Comparison

DMXcat® vs Par

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

Par

Control multiple stage lights simultaneously with this app. Adjust colors, brightness, and strobe effects to create dynamic light shows for your performances. Manage your lighting setup effortlessly from your device.

Highlights
  • Grouped light control
  • Adjustable colors
  • Brightness control
  • Strobe effect management
  • Create light shows
  • Remote performance lighting
Read full description

Our app is your ultimate stage lighting controller. With grouping control, you can seamlessly manage multiple lights, adjusting colors, brightness, and strobe effects. Create stunning light shows and transform your performances effortlessly, anytime, anywhere!

Screenshots

DMXcat®4 screens
Par3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DMXcat® at 68% against Par's 0%. DMXcat® also leads on rating (3.9 vs 3.5) and ratings volume (26 vs 2). Par's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). 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

DMXcat® holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DMXcat® has 26 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 0% of Par's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DMXcat® ships an update monthly, Par every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
DMXcat® versus Par: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDMXcat®Par
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (26 ratings) — better3.5 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews68.4% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings26 — better2
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCity Theatrical, IncSCY Manufacturing Inc.

Customer experience

DMXcat®

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

Par

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

DMXcat®

No in-app purchases

None

Par

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DMXcat® free?
DMXcat® is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Par free?
Par is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, DMXcat® or Par?
DMXcat® is rated higher. DMXcat® averages 3.9 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Par averages 3.5 from 2 ratings.
Do DMXcat® or Par have ads?
Neither DMXcat® nor Par shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DMXcat® or Par?
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, and Par every 2 weeks. Most recently, DMXcat® was updated on October 13, 2026 and Par on September 19, 2026.

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