ipFob vs Control4 for OS 3
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ipFob
Control your home security system with real-time notifications for doors, windows, and motion. Automate your environment with smart device scenes and recipes, adjusting lights, cameras, and thermostats to fit your daily routines. Securely store and access video footage from anywhere.
- Real-time security notifications
- Smart device scene automation
- Customizable zone configurations
- Cloud video storage and retrieval
- IP camera compatibility
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About Alula At Alula, we believe that the best security solution is provided by the professional security dealer. And we know that today’s security customer expects more than just basic security. In order to deliver the best experience for the needs of today’s modern security customer, you need to design and develop the hardware, software, and services for a complete, end-to-end professional security system for the professional security dealer. The thoughtful technology in our products are designed to keep up with a changing world. Intuitive. Reliable. Innovative. Simplifying your business while saving you money. It’s what you deserve and what people expect. And we’re only scratching the surface of possibilities. Keeping people and property safe is your business. At Alula, creating the tools and support you need to do that, is in our DNA. It’s your home, you set the rules. The Alula App gives you what you deserve, reliability and control. Set rules for real-time notifications. Know instantly when doors and windows are opened or when motion is detected. Technology at your pace With event based “Scenes” and “Recipes”, your smart devices can support your way of life. Adjust the entire atmosphere in your home based on your day to day routines. Lights, cameras, garage doors and thermostats can adjust to great you in the morning or when you arrive back home in the evenings. Alula Home Security Zone Configurations Alula uses zones in coordination with armed modes and zone configurations to determine how your security system responds when a sensor or detector is triggered. Customize your own zone configurations. Cloud Video Services Alula Cloud is an easy-to-use and affordable cloud video solution designed for businesses and homeowners. Now your customers can keep an eye on their home or business with the comfort of knowing their video is securely stored and can be retrieved from anywhere. - Cost Effective: Why purchase expensive hardware storage, especially if there are multiple sites that need surveillance. Easily manage all camera from one platform. - Easy to Use: Built for users who do not want to bother with complicated and expensive systems, with simple setup for dealers. - Flexible Camera Support: Alula Cloud video works with the largest number of leading IP Cameras. Select the right camera for each customer.
Control4 for OS 3
Transform your iPhone or iPad into a personal interface for your smart home. Control all connected devices, including lights, thermostats, security, and media, with a redesigned, personalized experience. Requires a Control4 Smart Home OS 3 system.
- Personalized user interface
- Control lights, thermostats, security
- Manage music and video
- Access favorites and room-specific settings
- Intuitive volume control
- Customizable room wallpapers
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This Control4 app is specifically designed to be used with Control4 Smart Homes running OS 3. It turns your iPhone or iPad into your personal user interface to control all your smart home devices. ------------ NOTE: Prior to using this app, your Control4 system must be updated to Control4 Smart Home OS 3 or later. If you are unsure of the software version on your system, check with your Control4 Dealer or login to your Control4 account at control4.com. ------------ Smart Home OS 3 was thoughtfully redesigned to make it more personal and the smart home OS of choice for families. It enables you to check on the status and control your entire smart home including music, video, lights, thermostats, security system, cameras, door locks, garage doors, pools, and much more. New features in OS 3 • Favorites give you fast access to the devices and sources that you use most • Quickly personalize the interface right from the app • Each room can have its own favorites for fast access to the things you use most • Hide icons that are less important, but easily access them through the room menu • Swipe between favorite rooms to quickly navigate around the home • Filtering lets you see all lights, locks and shades, or just those that are on, unlocked or open • All-new Active Media Bar shows what’s currently playing and gives you fast control of media • Easily adjust volume through a new, intuitive volume slider control • Background wallpapers for each room can now be easily changed right from the app Visit Control4.com to learn more, find a showroom near you, or find a independent professional integrator.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: ipFob at 4.4 against Control4 for OS 3's 3.0. ipFob also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ipFob holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 352 and 573 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of ipFob's written reviews are positive against 22% of Control4 for OS 3's.
ipFob ships an update every 3 weeks, Control4 for OS 3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ipFob | Control4 for OS 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (352 ratings) — better | 3.0 (573 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 29.3% of reviews — better | 21.9% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 352 | 573 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 273 MB | 207 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Alula Holdings, LLC | Snap One, LLC |
Customer experience
ipFob
Control4 for OS 3
User reviews
ipFob
From 352 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- ✅ Core functionality works reliably when operational
- 🚀 Fast connection speeds (when working)
- 📱 Intuitive interface for basic arm/disarm operations
- 📊 Event history and logging features
- 💬 Text and call notifications for security alerts
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- ❌ Complete app failures after updates
- 🔌 Unreliable connectivity issues
- ⏱️ Extremely slow to connect
- 🎨 Outdated and amateurish UI/UX design
Control4 for OS 3
From 573 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Responsive and fast
- 🌟 Elegant and modern UI
- 🔒 Robust security features
- 👍 Customizable and personalized
- 🎨 Improved visual design
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- ⏱️ Slow load times and reconnections
- 🔌 Unreliable connectivity
- 🤖 Lacking integration with smart home platforms
- 💰 Expensive and costly to maintain
Bugs and requests
ipFob
Reported bugs
15 issues- App crashes on launch with newer iOS versions
- Blank white screen after updates
- Username and password authentication failures
- Password reset not recognized
- Keypad not displaying
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- Double notifications being sent
- Event history not showing zone descriptions
- Incorrect time stamps in event logs (off by 2 hours)
- System status showing inaccurate information
- App freezing and hanging
- Connection failures despite good internet
- Push notifications not working
- Zone bypass functionality not working correctly
- App only works on one device at a time
- Silent panic alarm triggering unexpectedly
Requested features
15 requests- Biometric authentication (Touch ID/Face ID)
- Customizable zone names instead of numbers
- Individual user accounts with audit trails
- Quick arm/stay/away buttons
- Panic button integration
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- Larger, more readable text and interface elements
- Audible notifications and alert sounds
- Direct keypad access on app launch
- HomeKit integration for Siri control
- Auxiliary key support for Honeywell panels
- 12-hour time format option
- Visual feedback for key presses
- Full-screen keyboard panel
- Customizable background colors based on alarm state
- Support for older iPhone models
Control4 for OS 3
Reported bugs
5 issues- Intercom and doorbell issues
- Thermostat controls not working as expected
- Inability to connect to the system remotely
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- Unexpected app crashes and freezes
Requested features
5 requests- Apple Watch app support
- Better integration with Apple ecosystem
- Improved voice control and Alexa integration
- More customization options for users
- Faster and more responsive app performance
In-app purchases
ipFob
No in-app purchases
Control4 for OS 3
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ipFob free?
Is Control4 for OS 3 free?
Which has better reviews, ipFob or Control4 for OS 3?
Do ipFob or Control4 for OS 3 have ads?
Which is updated more often, ipFob or Control4 for OS 3?
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