# SmartHQ vs FlowGate Connect

The clearest difference is ads: FlowGate Connect at none against SmartHQ's shown. SmartHQ's advantage is chart position (#91 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, 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 ships an update every 4 weeks, FlowGate Connect every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartHQ | FlowGate Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (89K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarthq/id992883749/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **89K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 17.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#91** | — |
| Size | 259 MB | 185 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1203332547) | [Jeff Kartheiser](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876438170) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartHQ

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

**Currently charting:** #91 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


### FlowGate Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flowgate-connect/id6759030092)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartHQ free?

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

### Is FlowGate Connect free?

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

### Do SmartHQ or FlowGate Connect have ads?

SmartHQ shows ads; FlowGate Connect does not.

### Which is updated more often, SmartHQ or FlowGate Connect?

SmartHQ ships an update every 4 weeks, and FlowGate Connect every 6 weeks. Most recently, SmartHQ was updated on October 20, 2026 and FlowGate Connect on October 1, 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.*