# VIVOSUN vs Mars Hydro

The clearest difference is rating: VIVOSUN at 4.7 against Mars Hydro's 2.6. VIVOSUN also leads on review sentiment (63% vs 24%) and ratings volume (8.3K vs 27). 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.

VIVOSUN holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VIVOSUN has 8.3K ratings behind it against 27, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of VIVOSUN's written reviews are positive against 24% of Mars Hydro's.

VIVOSUN ships an update every 11 days, Mars Hydro monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VIVOSUN | Mars Hydro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (8.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vivosun/id1600813756/reviews)** | [2.6 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mars-hydro/id6479227564/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8.3K** | 27 |
| Positive reviews | **63.1% of reviews** | 23.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 11 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 264 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VIVOSUN INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1600813758) | [MARS TRADING RCC, INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1726858942) |

## What reviewers say

### VIVOSUN

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

Automate and simplify plant care with this app. Monitor environmental conditions, manually control grow equipment, and track plant progress. It helps optimize growth and manage schedules for a better growing experience.

**Highlights:** Real-time environmental monitoring, Manual control of grow devices, Automated grow recipes, Climate tracking and insights, Growth logging and reminders, Secure plant diary with photos

**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


### Mars Hydro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mars-hydro/id6479227564)

Control your smart grow system with this app. Manage LED lights, ventilation, and monitor environmental data like CO2, temperature, and humidity for optimal plant growth. Automate your entire grow kit to mimic natural conditions.

**Highlights:** LED light control with timers and simulation, Ventilation system management, Complete grow kit automation via iHub, Environmental data monitoring (CO2, temp, humidity, PPFD), Sunrise and sunset simulation

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VIVOSUN free?

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

### Is Mars Hydro free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VIVOSUN or Mars Hydro?

VIVOSUN is rated higher. VIVOSUN averages 4.7 out of 5 from 8.3K ratings, while Mars Hydro averages 2.6 from 27 ratings.

### Do VIVOSUN or Mars Hydro have ads?

Neither VIVOSUN nor Mars Hydro shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VIVOSUN or Mars Hydro?

VIVOSUN ships an update every 11 days, and Mars Hydro monthly. Most recently, VIVOSUN was updated on September 24, 2026 and Mars Hydro on August 11, 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.*