# HMRC vs Smart Pension

The clearest difference is ratings volume: HMRC at 583 against Smart Pension's 6. HMRC also leads on review sentiment (47% vs 31%) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Smart Pension's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Smart Pension holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HMRC has 583 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 47% of HMRC's written reviews are positive against 31% of Smart Pension's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

HMRC ships an update monthly, Smart Pension every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | HMRC | Smart Pension |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (583 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hmrc/id514561561/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-pension/id1293678839/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **583** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **47.3% of reviews** | 30.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 34 MB | 88 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HMRC](https://appshunter.io/developer/514561564) | [Smart Pension Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1293678838) |

## What reviewers say

### HMRC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hmrc/id514561561)

Manage your taxes, benefits, and savings securely and easily. Check your tax code, claim refunds, and track your State Pension. Access Self Assessment and Child Benefit information, and find your National Insurance number.

**Highlights:** Quick secure sign-in, Check tax code and pay, Claim tax refunds, View State Pension details, Self Assessment payments, Manage Child Benefit, Find National Insurance number

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Straightforward payment process
- 💡 Useful information and updates
- 🔒 Secure authentication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent login issues and app crashes
- 🤔 Confusing navigation and UI
- ⚠️ Lack of communication about tax changes
- 🕰️ Slow and unresponsive app

**Reported bugs**

- Endless login loops and redirects
- App freezing and becoming unresponsive
- Inconsistent behavior after app updates
- Issues with Face ID and biometric authentication

**Requested features**

- Improved notification system for tax updates
- Ability to view and manage tax details in-app
- Better integration with banking apps for payments
- More user-friendly design and navigation


### Smart Pension

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-pension/id1293678839)

Manage your workplace pension savings with ease. Track your fund's performance in real-time, adjust contributions, and explore investment options. Access exclusive discounts and customer support directly from your phone.

**Highlights:** Real-time pension balance tracking, Investment fund selection, Contribution level adjustments, Enhanced security features (Face ID, Touch ID), Access to exclusive discounts, Live chat customer support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Pension calculator helpful
- 📈 Up-to-date values
- 📱 Convenient mobile access
- 💻 Can do same as computer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 App not loading
- 🐛 Login issues
- 🐛 App freezes
- 🐛 Basic functionalities not working

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes shortly after launch
- App never lets you update details
- Cannot log into the app after recent update
- App or website will not load
- Stuck on loading screen

**Requested features**

- Show profit or loss on investment
- Receive notification for new contribution
- Improve app design and UI
- Implement in-app form for pension transfers
- Add dark mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HMRC free?

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

### Is Smart Pension free?

Smart Pension is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HMRC or Smart Pension?

Smart Pension is rated higher. HMRC averages 4.8 out of 5 from 583 ratings, while Smart Pension averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do HMRC or Smart Pension have ads?

Neither HMRC nor Smart Pension shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HMRC or Smart Pension?

HMRC ships an update monthly, and Smart Pension every 5 weeks. Most recently, HMRC was updated on September 26, 2026 and Smart Pension on September 26, 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.*