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Apple HomeKit vs Mural

Apple HomeKit logo

Apple HomeKit

Software

Apple's secure smart home platform integrated with Siri

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mural logo

Mural

Software

The digital workspace for visual collaboration

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apple HomeKit requires Apple device for setup and remote access; limited interoperability with non-Apple devices; Mural the free plan allows 3 editable murals at a time, so working on a fourth means archiving one
  • They diverge on capability: Apple HomeKit covers Siri Integration, Mural covers Infinite canvas.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple HomeKit and Mural actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple HomeKit and Mural differ
AttributeApple HomeKitMural
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com)Web, Ios, Android
Founded20142011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple HomeKit

  • Siri Integration
  • End-to-End Encryption
  • Automation Scenes
  • Remote Access
  • HomePod
  • Apple TV
  • Apple Watch
  • Third-party accessories

Only in Mural

  • Infinite canvas
  • Sticky notes
  • Shapes & connectors
  • Image uploads
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Templates
  • Voting & feedback
  • Slack

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple HomeKit

  • Unified control of multi-vendor smart accessoriesnot Mural
  • Time, location, and sensor-triggered automationsnot Mural
  • Siri voice control of accessoriesnot Mural
  • Remote access via a Home Hubnot Mural
  • Grouping accessories into scenesnot Mural

Mural

  • Running collaborative workshops and retrospectives on a shared whiteboardnot Apple HomeKit
  • Mapping journeys and diagrams with a distributed teamnot Apple HomeKit

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple HomeKit

  • Requires Apple device for setup and remote access; limited interoperability with non-Apple devices
  • HomeKit devices require manufacturer certification, limiting product selection compared to alternatives
  • Automations are more limited compared to open platforms like Home Assistant or professional systems

Mural

  • The free plan allows 3 editable murals at a time, so working on a fourth means archiving one
  • Mural AI and the Zoom and Webex integrations require Team+ at $9.99 per member per month billed annually
  • SSO and the Okta, Azure and GitHub integrations are Business only at $17.99 per member per month
  • Multiple workspaces, SCIM, audit logs and enforced 2FA are Enterprise only with no published price

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple HomeKit

Free
  • HomeKit (free)Free
    • Local control of HomeKit devices
    • Siri voice control
    • Device automations
  • Home hub (requires device purchase)$null/mo
    • Remote access
    • HomeKit Secure Video (free with iCloud+ 2TB)
    • HomeKit automations
  • iCloud+ 2TB (required for Secure Video)$9.99/month
    • HomeKit Secure Video 4K (in iOS 27)
    • 2TB iCloud storage
    • Private email relay

Mural

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 mural
    • Basic shapes
    • File uploads
  • Team$16/month
    • Unlimited murals
    • Advanced templates
    • Team collaboration

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple HomeKit if

  • You need siri integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com).
  • You also want end-to-end encryption.
Apple HomeKit review

Choose Mural if

  • You need infinite canvas.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want sticky notes.
Mural review

Questions people ask

Is Apple HomeKit or Mural better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple HomeKit starts at Free and Mural at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple HomeKit or Mural?
Apple HomeKit starts at Free and Mural at Free.
Does Apple HomeKit or Mural run on more platforms?
Apple HomeKit runs on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com). Mural runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Apple HomeKit for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apple HomeKit best used for?
Apple HomeKit is most often used for unified control of multi-vendor smart accessories, time, location, and sensor-triggered automations, siri voice control of accessories, remote access via a home hub. Of those, unified control of multi-vendor smart accessories and time, location, and sensor-triggered automations are not what Mural is typically brought in for.
What can Apple HomeKit do that Mural cannot?
Apple HomeKit covers Siri Integration, End-to-End Encryption, Automation Scenes, Remote Access. Mural covers Infinite canvas, Sticky notes, Shapes & connectors, Image uploads.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple HomeKit: Does Apple HomeKit require a home hub?

A home hub is required for remote access and automations. Apple TV 4K, HomePod (2nd gen), or HomePod mini can serve as hubs.

Source
Apple HomeKit: Is HomeKit data encrypted?

Yes. HomeKit uses end-to-end encryption for all data and communications with HomeKit devices, keeping all home data secure.

Source
Apple HomeKit: Does HomeKit support Thread?

Yes. Thread-enabled accessories require a Thread-enabled home hub such as Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, or iPhone running iOS 18. Thread provides improved reliability and responsiveness for HomeKit devices.

Source
Apple HomeKit: What devices are compatible with HomeKit?

HomeKit supports thousands of certified devices including lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, and plugs from manufacturers like Philips Hue, Yale, Ecobee, and Logitech.

Source
Apple HomeKit: Does HomeKit support Matter?

Yes. HomeKit supports Matter, enabling HomeKit devices to work with other ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home on the same Matter protocol.

Source
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