# Compass Control vs Control4 for OS 3

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass Control | Control4 for OS 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-control/id506387282/reviews)** | [3.0 (573 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/control4-for-os-3/id1320153814/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **573** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 21.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 96 MB | 207 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Key Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/506387285) | [Snap One, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/417819127) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-control/id506387282)

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.

**Highlights:** Universal remote functionality, Smart home automation, AV system control, Thermostat control, Alarm system control, Third-party hardware integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Control4 for OS 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/control4-for-os-3/id1320153814)

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.

**Highlights:** Personalized user interface, Control lights, thermostats, security, Manage music and video, Access favorites and room-specific settings, Intuitive volume control, Customizable room wallpapers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Responsive and fast
- 🌟 Elegant and modern UI
- 🔒 Robust security features
- 👍 Customizable and personalized
- 🎨 Improved visual design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- ⏱️ Slow load times and reconnections
- 🔌 Unreliable connectivity
- 🤖 Lacking integration with smart home platforms
- 💰 Expensive and costly to maintain

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass Control free?

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

### Is Control4 for OS 3 free?

Control4 for OS 3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Compass Control or Control4 for OS 3?

Compass Control is rated higher. Compass Control averages 4.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Control4 for OS 3 averages 3.0 from 573 ratings.

### Do Compass Control or Control4 for OS 3 have ads?

Neither Compass Control nor Control4 for OS 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compass Control or Control4 for OS 3?

Compass Control ships an update every 3 months, and Control4 for OS 3 fortnightly. Most recently, Compass Control was updated on October 2, 2026 and Control4 for OS 3 on October 12, 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.*