Comparison

DMXcat® vs iHog

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Wireless DMX and RDM control
  • Fixture control with built-in database
  • DMX analysis and testing
  • DIP switch calculator
  • Multi-language support
Features
Read full description

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.

About

iHog

This app transforms your device into a wireless remote for Hog 4 lighting consoles. It offers real-time control over theatrical lighting systems, allowing users to manage cues, palettes, and programmer functions from anywhere in a venue.

Highlights
  • Complete front panel control with LED feedback
  • Rapid group and palette selection
  • Live playback control
  • Programmer management
  • Per-show interface customization
  • Real-time HogNet feedback
Read full description

Transform your device into a powerful wireless remote for Hog 4 consoles and Hog 4 PC. iHog gives lighting designers, programmers, and technicians instant control over theatrical lighting systems from anywhere in the venue. Professional Lighting Control at Your Fingertips Control your entire Hog 4 system wirelessly with real-time LED feedback. Perfect for theater productions, concerts, corporate events, and live entertainment professionals who need reliable remote access to their lighting console. Key Features: - Complete Front Panel Control - Access all Hog 4 front panel buttons with live LED status feedback - Rapid Group & Palette Selection - Quickly select fixtures and apply palettes without returning to the console - Playback Control - Go and release lists and scenes instantly during live shows - Programmer Management - Clear programmer, knockout selections, and manage your programming workflow - Per-Show Customization - Customize interface for each show file - Real-Time Feedback - See LED states update in real-time via HogNet Perfect For: - Lighting Designers programming from the stage - Technicians running shows remotely - Programmers needing quick palette access - Focus sessions requiring mobility Requirements: - HogNet connection required. Compatible with Hog 4 consoles and Hog 4 PC software. Take control of your lighting rig. Download iHog today. By using this app you agree to the End User License Agreement https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

DMXcat®4 screens
iHog4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: DMXcat® at 3.9 against iHog's 3.4. DMXcat® also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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

Both are free to download. iHog sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. DMXcat® asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

DMXcat® holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 67% of iHog's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DMXcat® ships an update monthly, iHog every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
DMXcat® versus iHog: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDMXcat®iHog
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (26 ratings) — better3.4 (10 ratings)
Positive reviews68.4% of reviews — better66.7% of reviews
Number of ratings26 — better10
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCity Theatrical, IncCCT Plus LLC (Apps)

Customer experience

DMXcat®

All ratings26 ratings
Positive73.1%
Neutral3.8%
Negative23.1%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive68.4%
Neutral5.3%
Negative26.3%

iHog

All ratings9 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

None

DMXcat®

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

iHog

Subscriptions4
  • Monthly Unlock$1.991 Month
  • iHog Pro Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Yearly unlock7 Days trial$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Pro Yearly7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time6
  • Tip - Smiles$0.99
  • Lowest price for features$0.99
  • Mid price for Punt Page$2.99
Show 3 more
  • High Price for features$4.99
  • Tip - 10 for Maegan$9.99
  • Max price for features$9.99

Questions

Is DMXcat® free?
DMXcat® is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is iHog free?
iHog is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, DMXcat® or iHog?
DMXcat® is rated higher. DMXcat® averages 3.9 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while iHog averages 3.4 from 10 ratings.
Do DMXcat® or iHog have ads?
Neither DMXcat® nor iHog shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DMXcat® or iHog?
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, and iHog every 2 months. Most recently, DMXcat® was updated on November 2, 2026 and iHog on November 3, 2026.

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