# LIFX vs Knocki

The clearest difference is rating: LIFX at 3.7 against Knocki's 3.3. LIFX also leads on ratings volume (7.1K vs 9) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Knocki's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and review sentiment (31% vs 19%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

LIFX holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LIFX has 7.1K ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 19% of LIFX's written reviews are positive against 31% of Knocki's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

LIFX ships an update fortnightly, Knocki every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LIFX | Knocki |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (7.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifx/id657758311/reviews)** | [3.3 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knocki/id1238395440/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.1K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 18.5% of reviews | **30.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 313 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LIFX](https://appshunter.io/developer/657758314) | [Haptic, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1188043635) |

## What reviewers say

### LIFX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifx/id657758311)

Control your smart lights with this app. Easily adjust brightness, color, and temperature. Automate schedules, create custom scenes, and explore fun lighting effects. Integrates with voice assistants and HomeKit for seamless control.

**Highlights:** Basic light control (on/off, dim, color, temperature), Group lights for easy management, Automated schedules and scenes, Special lighting effects (music visualizer, fire, etc.), Live color painting on compatible lights, Custom color palettes, HomeKit integration

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🌟 Excellent color quality and brightness
- 🔍 Customizable lighting effects and scenes
- 🔌 Easy setup and connectivity
- 📱 Responsive and intuitive app
- 🤖 Good integration with smart home platforms

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues and unreliable performance
- 🤯 Confusing and cluttered app UI
- 🔄 Frequent app and firmware updates breaking functionality
- 🤖 Poor integration with smart home platforms
- 🕰️ Scheduling and automation issues

**Reported bugs**

- Lights randomly disconnecting from app
- Scenes and effects not working as expected
- Scheduling issues and lights not responding to timers
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- Frequent app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- More granular control over individual lights
- Improved scene and effect customization
- Better scheduling and automation options
- Seamless integration with smart home platforms
- Simplified onboarding and setup process


### Knocki

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knocki/id1238395440)

Turn any surface into a smart home controller. Create custom tap gestures to activate lights, music, and other connected devices. Works with popular smart home platforms.

**Highlights:** Transform surfaces into touch controls, Control smart home devices, Create custom tap gestures, Works with Alexa, IFTTT, Philips Hue, and more, Trigger task lists with gestures, Works via WiFi independently of phone

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LIFX free?

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

### Is Knocki free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LIFX or Knocki?

LIFX is rated higher. LIFX averages 3.7 out of 5 from 7.1K ratings, while Knocki averages 3.3 from 9 ratings.

### Do LIFX or Knocki have ads?

Neither LIFX nor Knocki shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LIFX or Knocki?

LIFX ships an update fortnightly, and Knocki every 2 months. Most recently, LIFX was updated on September 24, 2026 and Knocki on September 20, 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.*