HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud vs Sensor Playground
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud
Manage your Hetzner Cloud infrastructure on the go with this native application. Monitor server status, control actions like start/stop/reboot, and manage volumes, networks, firewalls, and storage boxes. Securely access your projects with API tokens stored in the iOS Keychain.
- Monitor server status and metrics
- Start, stop, and reboot servers
- Manage volumes, networks, and firewalls
- Control Storage Boxes
- Built-in SSH terminal
- Support for multiple projects
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Take full control of your Hetzner Cloud infrastructure with HetzMate. HetzMate is a powerful, native app that lets you monitor, manage, and control your Hetzner Cloud projects on the go. SERVERS • View all your cloud servers with real-time status indicators • Actions: Start, stop, reboot, and power-cycle servers • SSH: Connect via the built-in terminal • Monitor CPU, disk, and network metrics with graphs • Manage server backups and snapshots • View and manage attached volumes, networks, and firewalls INFRASTRUCTURE • Volumes: View, manage, and monitor your block storage volumes • Networks: Overview of private networks and subnets • Load Balancers: Monitor and manage your load balancers FIREWALLS • View firewall configurations • Add, edit, and delete firewall rules • Apply firewalls to your servers STORAGE BOXES • Manage your Hetzner Storage Boxes • View storage usage, access credentials, and settings The app supports multiple Projects and API tokens are securely stored in the iOS Keychain. This app is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Hetzner Online GmbH. "Hetzner" is a trademark of Hetzner Online GmbH. HetzMate is an independent third-party application. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Sensor Playground
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Sensor Playground turns your phone into a live dashboard for DIY sensor nodes built on the ESP32 or a Raspberry Pi class single-board computer. Flash the free companion firmware onto your board, wire up a supported sensor, and the app finds the node automatically on your local network or via Bluetooth LE — no cloud, no account, no registration. Readings appear as clear cards and live charts, updated in real time. CONTINUOUSLY GROWING Development is ongoing: updates ship regularly, and support for new sensors is added continuously. If your favourite sensor is not on the list yet, chances are it will arrive in one of the next updates. HIGHLIGHTS • Automatic discovery of sensor nodes over Wi-Fi (LAN) and Bluetooth LE • Live cards and charts for every measured quantity • Air-quality rating derived from IAQ, CO₂ or eCO₂/TVOC readings • Dedicated screens for gesture, distance and contact sensors • Send bitmaps to an SSD1306 OLED display node • Signal-strength badge for Bluetooth nodes • °C/°F switch, English and German, screen-reader friendly • Everything stays on your own network: TLS-encrypted and API-key protected — no cloud involved SUPPORTED SENSORS (and counting) • Environment & air quality: BME680, BME280, SCD30, SGP30, MCP9808, SHT31, SHT41, AHT10/AHT20, CozIR-A • Light & optical: SI1145 (sunlight/UV), TCS34725 (color), analog light sensor • Motion & orientation: IMU 10DOF, MPU6050, MMA7660 • Infrared temperature: MLX90615 (non-contact) • Positioning: Air530 GNSS/GPS • Event-driven: PAJ7620 gesture, VL53L0X laser distance, button, hall sensor, magnetic switch, PIR motion, vibration • Display: SSD1306 OLED (128×64) GOOD TO KNOW • You need at least one sensor node: an ESP32 or a Raspberry Pi class board running the free, open companion firmware. Arduino sketches and Python scripts are available for every supported sensor. • A built-in simulated sensor lets you explore the app before any hardware is connected. • Scanning and discovery are free for all sensors. Data visualisation for a few selected sensors requires a one-time in-app licence purchase, which supports the ongoing development. Whether you are a maker, a teacher, a student or simply curious about the air in your room — Sensor Playground makes hardware experiments visible.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Sensor Playground at every 3 days against HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud's every 2 weeks. Sensor Playground also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Sensor Playground sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud ships an update every 2 weeks, Sensor Playground every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud | Sensor Playground |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 26 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Lars Herres | Peter Sauer |
In-app purchases
HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud
- HetzMate Pro Subscription$0.991 Month
- HetzMate Pro Subscription$1.991 Month
- HetzMate Pro Subscription$8.991 Year
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- HetzMate Pro Subscription$12.991 Year
- HetzMate Pro$5.99
- HetzMate Pro$7.99
Sensor Playground
- Licence$0.99
Questions
Is HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud free?
Is Sensor Playground free?
Do HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud or Sensor Playground have ads?
Which is updated more often, HetzMate for Hetzner Cloud or Sensor Playground?
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