# LIFX vs C3 Smart

The clearest difference is rating: LIFX at 3.7 against C3 Smart's 1.0. LIFX also leads on ratings volume (7.1K vs 3) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). C3 Smart's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases 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 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LIFX has 7.1K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 18% of LIFX's written reviews are positive against 20% of C3 Smart's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

LIFX ships an update fortnightly, C3 Smart every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LIFX | C3 Smart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (7.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifx/id657758311/reviews)** | [1.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c3-smart/id1626255847/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.1K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 18.2% of reviews | **20.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 314 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LIFX](https://appshunter.io/developer/657758314) | [Codelocks International Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1626255849) |

## 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


### C3 Smart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c3-smart/id1626255847)

Easily manage and operate your Codelocks Smart Locks with a user-friendly interface. Program settings, issue access, and generate time-sensitive codes. Stay informed with lock notifications and update firmware seamlessly.

**Highlights:** Program and edit lock settings, Manage locks and clients, Issue access and edit permissions, Generate time-sensitive NetCodes, Sync to locks via Bluetooth, View lock audit data, Remote unlocking (with WiFi Gateway)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LIFX free?

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

### Is C3 Smart free?

C3 Smart is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, LIFX or C3 Smart?

LIFX is rated higher. LIFX averages 3.7 out of 5 from 7.1K ratings, while C3 Smart averages 1.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do LIFX or C3 Smart have ads?

Neither LIFX nor C3 Smart shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LIFX or C3 Smart?

LIFX ships an update fortnightly, and C3 Smart every 2 months. Most recently, LIFX was updated on October 17, 2026 and C3 Smart on October 1, 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.*