# Home Network System vs Canary

The clearest difference is rating: Canary at 4.2 against Home Network System's 1.8. Canary also leads on ratings volume (5.6K vs 113) and review sentiment (33% vs 13%). Home Network System's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12) and ads (none vs shown). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Canary sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Home Network System asks for nothing beyond the download.

Canary holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Canary has 5.6K ratings behind it against 113, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of Home Network System's written reviews are positive against 33% of Canary's.

Home Network System ships an update every 3 months, Canary monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Home Network System | Canary |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (113 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/home-network-system/id918066994/reviews) | **[4.2 (5.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canary-smart-home-security/id939760559/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 113 | **5.6K** |
| Positive reviews | 12.9% of reviews | **32.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 53 MB | 158 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/646285651) | [Canary Connect](https://appshunter.io/developer/939760558) |

## What reviewers say

### Home Network System

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/home-network-system/id918066994)

This app allows you to set up and control a wireless network of cameras, sensors, and controllers for your home. Monitor your property, receive alerts, and even use your smartphone as a home phone.

**Highlights:** Easy system setup wizard, Real-time camera streaming, Motion detection recording, Two-way audio communication, Remote system control, Landline phone integration, Power outage alerts

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Lightning-fast performance
- 🔒 Reliable security system
- 👍 User-friendly app
- 💡 Flexible and adaptable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- ⚠️ Unreliable remote access
- 🕰️ Slow connection and response times
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with location tracking

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to connect to hub remotely
- Compatibility issues with iOS updates
- Inconsistent sensor and camera functionality
- Confusing app navigation and settings

**Requested features**

- Improved app performance and stability
- Remote access and notification enhancements
- Customizable settings and schedules
- Integration with smart home platforms
- Better camera quality and features


### Canary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canary-smart-home-security/id939760559)

This app connects to smart home security devices to provide live and recorded video monitoring, intelligent motion alerts, and automatic mode switching. It also offers emergency response features and monitors indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity for a safer home environment.

**Highlights:** Live and recorded HD video monitoring, Intelligent motion notifications with video clips, Automatic arming/disarming based on location, Emergency siren and direct connection to responders, Indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity monitoring, Customizable Home and Night modes

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Service | $7.99 | per month |
| Premium Service | $12.99 | per month |
| Professional Monitoring | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium Service | $24.99 | per month |
| Premium Service | $79.99 | per year |
| Premium Service | $249.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to set up
- 🔒 Reliable security system
- 📊 Comprehensive dashboard and data
- 🌡️ Monitors temperature, humidity, and air quality
- 💬 Two-way audio communication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnections and offline issues
- 🔍 Poor motion detection and false alerts
- 🕰️ Limited video history without subscription
- 🔒 Subscription required for essential features
- 📺 Slow video loading and playback

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Inability to delete or remove cameras
- Inaccurate temperature and air quality readings
- Inconsistent live view and recording functionality

**Requested features**

- Ability to move and reposition cameras
- Longer video history for free users
- Improved geofencing and automatic mode switching
- Better motion detection and person identification
- Easier multi-camera management


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Home Network System free?

Home Network System is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Canary free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Home Network System or Canary?

Canary is rated higher. Home Network System averages 1.8 out of 5 from 113 ratings, while Canary averages 4.2 from 5.6K ratings.

### Do Home Network System or Canary have ads?

Canary shows ads; Home Network System does not.

### Which is updated more often, Home Network System or Canary?

Home Network System ships an update every 3 months, and Canary monthly. Most recently, Home Network System was updated on October 26, 2026 and Canary on October 29, 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.*