# Helm vs HomeBar for HomeKit

The clearest difference is update cadence: HomeBar for HomeKit at fortnightly against Helm's every 2 months. HomeBar for HomeKit also leads on device support (4 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Helm sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and HomeBar for HomeKit sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Helm ships an update every 2 months, HomeBar for HomeKit fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Helm | HomeBar for HomeKit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Size | 28 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cappsule Teknoloji](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676687521) | [Andrew Gould](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888466904) |

## What reviewers say

### Helm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helm-mac-remote-controller/id6761204919)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Helm Pro | $4.99 | one-time |


### HomeBar for HomeKit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homebar-for-homekit/id6761261256)

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HomeBar - Pro (Monthly) | $3.99 | per month |
| HomeBar - Max (Monthly) | $8.99 | per month |
| HomeBar - Pro (Annual) | $33.99 | per year |
| HomeBar - Max (Annual Subscription) | $73.99 | per year |
| HomeBar - LIfetime | $119.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Helm free?

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

### Is HomeBar for HomeKit free?

HomeBar for HomeKit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Helm or HomeBar for HomeKit have ads?

Neither Helm nor HomeBar for HomeKit shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Helm or HomeBar for HomeKit?

Helm ships an update every 2 months, and HomeBar for HomeKit fortnightly. Most recently, Helm was updated on October 24, 2026 and HomeBar for HomeKit on October 8, 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.*