MediaSwitcher for iOS vs Control4
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MediaSwitcher for iOS
Control your HD over IP video system with a familiar interface on iOS. Easily select video sources, manage AV devices via IR, and create custom control layouts. Push images to displays for instant recognition.
- HD over IP video system control
- Intuitive touch interface
- AV device control via IR
- Customizable remote panels
- Image Push technology
- Synchronized configuration
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Control your Just Add Power HD over IP video system using MediaSwitcher's familiar interface - now on iOS. Tap a screen icon and select your video source from the menu that shows up. It couldn't be much simpler. Control your AV devices using IR panels. Access your presets, groups and sequences. Control your video walls simply by dragging your finger across the screen! Unlike competing products we don't charge subscriptions to use our iOS app. MediaSwitcher for iOS also controls more than DirecTV - we work with and can control any device via IR, RS-232, HTTP, TCP/IP or CEC (some external hardware may be required)! Have unique remote control panels for each screen and source combination! Up to 122 buttons per remote panel! Custom control layout and with system drawings are available just like on desktop (see pictures). MediaSwitcher for iOS will use the same background image and control layout just like the desktop app. If the image/layout is larger than the screen, the screen scrolls. If you have a layer 3 compatible Just Add Power system, you can take images from your photo library or your camera and send them to any display in the system using our Image Push technology! Given instant recognition to your family, friends or customers! All configuration is done via MediaSwitcher Desktop (available for OS X, Windows and Linux from our website). A fully licensed copy of MediaSwitcher Desktop (standard license or higher) is required to use MediaSwitcher for iOS. Desktop version 4.3 or later required. Changes made in MediaSwitcher for iOS are automatically synchronized with our desktop and web software applications. Changes made in desktop or web are synchronized to IOS as well! We give you flexibility and convenience in a control system for a cost that is far less than anything else available. Limitations of iOS app compared to Desktop: - All configuration changes need to be performed on the desktop. This includes saving presets, groups, etc. - No image pull or MoreVue™ in version 1.0. This will be coming in future release - MediaSwitcher for iOS does not have a maintenance window like desktop - For Enterprise users, version 1 does not support user logins - all users currently have access to the full system. This will be addressed in a future release. - +4+ Control is not available yet. This will be added to a future release - Audio control for "plus" and "AVPro" devices not available in version 1.0 - will be added in a future release - TwoWay AV Devices have limited functionality compared to desktop. Our desktop app allows for use of a robust scripting language that is not allowed in iOS. - All scheduled automations still will require desktop or web to run (MediaSwitcher for iOS can run any automation that is programmed to a remote panel button. Questions, comments, feature requests and bug reports are all welcomed via our support email - support@justaddsoftware.net Please note: By using this software, you continue to accept the license terms granted you when you began using our desktop software. MediaSwitcher for iOS is sold as-is without any express or implied warranties.
Control4
Manage your smart home devices like lighting, music, and security from a single, intuitive interface. Customize your home screen and create automated routines for seamless control. Integrates with Apple HomeKit for Siri voice commands.
- All-in-one home screen control
- Customizable favorites and widgets
- Automated routines and scenes
- Multiroom entertainment management
- Live camera views and security alerts
- Apple HomeKit and Siri integration
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Easily manage your smart home with a sleek, intuitive interface. Control lighting, shades, music, security, and more—all from one place. Customize your home screen and create personalized routines for quick, seamless access. Now with enhanced features, including Siri voice control through Apple HomeKit. Contact a Control4 integrator to experience Control4 X4 today. NOTE: Prior to using this app, your Control4 system must be updated to Control4 X4 or later. If you are unsure of the software version of our system, check with your Control4 Integrator or log into your Control4 account at control4.com. A Smarter, More Personalized Experience • All-in-One Home Screen – Your central hub for controlling your favorite devices. Manage lighting, motorized shades, music, video, thermostats, security, cameras, door locks, garage doors, and more. See real-time status updates, access favorite devices, and control everything with ease. • Customizable Favorites – Pin the devices and controls you use most for instant access. • Quick Actions & Widgets – Resize, reorder, and organize widgets for seamless control over lighting, security cameras, and more. Personalized to You • Routines & Scenes – Save time by automating your day with pre-set routines for the morning, evening, or any moment in between. • Timers & Schedules – Set outdoor lights to turn on at sunset, TVs to turn off at bedtime, or security to arm at a set time. • Multiroom Entertainment – Control music and video in every room from one app. Play your favorite streaming services or set TVs to turn on when you walk in. Easy Control, Inside and Out • Live Camera Views – Monitor security cameras in real time and receive instant alerts. • Apple HomeKit Integration – Control your space with Siri, Apple Widgets, and CarPlay.* apple store only • Smart Notifications – Stay informed with alerts for doorbell rings, motion sensors, or security events. With the Control4 App, your space works the way you want it to — simplifying your life with effortless control. Download today and experience personalized automation like never before! *HomeKit, Siri, CarPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: MediaSwitcher for iOS at 5.0 against Control4's 3.6. MediaSwitcher for iOS also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). Control4's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (70 vs 1). 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.
MediaSwitcher for iOS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Control4 has 70 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
MediaSwitcher for iOS ships an update every 4 months, Control4 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MediaSwitcher for iOS | Control4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 3.6 (70 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 39.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 70 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 252 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Just Add Software, LLC | Snap One, LLC |
Customer experience
MediaSwitcher for iOS
Control4
In-app purchases
MediaSwitcher for iOS
No in-app purchases
Control4
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is MediaSwitcher for iOS free?
Is Control4 free?
Which has better reviews, MediaSwitcher for iOS or Control4?
Do MediaSwitcher for iOS or Control4 have ads?
Which is updated more often, MediaSwitcher for iOS or Control4?
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