# RainMachine vs SmartLink Network

The clearest difference is rating: SmartLink Network at 2.4 against RainMachine's 1.8. SmartLink Network also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (27% vs 14%). RainMachine's advantage is ratings volume (613 vs 11) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). 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. SmartLink Network asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmartLink Network holds the better App Store score, 2.4 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RainMachine has 613 ratings behind it against 11, 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 27% of SmartLink Network's.

RainMachine ships an update monthly, SmartLink Network every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RainMachine | SmartLink Network |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (613 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rainmachine/id647589286/reviews) | **[2.4 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartlink-network/id655381095/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **613** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | **26.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 33 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RainMachine](https://appshunter.io/developer/647589469) | [Weathermatic](https://appshunter.io/developer/655381098) |

## 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 |


### SmartLink Network

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartlink-network/id655381095)

Manage your Weathermatic SmartLine irrigation system directly from your iPhone. This app allows you to control your system remotely, eliminating the need to visit the controller. Access global commands, monitor alerts, and generate client reports detailing water and cost savings.

**Highlights:** Remote irrigation system control, In-field remote functionality, Global command execution, System monitoring and alerts, Client water and cost savings reports, Browser access for full functionality

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RainMachine free?

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

### Is SmartLink Network free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RainMachine or SmartLink Network?

SmartLink Network is rated higher. RainMachine averages 1.8 out of 5 from 613 ratings, while SmartLink Network averages 2.4 from 11 ratings.

### Do RainMachine or SmartLink Network have ads?

Neither RainMachine nor SmartLink Network shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RainMachine or SmartLink Network?

RainMachine ships an update monthly, and SmartLink Network every 3 weeks. Most recently, RainMachine was updated on September 19, 2026 and SmartLink Network on September 13, 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.*