makers worldwide using BLE Controller for their projects. COMPATIBLE PLATFORMS • Arduino (Uno, Mega, Nano with BLE module) • ESP32 (built-in BLE) • ESP8266 (with external BLE module) • HC-05/HC-06 Bluetooth modules • nRF52 boards • Raspberry Pi with Bluetooth • Any device with BLE serial capability Start building amazing wireless projects today. Download BLE Controller and bring your IoT devices to life!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: BLE Controller at every 2 weeks against ZenConfig's every 11 months. BLE Controller also leads on ratings volume (26 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.4). ZenConfig's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7). 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.
ZenConfig holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BLE Controller has 26 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.
ZenConfig ships an update every 11 months, BLE Controller every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | ZenConfig | BLE Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | 4.7 (26 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 26 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 33 MB | 64 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Zenseio LLC | CircuitMagic Inc. |
Customer experience
ZenConfig
BLE Controller
In-app purchases
ZenConfig
No in-app purchases
BLE Controller
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ZenConfig free?
Is BLE Controller free?
Which has better reviews, ZenConfig or BLE Controller?
Do ZenConfig or BLE Controller have ads?
Which is updated more often, ZenConfig or BLE Controller?
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