DMXcat® vs ApeLabs CONNECT V2
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DMXcat®
Control, analyze, and test DMX lighting fixtures wirelessly from your smartphone. This system uses a hardware dongle and free mobile apps to simplify lighting control without complex consoles. It supports various functions like DMX and RDM control, fixture management, and DIP switch calculations.
- Wireless DMX and RDM control
- Fixture control with built-in database
- DMX analysis and testing
- DIP switch calculator
- Multi-language support
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DMXcat® makes it easy for anyone to control, analyze, or test any DMX lighting fixture, whether it’s a simple LED PAR or a complex moving light. The system consists of a small hardware dongle (purchased separately) and a suite of free mobile applications. Together, they combine to bring wireless DMX and RDM control plus other useful lighting functions to the user’s smartphone. The DMXcat solves the problem faced by all users of modern lighting equipment: How to turn on and test DMX lighting gear without using a complicated lighting console. DMXcat app is now available in seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and English. Software Applications There are currently five apps available for use with the DMXcat system: •DMX Controller: A single universe (512) DMX channel controller with two user interfaces (sliders or keypad). •Fixture Controller: Controls multi-attribute fixtures from a built in database. •RDM Controller: For bi-directional communication and control of RDM enabled devices. •DMX Tester: Analyze and adjust settings for transmitting or receiving DMX. •DIP switch calculator: Simplifies the configuring of DIP switches used for setting DMX addresses. Hardware The DMXcat’s hardware interface is a compact battery powered device which fits easily in a pocket or tool pouch or may be worn on a belt. It uses Bluetooth LE technology for communication with the smartphone applications (up to 50’ range). Without the limitations of being physically connected, the user can move about the workspace as needed with their smartphone and run the various apps while still using the phone for on-the-job communication. The device’s five pin XLRF connector/cable assembly allows it to be connected to a point in a DMX data chain to test or control of the various DMX/RDM functions. It is charged using a standard USB to Micro-USB cable and charger. Other features include a built-in LED flashlight, an audible alarm for locating a misplaced unit, XLR5M to XLR5M Turnaround, LED status indicator, and a removable belt clip with a split ring safety point. Optional accessories include XLR5M to RJ45 Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3F Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3M Turnaround, and a Belt Pouch.
ApeLabs CONNECT V2
Control ApeLights wirelessly to select colors, create custom light programs, and manage scenes. Requires specific hardware to function.
- Wireless lighting control
- Color selection
- Custom program creation
- Scene management
- Hardware integration
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Needs Ape Labs CONNECT (formerly known as WAPP) Hardware to work! Use our app to control your ApeLights wirelessly. Pick any color you want, create custom programs and manage scenes to make the most out of your ApeDevices. This app is also working with WAPP devices.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: ApeLabs CONNECT V2 at 4.7 against DMXcat®'s 3.9. ApeLabs CONNECT V2 also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 68%) and iOS requirement (13.1 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ApeLabs CONNECT V2 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 13 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 100% of ApeLabs CONNECT V2's.
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, ApeLabs CONNECT V2 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DMXcat® | ApeLabs CONNECT V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (26 ratings) | 4.7 (13 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 26 — better | 13 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 13.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 67 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City Theatrical, Inc | ApeLabs GmbH |
Customer experience
DMXcat®
ApeLabs CONNECT V2
In-app purchases
DMXcat®
No in-app purchases
ApeLabs CONNECT V2
No in-app purchases








