# RainMachine vs TailWind Smart

The clearest difference is rating: TailWind Smart at 3.4 against RainMachine's 1.8. TailWind Smart also leads on review sentiment (52% vs 14%) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). RainMachine's advantage is ratings volume (613 vs 89) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RainMachine sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per year. TailWind Smart asks for nothing beyond the download.

TailWind Smart holds the better App Store score, 3.4 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RainMachine has 613 ratings behind it against 89, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of RainMachine's written reviews are positive against 52% of TailWind Smart's.

RainMachine ships an update monthly, TailWind Smart every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on September 19, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | RainMachine | TailWind Smart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (613 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rainmachine/id647589286/reviews) | **[3.4 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tailwind-smart/id1255530678/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **613** | 89 |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | **51.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 33 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RainMachine](https://appshunter.io/developer/647589469) | [1931085 Ontario Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1255530677) |

## What reviewers say

### RainMachine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rainmachine/id647589286)

Control your smart sprinkler system from your iPhone or iPad. Dynamically adjust watering schedules based on local weather data to save water and maintain a healthy garden. Manage zones, set restrictions, and snooze or pause watering remotely.

**Highlights:** Cloud independent smart sprinkler control, Dynamic weather-based watering schedules, Remote access and control, Water saving technology, Zone and program management, Snooze and pause watering

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RainMachine Premium | $29.99 | per year |


### TailWind Smart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tailwind-smart/id1255530678)

Automate your garage door with smart technology. This app allows you to remotely open, close, and check the status of your garage doors. It can also automatically open as you arrive and close as you leave, enhancing security and convenience.

**Highlights:** Automatic opening and closing, Remote control from anywhere, Vehicle detection for specific door opening, Customizable alerts and schedules, Activity history log, Unlimited user access

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great product overall
- 👍 Well-designed app
- 👍 Excellent customer support
- 👍 Integrates with Home Assistant
- 👍 Works well with HomeKit

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app
- 🔋 Significant battery drain
- 🐛 Unreliable auto-open/close
- 🐛 Frequent sign-outs
- 🐛 Setup issues (Bluetooth, Location)

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot enable Bluetooth during setup
- Location services need manual enabling
- App prompts to download unavailable update
- Auto open no longer works
- App can't diagnose or update firmware

**Requested features**

- Clearer setup flow with firmware update check
- Documentation matching latest UX
- HomeKit integration release
- Siri Shortcuts improvement
- Watch face complication for watch app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RainMachine free?

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

### Is TailWind Smart free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RainMachine or TailWind Smart?

TailWind Smart is rated higher. RainMachine averages 1.8 out of 5 from 613 ratings, while TailWind Smart averages 3.4 from 89 ratings.

### Do RainMachine or TailWind Smart have ads?

Neither RainMachine nor TailWind Smart shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RainMachine or TailWind Smart?

RainMachine ships an update monthly, and TailWind Smart every 5 weeks. Most recently, RainMachine was updated on September 19, 2026 and TailWind Smart on September 19, 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.*