# Forest Connect vs Hydrawise

The clearest difference is update cadence: Hydrawise at every 3 weeks against Forest Connect's every 9 months. Hydrawise also leads on ratings volume (67K vs 2). Forest Connect's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). 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.

Forest Connect holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hydrawise has 67K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Forest Connect ships an update every 9 months, Hydrawise every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Forest Connect | Hydrawise |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forest-connect/id1517003555/reviews)** | [4.7 (67K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydrawise/id1618847331/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **67K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 39.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 196 MB | 143 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Forest Group (Nederland) B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1453868153) | [Hunter Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/710090127) |

## What reviewers say

### Forest Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forest-connect/id1517003555)

Control your smart curtains and other connected devices remotely. Set up custom routines and scenes for automated operation, and easily share access with family members. Integrates with lighting and alarm systems for a comprehensive smart home experience.

**Highlights:** Remote curtain control, Multiple device management, Customizable routines and scenes, Family sharing for control, Integration with other smart devices, Easy setup and connection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hydrawise

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

Optimize your irrigation with intelligent, weather-based watering schedules. This app helps conserve water while ensuring your landscape stays lush and healthy. Manage your system remotely for ultimate convenience and efficiency.

**Highlights:** Predictive Watering based on weather, Optimized water usage, Remote irrigation system management, Enhanced local weather insights, Lush landscape maintenance

**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 Forest Connect free?

Forest Connect 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, Forest Connect or Hydrawise?

Forest Connect is rated higher. Forest Connect averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Hydrawise averages 4.7 from 67K ratings.

### Do Forest Connect or Hydrawise have ads?

Neither Forest Connect nor Hydrawise shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Forest Connect or Hydrawise?

Forest Connect ships an update every 9 months, and Hydrawise every 3 weeks. Most recently, Forest Connect was updated on November 3, 2026 and Hydrawise on November 9, 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.*