# ipFob vs Federal

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Federal at 67% against ipFob's 29%. Federal also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16.6). ipFob's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 14 months). 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.

ipFob ships an update every 3 weeks, Federal every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ipFob | Federal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (355 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ipfob/id307826749/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **355** | — |
| Positive reviews | 29.3% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 14 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 273 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alula Holdings, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1356152179) | [RISCO Group](https://appshunter.io/developer/459033514) |

## What reviewers say

### ipFob

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ipfob/id307826749)

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.

**Highlights:** Real-time security notifications, Smart device scene automation, Customizable zone configurations, Cloud video storage and retrieval, IP camera compatibility

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- ❌ Complete app failures after updates
- 🔌 Unreliable connectivity issues
- ⏱️ Extremely slow to connect
- 🎨 Outdated and amateurish UI/UX design

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### Federal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/federal/id543875964)

Remotely control your iConnect security system from your iPhone or iPad. Arm/disarm the system, receive intrusion alarms with video verification, and activate home automation devices.

**Highlights:** Remote system control, Arm/disarm system, Intrusion alarms, Video alarm verification, Online photo capture, Home automation activation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ipFob free?

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

### Is Federal free?

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

### Do ipFob or Federal have ads?

Neither ipFob nor Federal shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ipFob or Federal?

ipFob ships an update every 3 weeks, and Federal every 14 months. Most recently, ipFob was updated on October 26, 2026 and Federal on October 19, 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.*