# Abode vs TailWind Smart

The clearest difference is rating: Abode at 4.2 against TailWind Smart's 3.4. Abode also leads on ratings volume (4.8K vs 89) and device support (4 vs 2). TailWind Smart's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and review sentiment (52% vs 24%). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Abode sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. TailWind Smart asks for nothing beyond the download.

Abode holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Abode has 4.8K ratings behind it against 89, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 24% of Abode's written reviews are positive against 52% of TailWind Smart's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Abode ships an update every 6 weeks, TailWind Smart every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Abode | TailWind Smart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (4.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abode/id828260682/reviews)** | [3.4 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tailwind-smart/id1255530678/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.8K** | 89 |
| Positive reviews | 23.7% of reviews | **51.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 258 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Abode Systems, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/828260685) | [1931085 Ontario Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1255530677) |

## What reviewers say

### Abode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abode/id828260682)

Control your home security system remotely. Arm and disarm your system, view live and recorded video, and receive instant alerts. Automate your home with custom actions and notifications, all from your mobile device.

**Highlights:** Arm & disarm system, View live & recorded video, Receive security alerts, Home automation, Customizable notifications, System setup & expansion, Timeline event filtering

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Single Camera | $3.99 | per month |
| Standard Plan | $8.49 | per month |
| 24/7 Recording | $9.99 | per month |
| Pro Plan | $26.99 | per month |
| Single Camera | $34.99 | per year |
| Standard Plan | $79.99 | per year |
| 24/7 Recording | $109.99 | per year |
| Pro Plan | $249.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent security system
- 👍 Easy to install and set up
- 🔒 Reliable monitoring and notifications
- 💡 Flexible automation and integration options
- 🚀 Smooth and user-friendly app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable camera connectivity and performance
- 🔋 Inconsistent geofencing and location services
- 💸 Paywall for basic features and notifications
- 🐛 Buggy app with frequent crashes and issues
- 👎 Poor customer support and responsiveness

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Inconsistent device connectivity and offline issues
- Inaccurate sensor and alarm notifications
- Incompatibility with certain Wi-Fi network configurations

**Requested features**

- Improved HomeKit integration
- More customization options for sensors and automations
- Better battery life indicators and management
- Ability to rename devices within the app


### TailWind Smart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tailwind-smart/id1255530678)

Automate your garage door with smart technology. This app allows you to remotely open, close, and check the status of your garage doors. It can also automatically open as you arrive and close as you leave, enhancing security and convenience.

**Highlights:** Automatic opening and closing, Remote control from anywhere, Vehicle detection for specific door opening, Customizable alerts and schedules, Activity history log, Unlimited user access

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great product overall
- 👍 Well-designed app
- 👍 Excellent customer support
- 👍 Integrates with Home Assistant
- 👍 Works well with HomeKit

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app
- 🔋 Significant battery drain
- 🐛 Unreliable auto-open/close
- 🐛 Frequent sign-outs
- 🐛 Setup issues (Bluetooth, Location)

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot enable Bluetooth during setup
- Location services need manual enabling
- App prompts to download unavailable update
- Auto open no longer works
- App can't diagnose or update firmware

**Requested features**

- Clearer setup flow with firmware update check
- Documentation matching latest UX
- HomeKit integration release
- Siri Shortcuts improvement
- Watch face complication for watch app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Abode free?

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

### Is TailWind Smart free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Abode or TailWind Smart?

Abode is rated higher. Abode averages 4.2 out of 5 from 4.8K ratings, while TailWind Smart averages 3.4 from 89 ratings.

### Do Abode or TailWind Smart have ads?

Neither Abode nor TailWind Smart shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Abode or TailWind Smart?

Abode ships an update every 6 weeks, and TailWind Smart every 5 weeks. Most recently, Abode was updated on September 22, 2026 and TailWind Smart on September 19, 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.*