Sm@rtClient vs Remote PLC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Sm@rtClient
Remotely operate and monitor industrial HMI systems from your mobile device. Access operator stations, view system layouts, and interact with hardware buttons via touch input. Supports various SIMATIC HMI systems and offers both view-only and coordinated operation modes.
- Remote operation of HMI systems
- View-only monitoring mode
- Coordinated operation with active remote control
- Access to hardware buttons
- Automatic HMI panel detection
- Browser-based access to Unified Panels
- WebView access to PLC webpages
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The SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient App, in combination with the SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtServer, allows remote mobile operation and observation of SIMATIC HMI systems over Industrial Ethernet/WLAN (wireless). The app offers support for WebClient on Unified Panels, expanding accessibility through browser-based interfaces. It also supports WebView-based access to legacy webpages on PLCs, enabling users to access View of Things (VoT) pages. The app is available for SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels, SIMATIC WinCC Runtime Advanced, SIMATIC Unified Panels, and PLCs. The scope of the Sm@rtClient concept allows an operator station to make its display available to the app. The station takes on the role of a Sm@rtServer, while the smartphone or tablet acts as the Sm@rtClient. Sm@rtServer functionality can be easily enabled with a single mouse click in the device’s configuration settings. The screen can be displayed on the Sm@rtClient in "View only" mode, or a full-fledged, coordinated operation can be set up. Coordinated operation ensures that only one user has control at a time — either the operator station with Sm@rtServer or the Sm@rtClient app. Additionally, the app supports easy connection setup through automatic HMI panel detection. The Sm@rtClient app not only shows the selected HMI screen but also mirrors the complete device layout, including functional hardware buttons. This enables users to interact with the system as if they were physically present in front of the panel — except buttons are triggered via touch input on the mobile screen. Functions: * Access to operator stations for the operation and setup of large, spatially separated machines * Flexible solution for safe and location-independent access to operator stations * Global access to plants (e.g. for service or maintenance staff) * Full access to hardware buttons on your Comfort Panel * Easy discovery of available Sm@rtServers * Coordinated operation through active remote control * View-only mode for passive monitoring * Support for WebClient on Unified Panels for browser-based access * Support for WebView-based access to legacy webpages on PLCs, enabling access to View of Things (VoT) pages
Remote PLC
Monitor and control Automationdirect.com's CLICK and CLICK PLUS Programmable Logic Controllers in real time. View and edit PLC registers, check project information, and manage user accounts with customizable monitor windows.
- Real-time monitoring and control
- View and edit PLC registers
- Multiple level user accounts
- Customizable monitor windows
- Access PLC error logs
- Check PLC project information
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Remote PLC is an application for real time monitoring and control for the CLICK and CLICK PLUS Programmable Control product lines offered by Automationdirect.com. For this app to function as designed, a CLICK PLC with ethernet or Bluetooth support is required. The Remote PLC app offers a quick method of connecting to a PLC to view and edit values in the PLC registers, as well as check the PLC project information, including the Error logs. Main Features: -Multiple Level User Accounts. Once connected, the authorized users can view and edit Monitor Windows based on their permission levels setup in the project file. -Custom Monitor windows can be created and stored to the PLC using the CLICK Programming software version 3.60 or later. Monitor Window access can be based on the user permissions. - Monitor and edit designated discrete and integer values within the PLC. Timer / Counter values can easily be viewed and edited. - PLC type and status, such as PLC Error Logs, scan times (Min and Max), as well as Project file information. Requirements: • All current CLICK and CLICK PLUS PLCs with ethernet/Bluetooth support the Remote PLC app. • The PLC must be using firmware Version 3.60 or later. • CLICK Programming Software Version 3.60 or later is required to program and configure the PLC to support the Remote PLC App. • The CPU must have compatible network settings with the device running the Remote PLC App.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Remote PLC at 16.1 against Sm@rtClient's 18.0. On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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.
Sm@rtClient ships an update every 10 months, Remote PLC every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Sm@rtClient | Remote PLC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.3 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | Every 5 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 16.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 57 MB | 92 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Siemens AG | Automationdirect.com |
Customer experience
Sm@rtClient
Remote PLC
In-app purchases
Sm@rtClient
No in-app purchases
Remote PLC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Sm@rtClient free?
Is Remote PLC free?
Do Sm@rtClient or Remote PLC have ads?
Which is updated more often, Sm@rtClient or Remote PLC?
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