Compass Control vs Z
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Compass Control
This app transforms your iOS device into a universal remote for home automation and entertainment systems. It integrates with a wide range of third-party hardware for seamless control of AV equipment, thermostats, and security systems.
- Universal remote functionality
- Smart home automation
- AV system control
- Thermostat control
- Alarm system control
- Third-party hardware integration
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Compass Control represents the first fully integrated major control system built from the ground up to use Apple's iOS devices - iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch - as its backbone. Let Compass Control be your guide to complete control for your residential or commercial application. Compass Control replaces all of your remotes and traditional control interfaces with one device. Compass Control becomes your cable remote, TV remote, thermostat, alarm control panel, and many other remote devices all contained in the sleek and beautiful shape of Apple's family of iOS powered devices. Compass Control has an entire family of integrated devices allowing plug and play thanks to our Key Alliance Partners: Aprilaire, Denon, Furman, iPort, Key Digital, Lutron, Luxul, Marantz, Onkyo, Panamax, Russound, and SurgeX. Key Alliance third party hardware combined with Compass Control provides seamless integration and unparalleled capability for your entire AV or 'smart' automation system. To use the application for actual control of components please contact an approved Compass Control reseller or sales@keydigital.com for System Creating assistance.
Z
This tool simplifies the setup of Z-Wave devices for your smart home. It allows you to easily add, remove, and name devices directly from your phone or tablet. Once configured, you can manage advanced settings through your HomeSeer web interface.
- Include Z-Wave devices
- Exclude Z-Wave devices
- Name Z-Wave devices
- Use with phone or tablet
- Integrates with HomeSeer
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Z-Tool+ is a Z-Wave network installation tool for use with HomeSeer home automation software and controllers. Use Z-Tool+ with your phone or tablet to "include", "exclude" and name Z-Wave devices in your home. After devices are added to your system, you can close Z-Tool+ and switch to your HomeSeer web interface to access more advanced settings and features.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Compass Control at 4.3 against Z's 2.3. Compass Control also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 19%). Z's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 11.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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.
Compass Control holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Compass Control's written reviews are positive against 19% of Z's.
Compass Control ships an update every 3 months, Z every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on June 10, 2026 and June 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Compass Control | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (7 ratings) — better | 2.3 (17 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 18.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 7 | 17 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | 8.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 96 MB | 34 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Key Digital | HomeSeer |
Customer experience
Compass Control
Z
In-app purchases
Compass Control
No in-app purchases
Z
No in-app purchases
