Comparison

DMXcat® vs Q

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

Q

Configure Q-Tran drivers with NFC capabilities. Read driver UID, address, and output voltage. Set output voltage and address for drivers, with or without power.

Highlights
  • NFC driver configuration
  • Read driver UID
  • Read driver address
  • Read output voltage
  • Set output voltage
  • Set driver address
Features
Read full description

The Q-Tran NFC App enables quick and easy configuration of Q-Tran drivers with NFC functions. The app’s read function can be used to read the UID, address and output voltage level of the driver. The write function of the app can be used to set the output voltage level and the address for the driver. Reading and writing can be performed with the driver powered on or not powered.

Screenshots

DMXcat®4 screens
Q2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Q at 5.0 against DMXcat®'s 3.9. Q also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). DMXcat®'s advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 11 months) and ratings volume (26 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Q holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DMXcat® has 26 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DMXcat® ships an update monthly, Q every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
DMXcat® versus Q: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDMXcat®Q
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (26 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews68.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings26 — better1
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 11 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCity Theatrical, IncQTran Inc

Customer experience

DMXcat®

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

Q

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

DMXcat®

No in-app purchases

None

Q

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DMXcat® free?
DMXcat® is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Q free?
Q is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, DMXcat® or Q?
Q is rated higher. DMXcat® averages 3.9 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Q averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do DMXcat® or Q have ads?
Neither DMXcat® nor Q shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DMXcat® or Q?
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, and Q every 11 months. Most recently, DMXcat® was updated on October 26, 2026 and Q on October 9, 2026.

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