# iAquaLink vs SmartThings

The clearest difference is monetization model: SmartThings at free against iAquaLink's free with in-app purchases. SmartThings also leads on chart position (#5 vs unranked) and ratings volume (845K vs 100K). iAquaLink's advantage is iOS requirement (13.2 vs 17.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for iAquaLink against 4.6 for SmartThings. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartThings has 845K ratings behind it against 100K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 28% of iAquaLink's written reviews are positive against 31% of SmartThings's.

iAquaLink ships an update every 2 months, SmartThings monthly. Both last shipped on October 19, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | iAquaLink | SmartThings |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (100K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iaqualink/id443059509/reviews)** | [4.6 (845K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartthings/id1222822904/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 100K | **845K** |
| Positive reviews | 28.2% of reviews | **30.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#5** |
| Size | 41 MB | 887 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.2** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/443059512) | [Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/359580642) |

## What reviewers say

### iAquaLink

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iaqualink/id443059509)

Control and monitor your swimming pool equipment remotely from your mobile device. Adjust settings like pump speed, temperature, and lighting, and automate cleaning schedules. Offers comprehensive management for various pool systems and accessories.

**Highlights:** Remote pool equipment monitoring and control, Schedule and operate pumps, Control pool and spa heating, Automate pool lighting, Manage saltwater chlorinators, On-demand robotic pool cleaner control, Temperature monitoring and adjustment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to control pool and spa remotely
- 👍 Convenient for monitoring pool status
- 💡 Good integration with Alexa
- 🔒 Reliable connectivity when hardwired

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connectivity issues and app crashes
- 👎 Limited functionality in the app compared to web interface
- 💤 Slow response times and laggy performance
- 🤯 Confusing and outdated user interface

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes and loses connection to pool equipment
- Inability to re-add previously connected devices
- Unreliable firmware updates causing issues
- Inconsistent display of pool status and settings

**Requested features**

- Customizable dashboard and one-touch controls
- Notifications for pool events (e.g., robot full, temperature reached)
- Improved scheduling and automation options
- Better integration with smart home platforms


### SmartThings

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartthings/id1222822904)

**Currently charting:** #5 Top Free · Lifestyle, #107 Top Free (US App Store)

Unify and manage all your smart home devices from a single application. Connect hundreds of brands, create custom scenes and routines, and control your home remotely. Monitor energy usage and even get meal planning assistance.

**Highlights:** Connect and control devices from multiple brands, Create custom scenes and routines, Remote home monitoring and control, Automated notifications and status updates, Voice control with Google Assistant, Energy tracking and saving features, Smart cooking and meal planning assistance

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Remote control functionality
- 📚 Laundry cycle recommendations
- 🤖 Automation and scheduling capabilities
- 🔧 Customizable settings

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnections and crashes
- ⏱️ Slow and laggy performance
- 🔍 Difficulty connecting and configuring devices
- 🤔 Confusing and unintuitive user interface
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with location tracking

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to add or remove devices
- Inconsistent device status updates
- Notifications not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Ability to control TV without remote
- Improved photo/artwork management for Frame TV
- More advanced automation and scheduling options
- Better integration with other smart home platforms


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iAquaLink free?

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

### Is SmartThings free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iAquaLink or SmartThings?

iAquaLink is rated higher. iAquaLink averages 4.7 out of 5 from 100K ratings, while SmartThings averages 4.6 from 845K ratings.

### Do iAquaLink or SmartThings have ads?

Neither iAquaLink nor SmartThings shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iAquaLink or SmartThings?

iAquaLink ships an update every 2 months, and SmartThings monthly. Most recently, iAquaLink was updated on October 19, 2026 and SmartThings 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.*