# Canary vs HandySpring

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HandySpring at none against Canary's 12. HandySpring also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). Canary's advantage is review sentiment (33% vs 0%) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price there is nothing between them.

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

Canary ships an update monthly, HandySpring every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Canary | HandySpring |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (5.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canary-smart-home-security/id939760559/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5.6K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **32.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 158 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Canary Connect](https://appshunter.io/developer/939760558) | [New York Standard Watch Company, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/828885617) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### HandySpring

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handyspring/id1621154573)

This app works with a smart water bottle to remind you to drink water. It helps you stay hydrated throughout the day by tracking your intake and sending timely notifications.

**Highlights:** Drink water reminders, Hydration tracking, Smart bottle pairing, Daily intake monitoring, Personalized hydration goals

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Canary free?

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

### Is HandySpring free?

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

### Do Canary or HandySpring have ads?

Canary shows ads; HandySpring does not.

### Which is updated more often, Canary or HandySpring?

Canary ships an update monthly, and HandySpring every 3 months. Most recently, Canary was updated on November 1, 2026 and HandySpring on October 7, 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.*