Comparison

ipFob vs Control4

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Real-time security notifications
  • Smart device scene automation
  • Customizable zone configurations
  • Cloud video storage and retrieval
  • IP camera compatibility
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Control4

Manage your smart home devices like lighting, music, and security from a single, intuitive interface. Customize your home screen and create automated routines for seamless control. Integrates with Apple HomeKit for Siri voice commands.

Highlights
  • All-in-one home screen control
  • Customizable favorites and widgets
  • Automated routines and scenes
  • Multiroom entertainment management
  • Live camera views and security alerts
  • Apple HomeKit and Siri integration
Features
Read full description

Easily manage your smart home with a sleek, intuitive interface. Control lighting, shades, music, security, and more—all from one place. Customize your home screen and create personalized routines for quick, seamless access. Now with enhanced features, including Siri voice control through Apple HomeKit. Contact a Control4 integrator to experience Control4 X4 today. NOTE: Prior to using this app, your Control4 system must be updated to Control4 X4 or later. If you are unsure of the software version of our system, check with your Control4 Integrator or log into your Control4 account at control4.com. A Smarter, More Personalized Experience • All-in-One Home Screen – Your central hub for controlling your favorite devices. Manage lighting, motorized shades, music, video, thermostats, security, cameras, door locks, garage doors, and more. See real-time status updates, access favorite devices, and control everything with ease. • Customizable Favorites – Pin the devices and controls you use most for instant access. • Quick Actions & Widgets – Resize, reorder, and organize widgets for seamless control over lighting, security cameras, and more. Personalized to You • Routines & Scenes – Save time by automating your day with pre-set routines for the morning, evening, or any moment in between. • Timers & Schedules – Set outdoor lights to turn on at sunset, TVs to turn off at bedtime, or security to arm at a set time. • Multiroom Entertainment – Control music and video in every room from one app. Play your favorite streaming services or set TVs to turn on when you walk in. Easy Control, Inside and Out • Live Camera Views – Monitor security cameras in real time and receive instant alerts. • Apple HomeKit Integration – Control your space with Siri, Apple Widgets, and CarPlay.* apple store only • Smart Notifications – Stay informed with alerts for doorbell rings, motion sensors, or security events. With the Control4 App, your space works the way you want it to — simplifying your life with effortless control. Download today and experience personalized automation like never before! *HomeKit, Siri, CarPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.

Screenshots

ipFob3 screens
Control44 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ipFob at 4.4 against Control4's 3.6. ipFob also leads on ratings volume (352 vs 70) and iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.0). Control4's advantage is review sentiment (39% vs 29%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ipFob holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ipFob has 352 ratings behind it against 70, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 29% of ipFob's written reviews are positive against 39% of Control4's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ipFob ships an update every 3 weeks, Control4 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
ipFob versus Control4: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteripFobControl4
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (352 ratings) — better3.6 (70 ratings)
Positive reviews29.3% of reviews39.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings352 — better70
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS16.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size273 MB252 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlula Holdings, LLCSnap One, LLC

Customer experience

ipFob

All ratings352 ratings
Positive83.8%
Neutral3.4%
Negative12.8%
Written reviews82 reviews
Positive29.3%
Neutral9.8%
Negative61.0%

Control4

All ratings70 ratings
Positive60.0%
Neutral7.1%
Negative32.9%
Written reviews33 reviews
Positive39.4%
Neutral6.1%
Negative54.5%

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
Show 10 more
  • 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
Show 10 more
  • 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

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

ipFob

No in-app purchases

None

Control4

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ipFob free?
ipFob is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Control4 free?
Control4 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ipFob or Control4?
ipFob is rated higher. ipFob averages 4.4 out of 5 from 352 ratings, while Control4 averages 3.6 from 70 ratings.
Do ipFob or Control4 have ads?
Neither ipFob nor Control4 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ipFob or Control4?
ipFob ships an update every 3 weeks, and Control4 fortnightly. Most recently, ipFob was updated on September 28, 2026 and Control4 on September 25, 2026.

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