# OpenBlue DataSource vs Playful Embers

The clearest difference is rating: Playful Embers at 5.0 against OpenBlue DataSource's 2.6. OpenBlue DataSource's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Playful Embers sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. OpenBlue DataSource asks for nothing beyond the download.

Playful Embers holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenBlue DataSource has 13 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

OpenBlue DataSource ships an update every 4 months, Playful Embers every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenBlue DataSource | Playful Embers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openblue-datasource/id1603548179/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playful-embers/id6751984025/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 69 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Johnson Controls, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/503559091) | [Momentum Concepts Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837765681) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenBlue DataSource

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openblue-datasource/id1603548179)

Access and manage your JCI-monitored security systems. Gain instant insight into alarm activity, system performance, and conduct system tests. Streamline daily management and enhance your security environment.

**Highlights:** Monitor alarm activity, Track system performance, Conduct system tests, Control security information, Enhance daily management, Gain security insights

**In-app purchases:** none


### Playful Embers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playful-embers/id6751984025)

This business toolkit offers step-by-step guidance for holistic business owners to build a strong foundation, create content, and brand effectively. It provides toolkits, tutorials, and prompts to spark clarity, ignite marketing, and fuel growth.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step business guidance, Content creation tools, Branding confidence, Custom reflection prompts, Marketing momentum ignition, Progress tracking, Offline sync

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ignite | $29.99 | per month |
| Soulfire | $150.00 | per 6 months |
| IGNITE Yearly | $250.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenBlue DataSource free?

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

### Is Playful Embers free?

Playful Embers is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, OpenBlue DataSource or Playful Embers?

Playful Embers is rated higher. OpenBlue DataSource averages 2.6 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Playful Embers averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do OpenBlue DataSource or Playful Embers have ads?

Playful Embers shows ads; OpenBlue DataSource does not.

### Which is updated more often, OpenBlue DataSource or Playful Embers?

OpenBlue DataSource ships an update every 4 months, and Playful Embers every 2 months. Most recently, OpenBlue DataSource was updated on November 3, 2026 and Playful Embers on October 30, 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.*