Comparison

Paradigm Mobile Station vs StageTools

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Paradigm Mobile Station

Transform your handheld device into an eight-button control station for your Paradigm system. Customize the appearance with standard themes to match your setup. Requires Paradigm systems running software 3.1.0 or newer and a properly configured control processor.

Highlights
  • Eight-button control station
  • Customizable themes
  • Handheld device integration
  • Paradigm system compatibility
Features
Read full description

The Unison Paradigm Mobile Button Station App turns your handheld device into an eight button station, making it part of the control system. Using standard Paradigm themes you can customize the look of your mobile button station. This app requires Paradigm systems running software 3.1.0 or newer. Use of this app requires a properly configured Paradigm control processor and a wireless access point. etcconnect.com/ip

About

StageTools

A comprehensive lighting toolkit for professionals, offering network scanning, DMX inspection, fixture testing, and plot creation. Manage fixture data, files, and notes without needing a laptop, with many tools available offline.

Highlights
  • Network device scanning
  • DMX viewer for sACN/ArtNet
  • Micro console for fixture testing
  • Protocol detector
  • LTC timecode generation/reception
  • Curve builder
  • Quick plot creation
  • Scout notes with multimedia
Features
Read full description

StageTools is a lighting toolkit for iPhone and iPad, built for the work that happens before, during, and after the rig is in the air. Scout the job. Plot the rig. Troubleshoot the network. Check DMX. Keep fixture data, files, notes, and utility tools close without opening a laptop. TOOLBOX Network Devices scans your show network and helps you keep track of nodes, switches, consoles, and other devices. DMX Viewer listens to sACN and ArtNet so you can inspect live universe data and catch channel changes. Micro Console gives you a pocket-sized lighting console for fixture testing, quick looks, and controlled sACN or ArtNet output when you need it. Protocol Detector passively listens for common show-network traffic so you can see what is talking before you change anything. LTC Timecode can generate, receive, or jam timecode from your device. Curve Builder helps build fixture correction references from meter readings and export them for real show workflows. DIP Switch and CCT Converter cover the small calculations that still come up on set and in the shop. QUICK PLOTS Build fast lighting plots, network layouts, and power notes on one canvas. Add symbols, labels, cables, layers, backgrounds, custom symbols, and exports to PDF or PNG. SCOUT NOTES Create location scouts with photos, videos, marked-up images, note tabs, voice memos, transcripts, files, and PDF export. Make Scout Notes can turn a voice transcript into structured notes you can review and insert. FIXTURES Search, download, favorite, and reference fixtures from the GDTF Share Library. Downloaded fixtures can be used across StageTools workflows. FILES Save links, PDFs, manuals, plots, patch sheets, network diagrams, and local files. Organize by folder, category, and favorites, then share folder bundles when another StageTools user needs the same packet. BUILT FOR LIGHTING WORK StageTools is focused on lighting professionals: set lighting crews, theatrical electricians, lighting designers, programmers, gaffers, and touring techs. Many tools work offline. Live network tools require access to the show network. Core data stays on your device, with optional iCloud Sync for your own devices. StageTools is free to try. A subscription unlocks the full lighting workflow after the trial. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Paradigm Mobile Station3 screens
StageTools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: StageTools at Free against Paradigm Mobile Station's $2.99. StageTools also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 13 months). Paradigm Mobile Station's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

StageTools is free to download; Paradigm Mobile Station costs $2.99 up front. StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Paradigm Mobile Station asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

StageTools holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 4 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Paradigm Mobile Station ships an update every 13 months, StageTools every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Paradigm Mobile Station versus StageTools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterParadigm Mobile StationStageTools
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings24 — better
Update frequencyEvery 13 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size25 MB87 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperElectronic Theatre Controls, Inc.X0 Lighting Control Inc.

In-app purchases

None

Paradigm Mobile Station

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

StageTools

Subscriptions2
  • StageTools Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • StageTools Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Paradigm Mobile Station free?
Paradigm Mobile Station costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is StageTools free?
StageTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Paradigm Mobile Station or StageTools?
StageTools is rated higher. Paradigm Mobile Station averages 4.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while StageTools averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do Paradigm Mobile Station or StageTools have ads?
Neither Paradigm Mobile Station nor StageTools shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Paradigm Mobile Station or StageTools?
Paradigm Mobile Station ships an update every 13 months, and StageTools every 2 weeks. Most recently, Paradigm Mobile Station was updated on October 23, 2026 and StageTools on October 24, 2026.

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