Softwr

Software · head to head

Control4 vs Gather

Control4 logo

Control4

Software

Premium integrated control system for smart homes and buildings

From
$1000/project
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Gather logo

Gather

Software

Virtual spaces for remote collaboration

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Gather has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Control4 requires professional installation and dealer network, with no self-install option; Gather no native desktop or mobile app; browser-based only
  • They diverge on capability: Control4 covers Integrated Control, Gather covers Proximity video chat.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Control4 and Gather actually diverge.

Attributes where Control4 and Gather differ
AttributeControl4Gather
Starting price$1000/projectFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsMobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hubWeb
Founded20032020

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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 Control4

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

Only in Gather

  • Proximity video chat
  • Customizable spaces
  • Interactive objects
  • Screen sharing
  • Calendar
  • Slack
  • Google Workspace
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Control4

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

Gather

  • VR Gamingnot Control4
  • AR Marketingnot Control4
  • Virtual Trainingnot Control4
  • 3D Visualizationnot Control4
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Control4

Where each one falls short

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

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

Gather

  • No native desktop or mobile app; browser-based only
  • Limited API documentation compared to enterprise competitors
  • Scaling large virtual offices can impact performance

Pricing, plan by plan

Control4

$1000/project

No published plan breakdown. See the Control4 review.

Gather

Free
  • 30-Day TrialFree
    • Up to 50 team members
    • All features included
    • Meetings and chat
  • Essential$12/month
    • All features
    • Meeting recordings starting at 20 hours
    • Meeting transcriptions starting at 30 hours

Which should you pick?

Choose Control4 if

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

Choose Gather if

  • You need proximity video chat.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want customizable spaces.
Gather review

Questions people ask

Is Control4 or Gather better?
Neither clearly leads. Control4 starts at $1000/project and Gather at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Control4 or Gather?
Gather has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1000/project for Control4 and Free for Gather.
Does Control4 or Gather run on more platforms?
Control4 runs on Mobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub. Gather runs on Web.
Can I use Gather for free?
Yes. Gather has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Control4 starts at $1000/project.
What is Control4 best used for?
Control4 is most often used for whole-home automation, commercial building control, custom installation, luxury smart home. Of those, whole-home automation and commercial building control are not what Gather is typically brought in for.
What can Control4 do that Gather cannot?
Control4 covers Integrated Control, Lighting, Climate, Security. Gather covers Proximity video chat, Customizable spaces, Interactive objects, Screen sharing.

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
Gather: What is a free trial of Gather like?

Gather offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required that includes up to 50 team members and access to all features including meetings, chat, AI meeting notes, and full office customization.

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
Gather: How does Gather reduce meeting load?

Gather recreates natural office dynamics through spatial audio and proximity-based interactions, allowing colleagues to bump into each other and have quick conversations without scheduled calls. Teams report shorter, more organic conversations that wrap up in under 10 minutes.

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
Gather: What platforms and devices does Gather support?

Gather works on web browsers and integrates with Slack and Google Chat. The platform supports audio/video calls, screen sharing, and custom workspace design.

Source
Gather: Does Gather work offline?

Gather is a web-based platform that requires an internet connection to function, though it emphasizes quick connection and low bandwidth requirements compared to traditional video conferencing.

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Control4

More on Gather

Keep looking

Other head to heads