Comparison

Dragonframe Tether vs Stop Motion Magic

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

Head to head
About

Dragonframe Tether

Transform your iOS device into a professional camera for stop motion animation software. Stream a live video preview to your computer, control camera settings, and capture high-quality images directly. Requires Dragonframe 4 or newer on a desktop.

Highlights
  • Use iPhone/iPad as capture source
  • Live video preview on desktop
  • Control shutter speed, ISO, focus, white balance
  • Capture JPG or DNG images
  • Direct image transfer to computer
Features
Read full description

Use your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad as a capture source in Dragonframe 4 stop motion animation software. Instructions: 1. Connect your iOS device to your computer via a USB cable. 2. Launch Dragonframe software on the computer. 3. Launch DF Tether on your device. Dragonframe will automatically detect it and connect to it. Once connected: * Dragonframe will show a video preview using the iOS camera. * You can control shutter speed, ISO, focus and white balance. * Capture JPG or DNG images directly to the computer. (The specific functionality varies by camera.) NOTE: Requires Dragonframe 4 or newer on a macOS, Windows, or Linux desktop system. Dragonframe 4 is a separate purchase, and not included with this app. See http://www.dragonframe.com for more details. NOTE: Windows users must install iTunes.

About

Stop Motion Magic

Create stop motion animations with advanced tools for capturing, editing, and enhancing your creations. Add custom backgrounds, sound effects, and precise movement guides. Export in high resolution for sharing.

Highlights
  • Frame-by-frame animation
  • Pro-level camera controls
  • Paint and masking tools
  • Imported backgrounds and sound
  • Smart guides for movement
  • Onion skinning
  • Color grading
  • 4K export
Features
Read full description

Bring Your Imagination to Life — One Frame at a Time! Stop Motion Magic is your all-in-one stop motion animation studio—right on your iPhone. Whether you're a hobbyist, a student, or a professional animator, this powerful app makes it easy to create stunning animations frame by frame. - CAPTURE THE MAGIC Use front or back cameras with pro-level controls—adjust white balance, focus, exposure, and zoom for cinematic quality. CREATE WITHOUT LIMITS -Paint directly on frames with customizable paint layers -Mask and blend backgrounds with precision using per-frame masking -Add dynamic backgrounds with videos or still images -Transform imported images in 3D with perspective controls SOUND Import soundtracks, browse our in-app audio library, or record voiceovers and effects. Edit, trim, and sync to perfection. ANIMATE SMOOTHLY WITH SMART GUIDES Use visual guides (line, circle, spline, etc.) and timing functions (ease-in, ease-out, linear) to create lifelike movement and flow. ONION SKIN FOR PERFECT MOVEMENT See your previous frames overlaid on the camera feed to guide your next shot. Choose multiple frames or keyframes, and use edge effects to make even the smallest movements crystal clear. COLOR GRADE Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, tint, and temperature for that perfect final touch. EXPORT YOUR MASTERPIECE Export your animation in SD, HD, or crisp 4K. Share directly to social media or save to your library. FORMAT FREEDOM Supports both portrait and landscape. Your videos always look exactly how you envisioned. From first-time creators to seasoned animators, Stop Motion Magic gives you everything you need to animate, edit, and share your stories—all from your iPhone. Download now and start animating!

Screenshots

Dragonframe Tether3 screens
Stop Motion Magic4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Stop Motion Magic at 80% against Dragonframe Tether's 43%. Stop Motion Magic also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). Dragonframe Tether's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (14 vs 18). On price, ads, monetization model 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

Both are free to download. Stop Motion Magic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dragonframe Tether asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Stop Motion Magic holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 70 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of Dragonframe Tether's written reviews are positive against 80% of Stop Motion Magic's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Dragonframe Tether ships an update every 3 months, Stop Motion Magic fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Dragonframe Tether versus Stop Motion Magic: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDragonframe TetherStop Motion Magic
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (15 ratings)4.7 (70 ratings) — better
Positive reviews42.9% of reviews80.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1570 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14 — better18
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB1.2 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDZED Systems LLCDAVID CROOKS SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIMITED

Customer experience

Dragonframe Tether

All ratings15 ratings
Positive73.3%
Neutral13.3%
Negative13.3%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive42.9%
Neutral19.0%
Negative38.1%

Stop Motion Magic

All ratings70 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral2.9%
Negative4.3%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative10.0%

In-app purchases

None

Dragonframe Tether

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Stop Motion Magic

One-time1
  • Motion Magic Pro$5.99

Questions

Is Dragonframe Tether free?
Dragonframe Tether is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Stop Motion Magic free?
Stop Motion Magic is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Dragonframe Tether or Stop Motion Magic?
Stop Motion Magic is rated higher. Dragonframe Tether averages 4.2 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Stop Motion Magic averages 4.7 from 70 ratings.
Do Dragonframe Tether or Stop Motion Magic have ads?
Neither Dragonframe Tether nor Stop Motion Magic shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Dragonframe Tether or Stop Motion Magic?
Dragonframe Tether ships an update every 3 months, and Stop Motion Magic fortnightly. Most recently, Dragonframe Tether was updated on October 1, 2026 and Stop Motion Magic on September 30, 2026.

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