Comparison

pH vs Smart Reef

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

pH

Features
Read full description

The pH-Meter application measures, displays and stores pH, voltage, and temperature values of a pH-electrode connected to the taskit pH-Meter accessory. The application shows the measured values in real time. Furthermore, the most important information of the measurement, connection and calibration are displayed. The connection to the pH-Meter accessory is established via Bluetooth. Features: - Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) - Accuracy of the pH value 0.02 pH - Accuracy of the temperature value 1 ° C / ° K - Communication with the pH-Meter over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) - Automatic storage of measurement values at specific time intervals (manually adjustable) - Read the last calibration of the pH-Meter - 2-point calibration is possible - Deactivation of the temperature measurement of the electrode - Temperature display unit selectable: Celsius, Kelvin, Fahrenheit Display: The pH readings can be viewed in real-time including: - Digital pH value display - Digital temperature value display - Last stored pH measurement with date - Last calibration with slope, offset and date (on "Info" page) - State of the connection with the pH-Meter (as icon) Storage / transfer: All stored readings (pH, voltage, temperature, location and time) can be viewed in a table, sent by e-mail or imported via iTunes as a csv file on the PC. Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

About

Smart Reef

Manage your marine aquarium with this app. It provides device management, alerts for issues, and detailed historical data. A central dashboard offers a clear overview of your aquarium's status and device operations.

Highlights
  • Device management
  • Aquarium alerts
  • Measurement history
  • Operational status dashboard
  • Planned job journal
  • Preset sharing
Features
Read full description

Functionality: • device management • alerts when any problems occur in the aquarium • presentation of measurements and the operational status of devices • device operation and measurements history • clear, collective dashboard with information on device operation • modern table of parameters measured in the aquarium • unique journal of planned jobs and aquarium task history integrated with devices Devices may be connected via a Wi-Fi network and your home router. Dashboard sharing, loading and sharing of presets with other users and many more useful features. Supported devices: • Thermo control - temperature controller • Thermo view - temperature monitor • TDS meter - reverse osmosis water monitor • Salinity guardian - salinity monitor • pH meter - pH monitor • Level sensor - water/liquid level meter • Level keeper - automatic water refill system • Smart pump - dosing pump • Power switcher - timing programmer / device switch • Reef flare - smart LED lamp • Smart roller • Smart tester • Dosing pumps • kH keeper

Screenshots

pH4 screens
Smart Reef4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: pH at none against Smart Reef's 11. pH also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (7.1 vs 14.6). On price, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Smart Reef sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. pH asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

pH ships an update monthly, Smart Reef every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and June 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
pH versus Smart Reef: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterpHSmart Reef
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.6 (19 ratings) — better
Positive reviews3.8% of reviews
Number of ratings19 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS7.1 — better14.6
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DevelopertaskitReef Factory sp. z o.o.

In-app purchases

None

pH

No in-app purchases

8 purchases

Smart Reef

One-time8
  • Warranty 3 years$12.99
  • Warranty 3 years$17.99
  • Warranty 3 years$19.99
Show 5 more
  • Warranty 3 years2 variants$24.99
  • Warranty 3 years$29.99
  • Warranty 3 years2 variants$34.99
  • Warranty 3 years2 variants$39.99
  • Warranty 3 years$49.99

Questions

Is pH free?
pH is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Smart Reef free?
Smart Reef is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do pH or Smart Reef have ads?
Neither pH nor Smart Reef shows ads.
Which is updated more often, pH or Smart Reef?
pH ships an update monthly, and Smart Reef every 3 months. Most recently, pH was updated on September 14, 2026 and Smart Reef on June 11, 2026.

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