Comparison

Compass Control vs Control4

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Universal remote functionality
  • Smart home automation
  • AV system control
  • Thermostat control
  • Alarm system control
  • Third-party hardware integration
Features
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Compass Control4 screens
Control44 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Compass Control ships an update every 3 months, Control4 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Compass Control versus Control4: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCompass ControlControl4
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (7 ratings) — better3.6 (70 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews — better39.4% of reviews
Number of ratings770 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS11.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size96 MB253 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperKey DigitalSnap One, LLC

Customer experience

Compass Control

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Control4

All ratings70 ratings
Positive60.0%
Neutral7.1%
Negative32.9%
Written reviews33 reviews
Positive39.4%
Neutral6.1%
Negative54.5%

In-app purchases

None

Compass Control

No in-app purchases

None

Control4

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Compass Control free?
Compass Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Control4 free?
Control4 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Compass Control or Control4?
Compass Control is rated higher. Compass Control averages 4.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Control4 averages 3.6 from 70 ratings.
Do Compass Control or Control4 have ads?
Neither Compass Control nor Control4 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Compass Control or Control4?
Compass Control ships an update every 3 months, and Control4 fortnightly. Most recently, Compass Control was updated on October 2, 2026 and Control4 on October 12, 2026.

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