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Software · head to head

Aurora Solar vs Control4

Aurora Solar logo

Aurora Solar

Software

The leading solar design and sales platform

From
$250/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Control4 logo

Control4

Software

Premium integrated control system for smart homes and buildings

From
$1000/project
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Aurora Solar both published plans are single user, so a second designer means a second licence; Control4 requires professional installation and dealer network, with no self-install option
  • They diverge on capability: Aurora Solar covers 3D solar design, Control4 covers Integrated Control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aurora Solar and Control4 actually diverge.

Attributes where Aurora Solar and Control4 differ
AttributeAurora SolarControl4
Starting price$250/month$1000/project
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWeb, ApiMobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub
Founded20132003

Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 Aurora Solar

  • 3D solar design
  • Shade analysis
  • LIDAR integration
  • Performance simulation
  • Sales proposals
  • Financing options
  • Permit packages
  • NEC code compliance

Only in Control4

  • Integrated Control
  • Lighting
  • Climate
  • Security
  • Entertainment
  • 1000+ devices
  • Voice Control
  • Mobile app

What people use each for

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

Aurora Solar

  • Designing and simulating residential and commercial solar installationsnot Control4
  • Producing shade analysis and sales proposals for solar projectsnot Control4

Control4

  • Whole-home automationnot Aurora Solar
  • Commercial building controlnot Aurora Solar
  • Custom installationnot Aurora Solar
  • Luxury smart homenot Aurora Solar

Where each one falls short

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

Aurora Solar

  • Both published plans are single user, so a second designer means a second licence
  • Projects are capped at 50 a month on both Basic and Premium, so the tiers differ on features rather than volume
  • LIDAR assisted modelling, shade reports and battery storage modelling all require Premium at $259 a month
  • API access and integrations are Enterprise only, which is priced per project rather than per month
  • Paying monthly rather than annually costs $288 more a year on Basic and $468 on Premium

Control4

  • Requires professional installation and dealer network, with no self-install option
  • Limited device compatibility; works best with Control4-certified ecosystems
  • Subscription required for remote access and advanced features
  • System complexity requires technical knowledge or ongoing dealer support

Pricing, plan by plan

Aurora Solar

$250/month
  • Starter$250/month
    • Basic design tools
    • Sales mode
    • Shade analysis
  • Pro$500/month
    • Advanced LIDAR integration
    • Performance simulation
    • Custom branding
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Unlimited users
    • Advanced analytics
    • Custom integrations

Control4

$1000/project

No published plan breakdown. See the Control4 review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Aurora Solar if

  • You need 3d solar design.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want shade analysis.
Aurora Solar review

Choose Control4 if

  • You need integrated control.
  • You work on Mobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub.
  • You also want lighting.
Control4 review

Questions people ask

Is Aurora Solar or Control4 better?
Neither clearly leads. Aurora Solar starts at $250/month and Control4 at $1000/project, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aurora Solar or Control4?
Aurora Solar starts at $250/month and Control4 at $1000/project.
Does Aurora Solar or Control4 run on more platforms?
Aurora Solar runs on Web, Api. Control4 runs on Mobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub.
What is Aurora Solar best used for?
Aurora Solar is most often used for designing and simulating residential and commercial solar installations, producing shade analysis and sales proposals for solar projects. Of those, designing and simulating residential and commercial solar installations and producing shade analysis and sales proposals for solar projects are not what Control4 is typically brought in for.
What can Aurora Solar do that Control4 cannot?
Aurora Solar covers 3D solar design, Shade analysis, LIDAR integration, Performance simulation. Control4 covers Integrated Control, Lighting, Climate, Security.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Control4: What devices can Control4 control?

Control4 controls connected home devices including lighting, audio, video, climate control, locks, intercoms, and security systems. Compatibility varies by device brand and integration type.

Source
Control4: Does Control4 require a subscription?

Control4 systems work locally without subscription, but the Connect service subscription adds remote access and premium features. Connect pricing varies; as of 2026, base Connect is optional.

Source
Control4: Is professional installation required for Control4?

Yes. Control4 systems are professionally installed and configured by certified Control4 dealers. Installation complexity and cost depend on system scope and home size.

Source
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