# NorthStar Connect vs iQua

The clearest difference is monetization model: iQua at ad-supported against NorthStar Connect's subscription. iQua also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.3). NorthStar Connect's advantage is ratings volume (10K vs 1K) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

iQua holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NorthStar Connect has 10K ratings behind it against 1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 15% and 15% positive.

NorthStar Connect ships an update every 5 weeks, iQua every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NorthStar Connect | iQua |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (10K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/northstar-connect/id978891993/reviews) | **[4.7 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iqua/id1490327995/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **10K** | 1K |
| Positive reviews | 14.8% of reviews | **15.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 225 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Northstar Alarm Services, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/978891992) | [EcoWater Systems LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1001681720) |

## What reviewers say

### NorthStar Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/northstar-connect/id978891993)

Control your Honeywell security system, thermostats, lighting, and locks remotely. Receive alerts, view live video, and track assets in real-time, anytime, anywhere. Requires a compatible system and subscription.

**Highlights:** Arm/disarm security system, Control lights and thermostats, Lock/unlock doors, View live video and doorbell events, Receive event alerts, Locate vehicles or assets, Create smart scenes

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful app features
- 🚀 Good app performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent technical issues
- 📞 Poor customer service
- 🔒 Security concerns
- 🔋 Battery drain problems

**Reported bugs**

- Cameras going offline frequently
- Unreliable motion detection
- Alarm system malfunctions

**Requested features**

- Improved camera functionality
- Better app stability and reliability
- More responsive customer support


### iQua

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iqua/id1490327995)

Monitor and manage your Wi-Fi connected water treatment systems and water usage from your smartphone. Get detailed insights into your home's water consumption and receive alerts for potential issues.

**Highlights:** Monitor water usage (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly), View current water flow rate, Track salt levels, Control water system remotely, Receive custom alerts for flow, usage, and salt, Launch system regeneration

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🚀 Useful smart features
- 💡 Helpful alerts and notifications
- 🔒 Secure remote access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app with connectivity issues
- 📉 Limited data and history tracking
- 🤔 Confusing or missing features
- 🤯 Frustrating user experience

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to create account or log in
- Inconsistent water flow data
- Inability to control water shutoff valve
- App crashes or loses connection

**Requested features**

- Regeneration history and schedule
- Detailed water usage analytics
- Improved app stability and reliability
- Integration with smart home platforms


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NorthStar Connect free?

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

### Is iQua free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NorthStar Connect or iQua?

iQua is rated higher. NorthStar Connect averages 4.3 out of 5 from 10K ratings, while iQua averages 4.7 from 1K ratings.

### Do NorthStar Connect or iQua have ads?

Neither NorthStar Connect nor iQua shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NorthStar Connect or iQua?

NorthStar Connect ships an update every 5 weeks, and iQua every 6 weeks. Most recently, NorthStar Connect was updated on October 26, 2026 and iQua on October 24, 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.*