# SmartHQ vs Ember

The clearest difference is rating: SmartHQ at 4.6 against Ember's 3.3. SmartHQ also leads on ratings volume (90K vs 7.5K) and chart position (#53 vs unranked). Ember's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

SmartHQ holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartHQ has 90K ratings behind it against 7.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 17% and 18% positive.

SmartHQ ships an update every 4 weeks, Ember every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 9, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartHQ | Ember |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (90K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarthq/id992883749/reviews)** | [3.3 (7.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ember-temperature-control/id1147470931/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **90K** | 7.5K |
| Positive reviews | 17.4% of reviews | **17.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#53** | — |
| Size | 251 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1203332547) | [Ember Technologies Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1063861447) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartHQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarthq/id992883749)

**Currently charting:** #53 Top Free · Lifestyle (US App Store)

Control and monitor smart appliances from multiple brands in one app. Receive notifications, update software, and personalize settings. Get expert help and track energy usage.

**Highlights:** Remote appliance control, Appliance notifications, Software updates, Personalized settings, Voice integration, Energy/water usage monitoring, AI cooking recipes, Product registration, Expert assistance, Proactive service alerts

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and easy to connect
- 👍 Convenient notifications
- 👍 Helpful for laundry efficiency
- 👍 Automation and scheduling
- 👍 Integrated with Amazon

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Account verification issues
- 🐛 Connectivity problems
- 🐛 Buggy and unstable
- 🐛 Limited functionality
- 🐛 Intrusive data collection

**Reported bugs**

- Account verification loop
- Inability to connect appliances to WiFi
- Crashes and freezes
- Inaccurate cycle tracking
- Disconnection issues

**Requested features**

- Allow setting favorites as default
- Provide more granular control over appliance settings
- Integrate with smart home platforms
- Add more customization options
- Improve notification controls


### Ember

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ember-temperature-control/id1147470931)

This app allows you to precisely control the temperature of your hot beverages using a smart mug. Customize presets, receive notifications when your drink reaches the perfect temperature, and explore recipes. Personalize your mug settings for an enhanced drinking experience.

**Highlights:** Precise temperature control, Save temperature presets, Beverage recipes and blogs, Customizable notifications, Manage multiple mugs, Personalize mug settings

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Keeps drink at perfect temperature
- 🍵 Great for tea and coffee drinkers
- 🎨 Customizable LED light colors
- 🔋 Decent battery life when used properly
- 🤖 Apple Watch app integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔌 Requires frequent charging and docking
- 🔒 Forced account creation and login
- 🔄 Unreliable Bluetooth connectivity
- 🐛 Buggy app with frequent issues
- 🤔 Confusing app UI and controls

**Reported bugs**

- App frequently logs users out
- Mug disconnects from app randomly
- Firmware update process often fails
- App doesn't always detect liquid in mug
- Presets and settings get lost after updates

**Requested features**

- Battery level indicator on main screen
- Improved Apple Watch app functionality
- Wireless charging option
- Ability to lock temperature settings
- Automatic temperature adjustment based on volume


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartHQ free?

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

### Is Ember free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SmartHQ or Ember?

SmartHQ is rated higher. SmartHQ averages 4.6 out of 5 from 90K ratings, while Ember averages 3.3 from 7.5K ratings.

### Do SmartHQ or Ember have ads?

SmartHQ shows ads; Ember does not.

### Which is updated more often, SmartHQ or Ember?

SmartHQ ships an update every 4 weeks, and Ember every 2 months. Most recently, SmartHQ was updated on November 9, 2026 and Ember on November 9, 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.*