If you are looking for the best home inventory app for iPhone in 2025, the options can be overwhelming. From ToteScan to Sortly, there are dozens of tools promising to organize your life.

But not all apps are created equal. Some require expensive subscriptions, while others upload your private data to the cloud.

In this guide, we review the top contenders and explain why WatInside is the top choice for privacy-conscious users who want an iOS home inventory app that just works.

What to Look for in a Home Inventory App

Before you download the first home inventory app free from the App Store, it is critical to understand what separates a “toy” app from a serious organization tool.

In 2025, the standard has risen. A simple list is no longer enough. Here are the three features you must demand:

1. AI Tagging vs. Manual Entry

Old-school apps force you to type everything manually. “Blue box, winter coats, scarf, boots…” This drudgery is the #1 reason people quit organizing. The best home inventory app 2025 should do the work for you. Look for AI object recognition—where you simply snap a photo, and the app suggests tags like “Power Tool,” “Drill,” or “Kitchenware” instantly.

2. Privacy First (Local vs. Cloud)

Most apps, including popular ones like Itemtopia or Sortly, store your data on their servers. This raises a question: Do you want a company to have a searchable list of every valuable item in your home? For maximum security, look for a “Local-First” app. This means your data stays on your device or your own private iCloud, inaccessible to the app developer.

3. Ease of Use for Insurance

God forbid you ever experience a fire or theft, but if you do, you need a report fast. The best home inventory app for insurance will allow you to export a PDF or CSV file with photos, purchase dates, and estimated values in one tap.

Top Home Inventory Apps Reviewed

We tested the market leaders to see how they stack up. Here is our honest home inventory app review.

1. WatInside (Best for Privacy & Speed)

WatInside is the modern answer to home organization. Built specifically for iOS, it leverages the iPhone’s Neural Engine to identify items without sending photos to the cloud.

Pros: 100% Private (Local/iCloud), AI Auto-Tagging, Handwritten Label Recognition, No Accounts needed.
Cons: Currently iOS only (Not the best home inventory app for Android users yet).
Best For: Homeowners who prioritize privacy and want to log items in seconds, not minutes.

2. Sortly (Best for Business)

Sortly is a powerhouse, but it has pivoted largely toward business inventory.

Pros: Great for teams, highly customizable folders.
Cons: The free plan is very limited; premium features are expensive (monthly subscription).
Best For: Small business owners tracking stock, rather than casual home organizers.

3. ToteScan (Best for Pre-Printed Labels)

ToteScan popularized the idea of scanning bins. You buy their stickers, scan them, and add items.

Pros: Simple, reliable system if you buy their physical labels.
Cons: Heavy reliance on manual data entry; you must buy their specific stickers to get the full experience.
Best For: People who prefer buying physical sticker packs over printing their own.

Smart Labels vs. ToteScan: The Labeling Revolution

One of the most searched topics this year is smart labels vs ToteScan. Which system is better?

Proprietary Systems (e.g., ToteScan): You must buy specific sticker packs. If you run out, you have to order more and wait for shipping.
Open Systems (e.g., WatInside): You can generate a QR code in the app and print it on standard Avery labels, plain paper, or—uniquely—write the code by hand.

WatInside introduces a game-changer: Handwritten Label Recognition. You don’t need a printer. Just write “W01” on a box with a sharpie, scan it with the app, and it links to your digital box. It is the fastest, cheapest way to organize a garage or attic.

Why You Need an App for Insurance

Many users search for the best home inventory app for insurance, and for good reason. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers your personal property, but filing a claim requires proof of ownership.

If you cannot prove you owned that $2,000 MacBook or those vintage golf clubs, the insurance company may pay you the bare minimum (or nothing at all).

A proper inventory app provides:

Visual Proof: Photos of the item and its condition.
Purchase Data: Receipts and serial numbers.
PDF Export: A professional report you can email to your adjuster immediately.

Do not rely on a spreadsheet. Spreadsheets don’t have photos, and they are a pain to update on mobile.

Verdict: Which is the Best App for You?

If you are a business owner tracking thousands of SKUs, Sortly is worth the investment. If you want to buy pre-made stickers and don’t mind manual typing, ToteScan is a solid choice.

However, if you are looking for the best home inventory app 2025 that is: