Comparison

PassageMaker vs Control4

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

Head to head
About

PassageMaker

Access a wealth of information for trawler enthusiasts and long-range cruisers. Discover resources for purchasing and building various boat types, and stay informed about the latest in marine technology and events.

Highlights
  • Offline reading of downloaded issues
  • Customizable reading modes (light, dark, sepia)
  • Adjustable font sizes
  • Interactive table of contents
  • Bookmark saved articles
Features
Read full description

PASSAGEMAKER is the trusted authority for 30+ years for trawler enthusiasts and long-range cruisers who live to venture beyond the reef. Rely on resources for purchase and building traditional or custom trawlers, plus multihulls, pilothouse, and bluewater motorsailers. Stay updated with the latest in engines, electronics, gear, and events. Site: https://PassageMaker.com FEATURES: -Optimized for Your Device: Enjoy a smooth, browser-friendly experience. -Offline Reading: Download issues to your device browser to read anytime, even without wifi. -Bookmarks: Save articles to revisit later. -Text View: Switch to a responsive reading view for comfort. -Reading Modes: Customize background (light, dark, sepia, gray) and adjust font size. -Interactive Table of Contents: Easily jump between articles. NOTE: When purchasing a subscription or single copy of this title, you agree to the privacy and policy and terms of use which can be viewed at http://Firecrown.com/Privacy-Policy and http://Firecrown.com/Terms-of-Use. PASSAGEMAKER publishes 8 issues a year, but reserves the right to change the number of issues in an annual term, including discontinuing any format and substituting and/or modifying the manner in which the subscription is distributed. Apple iOS Subscriptions: Subscription(s) will automatically renew via your Apple Account prior to the end of your subscription term. You can turn off the Apple auto-renew feature up to 24-hours before the end of your subscription by going into Apple Account Settings. Subscriptions cannot be cancelled during the active subscription period.

About

Control4

Manage your smart home devices like lighting, music, and security from a single, intuitive interface. Customize your home screen and create automated routines for seamless control. Integrates with Apple HomeKit for Siri voice commands.

Highlights
  • All-in-one home screen control
  • Customizable favorites and widgets
  • Automated routines and scenes
  • Multiroom entertainment management
  • Live camera views and security alerts
  • Apple HomeKit and Siri integration
Features
Read full description

Easily manage your smart home with a sleek, intuitive interface. Control lighting, shades, music, security, and more—all from one place. Customize your home screen and create personalized routines for quick, seamless access. Now with enhanced features, including Siri voice control through Apple HomeKit. Contact a Control4 integrator to experience Control4 X4 today. NOTE: Prior to using this app, your Control4 system must be updated to Control4 X4 or later. If you are unsure of the software version of our system, check with your Control4 Integrator or log into your Control4 account at control4.com. A Smarter, More Personalized Experience • All-in-One Home Screen – Your central hub for controlling your favorite devices. Manage lighting, motorized shades, music, video, thermostats, security, cameras, door locks, garage doors, and more. See real-time status updates, access favorite devices, and control everything with ease. • Customizable Favorites – Pin the devices and controls you use most for instant access. • Quick Actions & Widgets – Resize, reorder, and organize widgets for seamless control over lighting, security cameras, and more. Personalized to You • Routines & Scenes – Save time by automating your day with pre-set routines for the morning, evening, or any moment in between. • Timers & Schedules – Set outdoor lights to turn on at sunset, TVs to turn off at bedtime, or security to arm at a set time. • Multiroom Entertainment – Control music and video in every room from one app. Play your favorite streaming services or set TVs to turn on when you walk in. Easy Control, Inside and Out • Live Camera Views – Monitor security cameras in real time and receive instant alerts. • Apple HomeKit Integration – Control your space with Siri, Apple Widgets, and CarPlay.* apple store only • Smart Notifications – Stay informed with alerts for doorbell rings, motion sensors, or security events. With the Control4 App, your space works the way you want it to — simplifying your life with effortless control. Download today and experience personalized automation like never before! *HomeKit, Siri, CarPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.

Screenshots

PassageMaker4 screens
Control44 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: PassageMaker at 4.2 against Control4's 3.6. PassageMaker also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). Control4's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 46) and review sentiment (39% vs 7%). On price, ratings volume, 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. PassageMaker sells 46 in-app purchases, starting at $27.00 per year. Control4 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PassageMaker holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 51 and 70 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 7% of PassageMaker's written reviews are positive against 39% of Control4's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PassageMaker ships an update every 3 months, Control4 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
PassageMaker versus Control4: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPassageMakerControl4
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (51 ratings) — better3.6 (70 ratings)
Positive reviews6.7% of reviews39.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings5170 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size97 MB252 MB
Age rating+124+
DeveloperFlying Media Group, LLCSnap One, LLC

Customer experience

PassageMaker

All ratings51 ratings
Positive80.4%
Neutral2.0%
Negative17.6%
Written reviews30 reviews
Positive6.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative93.3%

Control4

All ratings70 ratings
Positive60.0%
Neutral7.1%
Negative32.9%
Written reviews33 reviews
Positive39.4%
Neutral6.1%
Negative54.5%

In-app purchases

46 purchases

PassageMaker

Subscriptions1
  • 1 Year | PassageMaker1 Month trial$27.001 Year
One-time45
  • April 2014 Issue$5.99
  • May/June 2014 Issue$5.99
  • January/February 2018$5.99
Show 42 more
  • 2020 03 Mar/Apr$5.99
  • September 2020$5.99
  • October 2020$5.99
  • January/February 2021$5.99
  • 2021 March$5.99
  • 2021 April$5.99
  • 2022 March$5.99
  • March 2023$5.99
  • July August 2023$5.99
  • 2023 Oct$5.99
  • January February 2024$5.99
  • November December 2023$5.99
  • May June 2023$5.99
  • 2026 March$5.99
  • January/February 2026$5.99
  • 2025 October$5.99
  • 2024 October$5.99
  • 2025 September$5.99
  • 2024 September$5.99
  • 2023 Sept$5.99
  • May/June 2019 issue$5.99
  • July/August 2025$5.99
  • July/August 2022$5.99
  • May/June 2020$5.99
  • July/August 2018 issue$5.99
  • May/June 2018 issue$5.99
  • October 2016 issue$5.99
  • January/February 2027$5.99
  • November/December 2026$5.99
  • July/August 2021$5.99
  • 2026 October$5.99
  • September 2019$5.99
  • January /February 2023$5.99
  • July/August 2017 issue$5.99
  • April 2017 issue$5.99
  • 2026 September$5.99
  • 2026 April$5.99
  • July/August 2024$5.99
  • May/June 2026$5.99
  • 2021 October$5.99
  • November/December 2018$5.99
  • May/Jun 2026$7.99
None

Control4

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PassageMaker free?
PassageMaker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Control4 free?
Control4 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, PassageMaker or Control4?
PassageMaker is rated higher. PassageMaker averages 4.2 out of 5 from 51 ratings, while Control4 averages 3.6 from 70 ratings.
Do PassageMaker or Control4 have ads?
Neither PassageMaker nor Control4 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PassageMaker or Control4?
PassageMaker ships an update every 3 months, and Control4 fortnightly. Most recently, PassageMaker was updated on September 22, 2026 and Control4 on September 25, 2026.

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