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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

HID Mobile Access vs Avigilon Alta Open

HID Mobile Access 4.7★ · Free to download 60
Winner Avigilon Alta Open
Avigilon Alta Open 4.8★ · Free to download 65

Avigilon Alta Open generally offers a more consistent and reliable experience for door access, despite some shared frustrations with Apple Pay and location services.

Full reviews: HID Mobile Access · Avigilon Alta Open

Both HID Mobile Access and Avigilon Alta Open aim to provide keyless access via smartphone, but users report frequent inconsistencies and issues with both apps, particularly concerning reliability and integration with Apple features. Avigilon Alta Open appears to have a slight edge in overall user satisfaction and functionality, though neither app is without its significant drawbacks.

Head to head

Reliability and Consistency edge: Avigilon Alta OpenR4R6R7R13
HID Mobile Access Many users report that HID Mobile Access is inconsistent, often failing to work unless the app is open or requiring multiple attempts R4R6R7R13. Some also experience issues with Bluetooth connectivity and recent updates have reportedly made the app less functional R34.
Avigilon Alta Open Avigilon Alta Open also faces criticism for inconsistency, with users stating it 'rarely works' or fails to open doors, sometimes leaving them locked out . However, some users find it 'easy and reliable' , especially for public doors .
Ease of Use and Features tieR1R9R11R18
HID Mobile Access Users frequently complain about HID Mobile Access requiring the app to be open for functionality, which is seen as inconvenient R1R18R19. There are also requests for Apple Wallet integration R9R30R37R39 and improved Apple Watch functionality R11R21R36. Some find the 'shake to activate' feature frustrating .
Avigilon Alta Open Avigilon Alta Open users also express frustration with needing to open the app every time . Many desire Apple Wallet integration and Siri Shortcut capabilities . There are requests for CarPlay integration and widgets .
Apple Pay Interference tieR1R19R34R37
HID Mobile Access A significant issue for HID Mobile Access users on iPhone is that the app frequently triggers Apple Pay when trying to use it for access, requiring users to dismiss Apple Pay before gaining entry R1R19R34R37.
Avigilon Alta Open Avigilon Alta Open users report the same problem, where tapping their phone or watch to open a door often activates Apple Pay, forcing them to cancel the transaction .
Privacy and Permissions edge: Avigilon Alta OpenR3R57R59R73
HID Mobile Access Multiple HID Mobile Access users are concerned about the app requiring 'Always On' location services, viewing it as a privacy risk and unnecessary for its function R3R57R59.
Avigilon Alta Open Avigilon Alta Open also receives criticism for demanding 'Always On' location services, which users see as a privacy concern and a battery drain R73R78R96. One review even claims the app was found selling location data . Users also question why the app needs to connect to health data .
Battery Drain tieR2R78R96
HID Mobile Access One user reported a recent update to HID Mobile Access caused the app to use 24% of their battery R2.
Avigilon Alta Open Avigilon Alta Open users mention that the 'Always On' location tracking contributes to battery drain R78R96.
Apple Watch Functionality tieR6R21R36R45
HID Mobile Access HID Mobile Access's Apple Watch app is described as 'pointless' or 'useless' by some, as it often requires the iPhone to be present or doesn't work reliably R6R21R36R45. Users want standalone functionality R21.
Avigilon Alta Open The Apple Watch app for Avigilon Alta Open is also criticized for being 'useless' because it still requires the iPhone to unlock gates, only showing accessible gates .
Pick HID Mobile Access if

You are an Android user, as some iPhone-specific issues like Apple Pay interference and the need to open the app seem less prevalent on Android R1.

Pick Avigilon Alta Open if

You prioritize a system that, despite its flaws, is occasionally praised for being 'easy and convenient' and works well for public doors , or if your building management has already implemented it.

Evidence note: Both apps are free to download, so there is no free-vs-paid asymmetry. Reviews for both apps show a strong negative skew in recent feedback, despite high lifetime ratings, indicating ongoing issues for many users.

Frequently asked

Do these apps work with Apple Wallet?
Neither HID Mobile Access nor Avigilon Alta Open currently offer direct integration with Apple Wallet, which is a frequent request from users R9R30R37R39.
Do these apps require 'Always On' location services?
Yes, both HID Mobile Access and Avigilon Alta Open require 'Always On' location services, which many users find unnecessary, a privacy concern, and a potential battery drain R3R57R59R73.
Is there an Apple Watch app for these services?
Both apps offer an Apple Watch component, but users for both HID Mobile Access and Avigilon Alta Open report that the Apple Watch functionality is limited and often requires the iPhone to be present, making it less useful than desired R6R21R36R45.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R4] HID Mobile Access 1/5 · US Generally doesn't work well: Slow to detect and give access
  2. [R6] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US Not User Friendly: It works, inconsistently. If the phone is *unlocked* with the app open, it generally works 90% of the time. If the phone is *locked*, it either takes a while or doesn’t work at all about 90% of the time. My usage is for my residential building, elevators and exterior access inside the garage. Whether it has a good internet signal or not seems to affect performance. The Appl
  3. [R7] HID Mobile Access 1/5 · US Doesn’t work so well: Often has poor connectivity to unlock doors
  4. [R13] HID Mobile Access 2/5 · US Works sometimes: It’s always an adventure when trying to use this app. Sometimes it works as it’s supposed to and sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled number of times. Sometimes turning off Bluetooth and turning it back on works, but not always. Great idea, marginal execution.
  5. [R1] HID Mobile Access 1/5 · US Inconvenient: I agree with other reviewers. Switched from android to iPhone and now it wants to do Apple Pay every time I use it. With android I did not have to open the app but with iPhone the app has to be open. Just not convenient. This needs to be fixed and I can certainly revise my review then.
  6. [R9] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US It is difficult to run: I does not always open the door I have to stop open the app then the door opens I would like to be able to add the card to my Apple wallet but the app does not have that option. It should.
  7. [R11] HID Mobile Access 5/5 · US Apple Watch: Make easier to use on Apple Watch
  8. [R18] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US Cannot twist and go without opening the app: Twist and go stopped working unless I have the app open about 3 weeks ago. Please fix
  9. [R19] HID Mobile Access 1/5 · US Inconvenient: My work requires me to use this and I don’t see the convenience in it. Because of whatever Bluetooth functionality it works through, iPhones assume you are trying to use Apple Pay unless you have the app open and ready. It’s necessary to have the app open in order for it to work, and even then it sometimes takes several tries. Going through multiple locked doors on the way to my work
  10. [R34] HID Mobile Access 1/5 · US Most recent update nerfs functionality: Used to work fine. After the most recent update, app doesn’t work unless you open the app. It triggers Apple Pay and won’t work unless you dismiss that. Used to be seamless now is a nuisance
  11. [R37] HID Mobile Access 1/5 · US Needs Apple wallet card: This app would be great if they let you add your access card to Apple wallet. When the tech gurus of HID add this feature, 5 stars. As of now, you have to bypass Apple Pay every time you want to enter a building and it can be quite the pain :/
  12. [R3] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US No need for always on location: Should be no need for the app to always have location services on.
  13. [R57] HID Mobile Access 2/5 · US Remove requirement to Always access location: The app does its work, but its a privacy risk as it only works when its given permission to always have your location data, not limited to while its being used. Which should be the correct way as this app is only needed twice a day when coming and leaving from office. Why does it need all day location data? Its either the dev team is lethargic or the m
  14. [R59] HID Mobile Access 1/5 · US Requires Location ALWAYS ON!: I don’t understand why this app requires my Location setting to be ALWAYS ON. This is unacceptable and seems unnecessary. Please change the app to accept the Location information to WHILE USING the app.
  15. [R73] Avigilon Alta Open 1/5 · US Location sharing: Why should I have to share my location constantly?
  16. [R2] HID Mobile Access 4/5 · US New Update Drains Battery: The update launched 6/29/26 is causing the app to use 24% of my battery. Please investigate and fix this issue.
  17. [R78] Avigilon Alta Open 3/5 · US Location Always On: Functionality, no problem. But why does it require location services to be always on... This really needs to change to when using app. Let me open the app and wait 10 seconds for it to locate me rather than be a constant battery drain and track me 24/7.
  18. [R96] Avigilon Alta Open 3/5 · US changed name and icon color simultaneously: morons decided to change the color of the icon along with the name at the same time, good work! smart decision without any notice. app is finicky, given the cost really a step in the wrong direction. app is tracking which is always on, drains battery. about the only good thing this system offers is remote on lock. lockin scam.
  19. [R21] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US Apple Watch: Needs stand alone Apple Watch functionality. What’s the point of including Apple Watch functionality if you still need to have your phone as well.
  20. [R36] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US Decent, but needs a lot of work: I don’t know what it is, but if I open my Bluetooth settings and change anything at all the app forgets every access point I’ve ever used. Then I’m stuck having to actually have the app open to unlock anything when I should be able to just shake and go. Also the Apple Watch app is literally useless.
  21. [R45] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US Somewhat reliable but... please improve ASAP: I use my Apple Watch with this app due to my work’s garage transitioning to a gated entrance. The phone app works okay. However, I think the 2 meters (6feet) should be 3 meters. 2 meter range hasn’t been working properly with my Apple Watch, even if my phone is close to my door (driver side). This kind of defeats the purpose of the Apple Watch having a
  22. [R30] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US Apple Wallet Integration: Instead of forcing us into third-party vendors to integrate into Apple wallet, this should be done by HID.
  23. [R39] HID Mobile Access 3/5 · US Lot of room for Improvement !: It’s unstable. Sometimes it automatically recognizes the access point other times there’s a wait. Advice: can you make the card accessible via Apple wallet.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store