Compass Control vs Control4
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
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Compass Control at 4.3 against Control4's 3.6. Compass Control also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 39%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). Control4's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (70 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 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Control4 has 70 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 39% of Control4's.
Compass Control ships an update every 3 months, Control4 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Compass Control | Control4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (7 ratings) — better | 3.6 (70 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 39.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 7 | 70 — 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 | 253 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Key Digital | Snap One, LLC |
Customer experience
Compass Control
Control4
In-app purchases
Compass Control
No in-app purchases
Control4
No in-app purchases









