Comparison

Philips PCA vs Bånded

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

Head to head
About

Philips PCA

This application allows for the control of lighting and HVAC systems from a single point. It utilizes visible light communication or QR code input to manage pre-commissioned connected lighting systems. A professionally installed Philips Connected Lighting system is required for operation.

Highlights
  • Lighting control
  • HVAC control
  • Visible light communication
  • QR code input
  • Self-configuring
  • Location-based control
Features
Read full description

PCA is the latest control application from Signify. It is a self-configuring application that provides control options for lighting, HVAC from a single point. Using visible light communication or QR code input it can control the pre-commissioned Connected Lighting system. A professionally installed Philips Connected Lighting system is a pre-requisite for use of this app. iOS11 onwards is a requirement for PCA and is compatible with iPhone 6 Plus, 6, 5s and 5c. The PCA App will collect your location data provided by the location services offered on the phone platform to control the lighting and/or temperature at your current location. If you do not consent to the tracking of your location, certain functionality within the App may be limited. You can turn-off the location tracking functionality through the settings of your device, also temporarily. The PCA App needs to access your Camera and GPS receiver for delivering the functionalities and services of the App itself. If you do not consent to the use of these functionality within the App will be limited. Read our App Privacy Notice https://www.signify.com/global/privacy/legal-information/privacy-notice for more information

About

Bånded

Connect with your community, discover local spots, and drive real-world change. Report issues, share insights with photos and videos, and collaborate with others to solve problems anonymously or openly. Make your world a better place.

Highlights
  • Connect with trusted groups
  • Discover and review local spots
  • Report and solve community issues
  • Share photos and videos
  • Anonymous reporting option
  • Track issue resolution
Features
Read full description

Bånded: Your Voice. Your Power. Your Community. Bånded is more than an app—it’s your platform to spark change, foster connections, and redefine what it means to belong. Whether you’re exploring hidden gems, connecting with your squad, or solving real-world problems, Bånded puts the power in your hands. • Connect with Your People: Chat, share locations, and plan epic activities with trusted groups. • Discover and Inspire: Rate and review local spots with bold photos, videos, and honest insights. • Be the Change: Step up, engage, and help build communities that thrive. BandFixIt: Real Impact Starts Here Integrated into Bånded, BandFixIt makes solving everyday issues easy, impactful, and empowering. From broken streetlights to public concerns, you have the tools to fix what matters. • Report with Purpose: Share issues with photos, videos, and straight-to-the-point details. • Stay Anonymous, Stay Heard: Speak up or vote on problems without revealing your identity. • Own the Change: Get updates and celebrate victories when problems are resolved. • Team Up for Impact: Join forces with your community to create real, lasting change. This is your world—make it better. With Bånded and BandFixIt, you can connect, take action, and make every moment count. Join us today and lead the movement for a more connected, empowered future!

Screenshots

Philips PCA4 screens
Bånded4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Bånded at every 5 days against Philips PCA's every 3 months. On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Philips PCA against 5.0 for Bånded. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Philips PCA ships an update every 3 months, Bånded every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Philips PCA versus Bånded: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhilips PCABånded
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.615.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB116 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSignify Netherlands B.V.SmartAvatar B.V.

Customer experience

Philips PCA

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bånded

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Philips PCA

No in-app purchases

None

Bånded

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Philips PCA free?
Philips PCA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Bånded free?
Bånded is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Philips PCA or Bånded?
Philips PCA and Bånded are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do Philips PCA or Bånded have ads?
Neither Philips PCA nor Bånded shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Philips PCA or Bånded?
Philips PCA ships an update every 3 months, and Bånded every 5 days. Most recently, Philips PCA was updated on October 6, 2026 and Bånded on October 13, 2026.

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