# DoorBird vs iSmartgate Access

The clearest difference is rating: DoorBird at 4.5 against iSmartgate Access's 2.4. DoorBird also leads on ratings volume (29K vs 37) and review sentiment (37% vs 23%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

DoorBird holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DoorBird has 29K ratings behind it against 37, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 37% of DoorBird's written reviews are positive against 23% of iSmartgate Access's.

DoorBird ships an update every 3 weeks, iSmartgate Access every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DoorBird | iSmartgate Access |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (29K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/doorbird/id898756315/reviews)** | [2.4 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ismartgate-access/id1277087476/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **29K** | 37 |
| Positive reviews | **37.0% of reviews** | 23.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 88 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bird Home Automation GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/968028002) | [PYKRS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1675021093) |

## What reviewers say

### DoorBird

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/doorbird/id898756315)

See, hear, and speak to visitors at your door from anywhere in the world. Receive instant notifications for doorbell presses and motion detection, ensuring you never miss a visitor or delivery. Securely unlock doors, garages, or gates remotely.

**Highlights:** Live HDTV video with night vision, 2-way audio communication, Worldwide mobile access, Push notifications for visitors and motion, Remote door, garage, or gate unlocking, Visitor history, Geofencing

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great product and service
- 🔒 Reliable security features
- 🚀 Easy installation and setup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Slow app response and connectivity issues
- 🔇 Poor audio quality and speaker volume
- 📽️ Low camera quality and limited field of view
- 🕰️ Significant delays in notifications and video feed

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Inconsistent connectivity and sync issues
- Unreliable device pairing and setup process

**Requested features**

- Siri/Google Assistant integration for voice control
- Improved push notification system with audible alerts
- Local storage option for video recordings
- Simplified app interface and settings


### iSmartgate Access

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ismartgate-access/id1277087476)

Control and monitor your garage doors or gates remotely using your smart device. This app works with a separate iSmartgate device to provide status alerts, manage multiple doors, and integrate with smart home assistants.

**Highlights:** Remote garage door control, Garage door status alerts, HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT compatible, Supports multiple garage doors (PRO version), IP camera integration, Unlimited user access

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works with HomeKit
- 👍 Works with Apple Watch
- 👍 Saves time
- 👍 Good support when available
- 👍 Reliable when working

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and cumbersome app
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 🐛 Frequent connection issues
- 🐛 Poor HomeKit integration
- 🐛 Baffling interface

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes
- Login forms break password manager integration
- Automations stopped working after iOS updates (e.g., ios26, 16.2, 16.4, 18)
- Device stops responding after a few minutes
- Door sensor keeps losing connection

**Requested features**

- CarPlay integration
- Schedule open/close options
- Apple Watch app
- Ability to open gate partially (e.g., 20%)
- Add additional users/user menu access


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DoorBird free?

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

### Is iSmartgate Access free?

iSmartgate Access is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DoorBird or iSmartgate Access?

DoorBird is rated higher. DoorBird averages 4.5 out of 5 from 29K ratings, while iSmartgate Access averages 2.4 from 37 ratings.

### Do DoorBird or iSmartgate Access have ads?

Neither DoorBird nor iSmartgate Access shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DoorBird or iSmartgate Access?

DoorBird ships an update every 3 weeks, and iSmartgate Access every 2 months. Most recently, DoorBird was updated on November 1, 2026 and iSmartgate Access on October 21, 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.*