nRF Device Firmware Update vs Matter Utilities
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
nRF Device Firmware Update
This application enables Over-The-Air Device Firmware Upgrade (OTA-DFU) for nRF5 devices using Bluetooth LE. It supports updating firmware in .zip format, prepared with the 'nrf util' tool.
- Over-The-Air Device Firmware Upgrade (OTA-DFU)
- Bluetooth LE connectivity
- Supports nRF5x Series chips
- Updates Secure or Legacy DFU bootloaders
- Requires .zip firmware format
- Uses 'nrf util' for firmware preparation
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The nRF5x Series chips are flash-based SoCs, and as such they represent the most flexible solution available. A key feature of the nRF5x Series and their associated software architecture and S-Series SoftDevices is the possibility for Over-The-Air Device Firmware Upgrade (OTA-DFU) over Bluetooth LE. The DFU application allows to update nRF5 devices using Secure or Legacy DFU bootloader from nRF5 SDK version 4.3 or newer. The firmware should be in .zip file format, prepared using "nrf util" (https://github.com/NordicSemiconductor/pc-nrfutil).
Matter Utilities
This application assists developers in testing and interacting with Matter devices. It allows for scanning, connecting via setup codes, and viewing detailed device information. Developers can also test pre-built or custom Matter Clusters.
- Scan for nearby Matter devices
- Connect using QR or setup codes
- Access detailed device information
- Test core Matter Clusters
- Work with custom Clusters
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Matter Utilities is a professional toolkit for developers and testers who build, validate, and troubleshoot Matter devices. Scan nearby Matter devices, pair with a QR code or manual setup code, inspect detailed device information, and work with both standard and custom clusters. When you need deeper validation, run automation flows, review results, and export logs to speed up debugging. Why Matter Utilities • Faster commissioning and troubleshooting • Detailed device inspection for development workflows • Standard and custom cluster tools • Automation testing for supported devices • JSON log export for validation and bug investigation What you can do • Scan nearby Matter devices • Pair using a Matter QR code or manual setup code • Read device details and supported capabilities • Read and write standard and custom clusters • Run automation tests with progress tracking • Filter tests by endpoint and choose only the checks you need • Review pass/fail results and export logs • Use Advanced Mode visual overlays for supported lighting tests Automation testing Matter Utilities can generate test cases from device endpoints and run selected steps sequentially. Current automation coverage includes root endpoint checks, On/Off, brightness levels, color temperature, hue and saturation, and advanced color commands for supported lighting devices. Built for professional use Matter Utilities is designed for Matter development and test workflows. It is best suited for engineers, QA, integrators, and device teams who need more than a consumer smart home controller. Privacy Policy: https://df.technology/matter-utilities/privacy-policy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Matter Utilities at 4.3 against nRF Device Firmware Update's 2.2. Matter Utilities also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 9 months) and review sentiment (37% vs 20%). nRF Device Firmware Update's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Matter Utilities sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. nRF Device Firmware Update asks for nothing beyond the download.
Matter Utilities holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 44 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of nRF Device Firmware Update's written reviews are positive against 37% of Matter Utilities's.
nRF Device Firmware Update ships an update every 9 months, Matter Utilities fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | nRF Device Firmware Update | Matter Utilities |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.2 (9 ratings) | 4.3 (44 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | 36.8% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 9 | 44 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #163 | #113 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 54 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Nordic Semiconductor ASA | DIGITAL FORTRESS COMPANY LIMITED |
Customer experience
nRF Device Firmware Update
Matter Utilities
In-app purchases
nRF Device Firmware Update
No in-app purchases
Matter Utilities
- Matter Test Lab Monthly7 Days trial$6.991 Month
- Matter Test Lab 6-Month7 Days trial$34.996 Months
- Matter Test Lab Annual7 Days trial$52.001 Year
Questions
Is nRF Device Firmware Update free?
Is Matter Utilities free?
Which has better reviews, nRF Device Firmware Update or Matter Utilities?
Do nRF Device Firmware Update or Matter Utilities have ads?
Which is updated more often, nRF Device Firmware Update or Matter Utilities?
Which is more popular, nRF Device Firmware Update or Matter Utilities?
Other comparisons
