VB SmartControl vs SAFE REC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VB SmartControl
This app connects to Motorola body-worn cameras, allowing users to view live feeds, tag footage, and manage recordings directly from their smartphone. It includes a viewfinder to help with camera placement and requires specific firmware versions for optimal performance.
- Connects to VB400 and V500 body cameras
- View live camera feed (ViewFinder)
- Tag video footage
- Manage recordings on mobile device
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
Read full descriptionHide full description
VB SmartControl is the companion smartphone app for the Motorola Solutions VB400 and V500 body-worn cameras. The app connects to the camera using WiFi and Bluetooth, enabling operators to view and tag video directly on their mobile devices. The ViewFinder feature allows you to see what your camera sees, to assist when mounting your camera. Note: VideoManager (VideoManager EX in North America) and device firmware must be: 16.1.0 or later for VB400 devices (VB400V3 hardware revision or later); 24.4.1 or later for V500 devices.
SAFE REC
Read full descriptionHide full description
Safe Rec is designed to protect you in real-life situations. Sometimes open recording can escalate conflict or put you at risk. Spy Rec helps you capture important evidence calmly and discreetly, without drawing attention. Use Safe Rec when you: Witness unlawful activity. Face conflict or harassment. Need to collect evidence without risking your safety. Features: Background video and audio recording. Neutral interface with no obvious indicators. Quick start recording with simple actions. Automatic saving to Photos. Optimized for low battery consumption. Safe Rec is not a surveillance tool — it is a personal safety app built to protect and support you in difficult situations. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: VB SmartControl at none against SAFE REC's 1. VB SmartControl also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence 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. SAFE REC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. VB SmartControl asks for nothing beyond the download.
VB SmartControl ships an update every 3 months, SAFE REC every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | VB SmartControl | SAFE REC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 75 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Motorola Solutions, Inc | Leo Chernyak |
In-app purchases
VB SmartControl
No in-app purchases
SAFE REC
- Dontate$1.99
Questions
Is VB SmartControl free?
Is SAFE REC free?
Do VB SmartControl or SAFE REC have ads?
Which is updated more often, VB SmartControl or SAFE REC?
Other comparisons
