# FluvalConnect vs HearthTrace

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FluvalConnect at none against HearthTrace's 1. FluvalConnect also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). HearthTrace's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HearthTrace sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FluvalConnect asks for nothing beyond the download.

FluvalConnect ships an update monthly, HearthTrace every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FluvalConnect | HearthTrace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.3 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluvalconnect/id6739331796/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **42** | — |
| Positive reviews | 19.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 73 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rolf C Hagen Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1321403702) | [LDM Co LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876567231) |

## What reviewers say

### FluvalConnect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluvalconnect/id6739331796)

Control and customize your aquatic environment with this app. It allows for independent color channel adjustments, programmable light cycles, and preset environments for a captivating aquarium experience. Compatible with various Fluval LED lighting systems.

**Highlights:** Manual, Auto, and Pro operating modes, Independent color channel control, Programmable 24-hour light cycle, Preset environments, Dynamic effects, Multiple device control

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### HearthTrace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hearthtrace-home-records/id6810267771)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HearthTrace Pro | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FluvalConnect free?

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

### Is HearthTrace free?

HearthTrace is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do FluvalConnect or HearthTrace have ads?

Neither FluvalConnect nor HearthTrace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FluvalConnect or HearthTrace?

FluvalConnect ships an update monthly, and HearthTrace every 2 days. Most recently, FluvalConnect was updated on November 4, 2026 and HearthTrace on October 31, 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.*
