Compass Control vs Control4 for OS 3
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.
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: Compass Control at 4.3 against Control4 for OS 3's 3.0. Compass Control also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 22%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). Control4 for OS 3's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (573 vs 7). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Control4 for OS 3 has 573 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Compass Control's written reviews are positive against 22% of Control4 for OS 3's.
Compass Control ships an update every 3 months, Control4 for OS 3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Compass Control | Control4 for OS 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (7 ratings) — better | 3.0 (573 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 21.9% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 7 | 573 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 96 MB | 207 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Key Digital | Snap One, LLC |
Customer experience
Compass Control
Control4 for OS 3
Bugs and requests
Compass Control
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
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
Compass Control
No in-app purchases
Control4 for OS 3
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Compass Control free?
Is Control4 for OS 3 free?
Which has better reviews, Compass Control or Control4 for OS 3?
Do Compass Control or Control4 for OS 3 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Compass Control or Control4 for OS 3?
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