# SimpliSafe Home Security App vs Rachio

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SimpliSafe Home Security App at none against Rachio's 5. SimpliSafe Home Security App also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). Rachio's advantage is review sentiment (58% vs 24%). On price, rating, ratings volume and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Rachio sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. SimpliSafe Home Security App asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for SimpliSafe Home Security App against 4.9 for Rachio. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 323K and 159K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 24% of SimpliSafe Home Security App's written reviews are positive against 58% of Rachio's.

SimpliSafe Home Security App ships an update weekly, Rachio every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpliSafe Home Security App | Rachio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (323K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplisafe-home-security-app/id555798051/reviews) | **[4.9 (159K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rachio/id864325098/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **323K** | 159K |
| Positive reviews | 23.9% of reviews | **58.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#202** | — |
| Size | 437 MB | 163 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SimpliSafe Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/555798054) | [RACHIO, INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/864325101) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpliSafe Home Security App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplisafe-home-security-app/id555798051)

**Currently charting:** #202 Top Free · Lifestyle (US App Store)

Control your home security system remotely from your iPhone or iPad. Arm or disarm your system, receive instant alerts, and view a detailed timeline of events. Live video streaming is also available with compatible cameras.

**Highlights:** Remote arm/disarm, Instant notifications, Event timeline, Live video streaming, System control

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to install
- 🔒 Reliable security system
- 👍 Customizable settings
- 🔒 Prompt monitoring response
- 👍 Helpful customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App connectivity issues
- 🔋 Battery life concerns
- 💰 Expensive subscription costs
- 🔍 Limited camera functionality
- 🔍 Lack of integration with smart home devices

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes and login issues
- Sensors going offline or malfunctioning
- Inconsistent camera performance and connectivity

**Requested features**

- Option to delete camera recordings
- Geofencing for automatic arming/disarming
- Integration with Apple HomeKit and Google Home
- Customizable sensor settings and zones


### Rachio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rachio/id864325098)

This app allows you to control your sprinkler system remotely, creating custom watering schedules. It helps save water and money by optimizing irrigation based on weather and yard needs. Access your system from anywhere for convenient lawn care.

**Highlights:** Automated watering schedules, Remote sprinkler control, Water and money saving, Weather-based adjustments, Smart home integration, Mobile app access

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tempest Integration | $29.99 | one-time |
| AirLink Integration | $29.99 | one-time |
| Heat Wave Boost | $29.99 | one-time |
| Wire Status | $29.99 | one-time |
| Valve & Heat Monitoring Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 🌱 Saves water and money
- 🌳 Helps maintain healthy lawn and plants

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 💸 Aggressive upselling
- 🤔 Confusing user interface
- 🌧️ Inaccurate weather-based scheduling

**Reported bugs**

- Zones running at unexpected times
- Schedules not working as programmed
- App crashing during setup and use
- Syncing issues between app and controller

**Requested features**

- Ability to skip multiple upcoming watering cycles
- Customizable notifications for low battery and offline status
- Better integration with smart home platforms like HomeKit
- More granular control over watering schedules and durations


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpliSafe Home Security App free?

SimpliSafe Home Security App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Rachio free?

Rachio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SimpliSafe Home Security App or Rachio?

Rachio is rated higher. SimpliSafe Home Security App averages 4.8 out of 5 from 323K ratings, while Rachio averages 4.9 from 159K ratings.

### Do SimpliSafe Home Security App or Rachio have ads?

Rachio shows ads; SimpliSafe Home Security App does not.

### Which is updated more often, SimpliSafe Home Security App or Rachio?

SimpliSafe Home Security App ships an update weekly, and Rachio every 3 weeks. Most recently, SimpliSafe Home Security App was updated on November 1, 2026 and Rachio on November 1, 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.*