# VIVOSUN vs Growing Guide

The clearest difference is ads: VIVOSUN at none against Growing Guide's shown. VIVOSUN also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

VIVOSUN ships an update fortnightly, Growing Guide every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VIVOSUN | Growing Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (8.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vivosun/id1600813756/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **8.7K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 62.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 228 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VIVOSUN INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1600813758) | [Koewen Hoffman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1640324631) |

## What reviewers say

### VIVOSUN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vivosun/id1600813756)

Automate and simplify plant care with this app, offering real-time monitoring, manual controls, and automated grow recipes. Track climate, log growth with diaries, and receive alerts for optimal plant health. Connect with other growers and shop securely for supplies.

**Highlights:** Real-time environmental monitoring, Manual control of grow devices, Automated grow recipes, Growth logging and reminders, In-app shopping with secure checkout, Community sharing and insights

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, SharePlay

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Seamless connectivity
- 👍 Intuitive app interface
- 🔍 Comprehensive environment monitoring
- 💡 Helpful journal/logging feature
- 🛒 Convenient in-app purchasing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues and disconnects
- 🔧 Confusing configuration and automation settings
- 🕰️ Inconsistent sync between app and hardware
- 🔍 Lack of advanced customization options
- 🔌 Compatibility issues with newer devices

**Reported bugs**

- Firmware update failures
- Inconsistent data display and syncing
- Recipes not saving correctly
- In-app purchasing problems

**Requested features**

- Add VPD control and automation
- Improve recipe/schedule management
- Implement a dashboard widget for quick monitoring
- Allow moving plants between gardens
- Enhance dark mode and UI customization


### Growing Guide

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/growing-guide-herbs/id1640558670)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VIVOSUN free?

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

### Is Growing Guide free?

Growing Guide is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do VIVOSUN or Growing Guide have ads?

Growing Guide shows ads; VIVOSUN does not.

### Which is updated more often, VIVOSUN or Growing Guide?

VIVOSUN ships an update fortnightly, and Growing Guide every 2 months. Most recently, VIVOSUN was updated on November 7, 2026 and Growing Guide on October 27, 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.*