# ALC Observer vs VicoHome

The clearest difference is rating: VicoHome at 4.9 against ALC Observer's 1.4. VicoHome also leads on review sentiment (36% vs 0%) and ratings volume (115K vs 18). ALC Observer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VicoHome sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. ALC Observer asks for nothing beyond the download.

VicoHome holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 1.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VicoHome has 115K ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of ALC Observer's written reviews are positive against 36% of VicoHome's.

ALC Observer ships an update monthly, VicoHome every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ALC Observer | VicoHome |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.4 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alc-observer/id911841854/reviews) | **[4.9 (115K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vicohome-smart-home-camera/id1466734547/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **115K** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **35.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#14** |
| Size | 52 MB | 269 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JSW PACIFIC CORPORATION](https://appshunter.io/developer/999731327) | [PHOTON SAIL TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529542986) |

## What reviewers say

### ALC Observer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alc-observer/id911841854)

Monitor your home or loved ones remotely with live video feeds. This app allows for manual or motion-activated recording and playback directly on your device. Receive notifications to stay updated on activity.

**Highlights:** Live video streaming, Motion detection recording, Manual video recording, Video playback, Push notifications

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### VicoHome

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vicohome-smart-home-camera/id1466734547)

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

Monitor your home security remotely with live video feeds and two-way audio. Receive instant motion alerts and grant multi-user access for family members. Enhance security with optional cloud storage and smart detection features.

**Highlights:** Live video monitoring, Two-way audio communication, Instant motion notifications, Multi-user access, Cloud storage options, Smart detection (person, vehicle, pet)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic(Subscribe Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Basic Plan(1 device, monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Plus(Subscribe Monthly) | $4.49 | per month |
| Gen2 Single Plan(monthly) | $4.49 | per month |
| Gen3 Single-Device Plan (Monthly) | $6.99 | per month |
| Pro(Subscribe Monthly) | $7.99 | per month |
| Individual Premium Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Gen2 Two-device Plan(monthly) | $8.95 | per month |
| Gen2 Unlimited Plan(monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Gen2 Single Plan(annually) | $47.49 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to install
- 🚀 Excellent picture quality
- 🚀 Reliable app
- 🚀 Prompt and helpful customer support
- 🔒 Provides security and peace of mind

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues after firmware updates
- 🐛 Unreliable motion detection and recording
- 🐛 Slow live stream and video playback
- 🔋 Poor battery life
- 💰 Subscription required for full features

**Reported bugs**

- Cameras going offline after firmware updates
- Inability to delete video thumbnails
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Subscription changes without notice

**Requested features**

- Longer recording duration
- Continuous 24/7 recording option
- Ability to share cameras with multiple users
- Improved motion detection and customizable zones
- Fast forward/rewind for recorded videos


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ALC Observer free?

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

### Is VicoHome free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ALC Observer or VicoHome?

VicoHome is rated higher. ALC Observer averages 1.4 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while VicoHome averages 4.9 from 115K ratings.

### Do ALC Observer or VicoHome have ads?

VicoHome shows ads; ALC Observer does not.

### Which is updated more often, ALC Observer or VicoHome?

ALC Observer ships an update monthly, and VicoHome every 2 weeks. Most recently, ALC Observer was updated on November 1, 2026 and VicoHome on November 8, 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.*