# nRF Toolbox vs SmartLoop Firmware Utility

The clearest difference is update cadence: nRF Toolbox at every 5 weeks against SmartLoop Firmware Utility's every 5 months. SmartLoop Firmware Utility's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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.

nRF Toolbox ships an update every 5 weeks, SmartLoop Firmware Utility every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | nRF Toolbox | SmartLoop Firmware Utility |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nrf-toolbox/id820906058/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **8** | — |
| Positive reviews | 22.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 9 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nordic Semiconductor ASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/497679114) | [Keystone Technologies, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1460952182) |

## What reviewers say

### nRF Toolbox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nrf-toolbox/id820906058)

This utility app connects to various Bluetooth Low Energy accessories. It demonstrates multiple BLE profiles, including health and fitness sensors, allowing users to monitor data from devices like heart rate monitors and glucose monitors.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, Demonstrates BLE profiles, Heart Rate Monitor support, Glucose Monitor support, Cycling Speed and Cadence, Running Speed and Cadence

**In-app purchases:** none


### SmartLoop Firmware Utility

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartloop-firmware-utility/id1612165093)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is nRF Toolbox free?

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

### Is SmartLoop Firmware Utility free?

SmartLoop Firmware Utility is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do nRF Toolbox or SmartLoop Firmware Utility have ads?

Neither nRF Toolbox nor SmartLoop Firmware Utility shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, nRF Toolbox or SmartLoop Firmware Utility?

nRF Toolbox ships an update every 5 weeks, and SmartLoop Firmware Utility every 5 months. Most recently, nRF Toolbox was updated on October 6, 2026 and SmartLoop Firmware Utility on September 23, 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.*