# Shade Connect vs Vuzix Connect

The clearest difference is rating: Vuzix Connect at 5.0 against Shade Connect's 2.6. Vuzix Connect also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 18 months). Shade Connect's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (45 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Vuzix Connect sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Shade Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.

Vuzix Connect holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shade Connect has 45 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Shade Connect ships an update every 18 months, Vuzix Connect every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shade Connect | Vuzix Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shade-connect/id1569781673/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vuzix-connect/id6467056741/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **45** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 4.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 165 MB | 118 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Turnils](https://appshunter.io/developer/940790241) | [Vuzix Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1002043118) |

## What reviewers say

### Shade Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shade-connect/id1569781673)

Effortlessly control popular automated shades from your smartphone or tablet. Adjust window coverings with a simple click or set up automated operations for convenience.

**Highlights:** Smartphone control, Tablet control, Intuitive user interface, Automated operation, Easy button control

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Vuzix Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vuzix-connect/id6467056741)

Connect your smartphone to Vuzix Z100 smart glasses to receive mobile notifications directly in your field of vision. This app keeps your phone pocketed while you work, exercise, or commute, displaying alerts hands-free.

**Highlights:** Connects to Vuzix Z100 smart glasses, Displays mobile notifications in smart glasses, Hands-free operation, Enables phone-in-pocket use, Supports various activities like work and exercise

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maps Monthly | $0.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shade Connect free?

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

### Is Vuzix Connect free?

Vuzix Connect is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Shade Connect or Vuzix Connect?

Vuzix Connect is rated higher. Shade Connect averages 2.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Vuzix Connect averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Shade Connect or Vuzix Connect have ads?

Neither Shade Connect nor Vuzix Connect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shade Connect or Vuzix Connect?

Shade Connect ships an update every 18 months, and Vuzix Connect every 5 weeks. Most recently, Shade Connect was updated on November 3, 2026 and Vuzix Connect on November 3, 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.*