nRF Toolbox vs Author BT Update
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
nRF Toolbox
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.
- Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity
- Demonstrates BLE profiles
- Heart Rate Monitor support
- Glucose Monitor support
- Cycling Speed and Cadence
- Running Speed and Cadence
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nRF Toolbox works with a wide range of Bluetooth Low Energy accessories. It contains applications demonstrating BLE profiles: Cycling Speed and Cadence, Running Speed and Cadence, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Pressure Monitor, Health Thermometer, Glucose Monitor, Continuous Glucose Monitor, Monitoring & Diagnostic and more. The source code of this application is available on GitHub: https://github.com/nordicsemi/iOS-nRF-Toolbox
Author BT Update
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The Author-Alarm Firmware Update Utility is a powerful tool designed to facilitate the seamless updating of firmware for Author-Alarm devices. Secure Firmware Downloads: Firmware updates are sourced securely from Author-Alarm servers, guaranteeing the authenticity and integrity of the files. This safeguards against potential security threats and ensures a reliable update process. User-Friendly Interface: The utility boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users. Clear navigation and instructions guide users through the firmware update process. Device Compatibility: The utility is engineered to support a variety of Author-Alarm devices, including but not limited to alarm systems, immobilizers, and tracking units.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Author BT Update at 16.0 against nRF Toolbox's 18.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
nRF Toolbox ships an update every 5 weeks, Author BT Update monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | nRF Toolbox | Author BT Update |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.6 (8 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 22.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 8 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Nordic Semiconductor ASA | AUTHOR-ALARM |
In-app purchases
nRF Toolbox
No in-app purchases
Author BT Update
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is nRF Toolbox free?
Is Author BT Update free?
Do nRF Toolbox or Author BT Update have ads?
Which is updated more often, nRF Toolbox or Author BT Update?
Other comparisons
