# Ascend Audio vs Sennheiser Smart Control Plus

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sennheiser Smart Control Plus at 72% against Ascend Audio's 20%. Sennheiser Smart Control Plus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (5K vs 2). Ascend Audio's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). 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.

Sennheiser Smart Control Plus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sennheiser Smart Control Plus has 5K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of Ascend Audio's written reviews are positive against 72% of Sennheiser Smart Control Plus's.

Ascend Audio ships an update every 4 months, Sennheiser Smart Control Plus monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ascend Audio | Sennheiser Smart Control Plus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-audio/id1561782171/reviews) | **[4.8 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sennheiser-smart-control-plus/id6448098057/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **5K** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | **72.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 15 MB | 190 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dutch & Dutch](https://appshunter.io/developer/1561757977) | [Sonova Consumer Hearing GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590168100) |

## What reviewers say

### Ascend Audio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-audio/id1561782171)

This utility app helps users set up and control the Dutch & Dutch 8c audio system. It allows for custom filter profiles, room correction, and mode adjustments. Users can also manage firmware updates through the application.

**Highlights:** Initial setup guidance, Custom filter profiles, Room correction, Input and phase mode switching, Firmware updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Sennheiser Smart Control Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sennheiser-smart-control-plus/id6448098057)

This application provides advanced control and personalization for compatible Sennheiser headphones. Users can customize audio, manage noise cancellation, update firmware, and locate their devices. It offers features like Sound Zones and a Fit Test for an enhanced listening experience.

**Highlights:** Firmware Updates, Customizable Equalizer, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones, Fit Test, Find Headphones, Noise Cancellation Control

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🍻 ANC OFF/ON control
- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 🚀 Fluid and responsive
- 💡 Customizable EQ presets
- 👍 Helpful app features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Firmware update problems
- 🐛 Headphone detection problems
- 🔋 Battery life concerns
- 👎 Dysfunctional app

**Reported bugs**

- Headphones not detected in sound personalization
- Headphones not connecting to app
- Firmware update issues

**Requested features**

- Widget for easier control
- Transfer devices from old app
- iPad mode
- Audio cable options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ascend Audio free?

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

### Is Sennheiser Smart Control Plus free?

Sennheiser Smart Control Plus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Ascend Audio or Sennheiser Smart Control Plus?

Sennheiser Smart Control Plus is rated higher. Ascend Audio averages 4.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Sennheiser Smart Control Plus averages 4.8 from 5K ratings.

### Do Ascend Audio or Sennheiser Smart Control Plus have ads?

Neither Ascend Audio nor Sennheiser Smart Control Plus shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ascend Audio or Sennheiser Smart Control Plus?

Ascend Audio ships an update every 4 months, and Sennheiser Smart Control Plus monthly. Most recently, Ascend Audio was updated on October 24, 2026 and Sennheiser Smart Control Plus on October 25, 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.*