# R8 Companion vs Smart Outlet Controller

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Smart Outlet Controller at none against R8 Companion's 4. Smart Outlet Controller also leads on price ($4.99 vs $9.99). R8 Companion's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and chart position (#32 vs unranked). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

R8 Companion costs $9.99 and Smart Outlet Controller $4.99 up front. R8 Companion sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Smart Outlet Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.

R8 Companion ships an update every 2 weeks, Smart Outlet Controller monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | R8 Companion | Smart Outlet Controller |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/r8-companion/id6461348120/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 82.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | **#32** | — |
| Size | 16 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Angela Mcarthur](https://appshunter.io/developer/451676466) | [Edward Juden](https://appshunter.io/developer/1020781189) |

## What reviewers say

### R8 Companion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/r8-companion/id6461348120)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Paid · Utilities, #190 Top Paid (US App Store)

Enhance your radar detector experience with intelligent alerts, advanced muting, and location-based false silencing. This app optimizes your detector's performance and provides detailed real-time information for a safer drive.

**Highlights:** Location-based false silencing (SpotLocks), Intelligent voice announcements, Customizable heads-up display (HUD), Proximity meter for signal source, Advanced false muting for K & X bands, Remote detector settings adjustment, Customizable audio announcements

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Snacks - Contribution | $1.99 | one-time |
| Drinks - Contribution | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lunch - Contribution | $6.99 | one-time |
| Super Fan - Contribution | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great functionality
- 👍 Customizable settings
- 👍 Responsive developer
- 👍 Helps quiet the R8
- 👍 Useful features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bluetooth disconnection issues
- 🔊 Audio volume issues
- 🔧 Needs better UI organization
- 🔧 Lacks granular audio control

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth disconnection on mute button press
- Automatic speed limit setting changes

**Requested features**

- Option to control push notifications
- Wireless/Bluetooth firmware updates for R8
- CarPlay support
- Background app functionality
- Home screen widget


### Smart Outlet Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-outlet-controller/id6740550498)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is R8 Companion free?

R8 Companion costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Smart Outlet Controller free?

Smart Outlet Controller costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do R8 Companion or Smart Outlet Controller have ads?

Neither R8 Companion nor Smart Outlet Controller shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, R8 Companion or Smart Outlet Controller?

R8 Companion ships an update every 2 weeks, and Smart Outlet Controller monthly. Most recently, R8 Companion was updated on November 3, 2026 and Smart Outlet Controller on October 28, 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.*