# openHAB vs Scribe by FTech

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: openHAB at none against Scribe by FTech's 2. openHAB also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Scribe by FTech sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. openHAB asks for nothing beyond the download.

openHAB ships an update every 3 weeks, Scribe by FTech every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | openHAB | Scribe by FTech |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openhab/id6505005945/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 45 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [openHAB Foundation e.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1170718421) | [FTECH, MCHJ](https://appshunter.io/developer/1889473494) |

## 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


### Scribe by FTech

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scribe-by-ftech/id6761413712)

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scribe by FTech | $9.99 | per month |
| Scribe by FTech | $79.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is openHAB free?

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

### Is Scribe by FTech free?

Scribe by FTech is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do openHAB or Scribe by FTech have ads?

Neither openHAB nor Scribe by FTech shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, openHAB or Scribe by FTech?

openHAB ships an update every 3 weeks, and Scribe by FTech every 2 weeks. Most recently, openHAB was updated on October 23, 2026 and Scribe by FTech on October 25, 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.*