# openHAB vs Synctrain

openHAB and Synctrain both sit at 5.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 91% of Synctrain's written reviews are positive against 33% of openHAB's. Synctrain also leads on ratings volume (123 vs 3). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for openHAB against 4.9 for Synctrain. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Synctrain has 123 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 33% of openHAB's written reviews are positive against 91% of Synctrain's.

openHAB ships an update every 3 weeks, Synctrain every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | openHAB | Synctrain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openhab/id6505005945/reviews)** | [4.9 (123 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synctrain/id6553985316/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **123** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **91.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 45 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [openHAB Foundation e.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1170718421) | [T-Shaped](https://appshunter.io/developer/1758051723) |

## What reviewers say

### openHAB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openhab/id6505005945)

This app acts as a companion to an open-source home automation system, allowing users to control and integrate various smart home devices. It offers remote access, enhanced notifications, and a customizable interface for managing your smart home ecosystem.

**Highlights:** Seamless integration with openHAB UI, Remote control via openHAB Cloud, Enhanced push notifications, Apple Watch companion app, Natively supports iPhone and iPad, Connects to over 3000 devices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Synctrain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synctrain/id6553985316)

Securely synchronize files and folders between your devices. Stream audio and video directly from other devices.  Manage file sharing permissions to control access to your data.

**Highlights:** Secure file synchronization, Full folder synchronization, Specific file selection, Audio and video streaming, Cross-device file mirroring, Customizable sharing permissions

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 🚀 Seamless sync between devices
- 🔓 Open-source and free
- 💡 Integrates with iOS Files app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connection issues
- 🔍 Could use more Apple-like design

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional app crashes
- Sync delays on some devices

**Requested features**

- Direct photo/video sync to remote devices
- Faster initial connection to server


## Frequently asked questions

### Is openHAB free?

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

### Is Synctrain free?

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

### Which has better reviews, openHAB or Synctrain?

openHAB is rated higher. openHAB averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Synctrain averages 4.9 from 123 ratings.

### Do openHAB or Synctrain have ads?

Neither openHAB nor Synctrain shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, openHAB or Synctrain?

openHAB ships an update every 3 weeks, and Synctrain every 6 weeks. Most recently, openHAB was updated on August 22, 2026 and Synctrain on September 24, 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.*