# SimplySolar vs SmartESS

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SimplySolar at 80% against SmartESS's 20%. SimplySolar also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). SmartESS's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 13 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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.

SimplySolar ships an update every 13 months, SmartESS monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimplySolar | SmartESS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[2.7 (125 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartess/id1334656760/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **125** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 19.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | — | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 5 MB | 198 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matt Privman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1376909148) | [祥梯 孟](https://appshunter.io/developer/1070155084) |

## What reviewers say

### SimplySolar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplysolar/id660625340)

This app helps users manually align solar panels and solar thermal heaters to maximize energy output. It offers a cost-effective solution for increasing solar energy viability, especially in developing regions, by replacing expensive tracking systems with a smart algorithm and simple tools. The app aims to improve lifestyles and create sustainable communities.

**Highlights:** 30-40% energy gain, Works with solar panels and thermal heaters, Increases ROI, Offline functionality, Works on cheap smartphones, Compass for True North alignment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SmartESS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartess/id1334656760)

Monitor your energy storage machine's status in real-time with this mobile application. It offers easy-to-understand data visualization, historical data access from anywhere, and displays information in multiple dimensions. The app is designed for efficient data transfer with minimal internet traffic usage.

**Highlights:** Real-time energy storage machine monitoring, Intelligent data visualization, Simple and easy-to-understand charts, Access historical data anytime, anywhere, Multi-dimensional data display, Low internet traffic usage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimplySolar free?

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

### Is SmartESS free?

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

### Which is updated more often, SimplySolar or SmartESS?

SimplySolar ships an update every 13 months, and SmartESS monthly. Most recently, SimplySolar was updated on September 9, 2026 and SmartESS on October 2, 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.*