Comparison

Show StopWatch vs LX ToolBox

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

Head to head
About

Show StopWatch

This app simplifies show timing for theatrical productions. It allows users to set up unlimited acts and intervals, track running times, and receive backstage and interval notifications. The app runs in the background and can email or copy show times.

Highlights
  • Unlimited Acts and Intervals
  • In-Act Timers
  • Show Stop Functionality
  • Pre-show and Interval Notifications
  • Background Operation
  • Email/Copy Show Times
  • Visual Timer Indicators (Green/Red)
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

One evening, after a very long week of shows we were sat in the office looking at the show times wishing the running times would work them selves out (we've all been there), it was at this moment this show timing app was created. Welcome to the future of show timing without multiple stop watches and reminder alarms. Now you can start your show with the press of one button and the app does the rest. With unlimited Acts and Intervals in any configuration that you like! , just set your show structure, tell it your interval duration(s) and away you go. Show StopWatch also handles separate in act timers and show stops, adjusting the running and playing times accordingly! Once you have completed a show you can then email the times with a simple button press or copy them your clipboard as well as storing them for later. There is also the option to have pre show notifications for back stage calls and the same again in the interval so you don't have to spend all your time looking at the clock. The app will also run in the back ground of your phone if for what ever reason you need to use your phone for something else (certainly not facebook, for those long scenes with no cues) while its running. This app was created by stage managers for stage managers, it is currently being used by a number of productions and companies including UK Tours, West End shows and Repertory Theatres. It will continue to be a working development so any thing you come across that you think ‘it would be great if’ please don't hesitate to get in contact! It became apparent while testing how tiny details make a difference to everyone so we have tried to incorporate them all, for example; the interval timer shows both time elapsed and remaining, and is in green until you start over running when it goes red (because how often do you go up on time), and the ability to access times so far, for those quiet moments where you are able to start the show report early! This app has not been made to replace your note book, still write times down if you get a chance, its simply to try and make life easier at the end of the show! Have a play, get to know it and let us know how you get on! Terms of Use can be found here: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

LX ToolBox

Features
Read full description

LX ToolBox – Practical tools for lighting techs, touring crews & designers LX ToolBox is a purpose-built toolkit for lampies, lighting designers, programmers, and stage professionals. Designed for real-world use on site and on the road, it puts essential lighting, power, rigging, and show-control tools in one fast, reliable app. Whether you’re advancing a show, building a rig, patching fixtures, checking power, or dealing with timecode, LX ToolBox helps you work quickly and confidently. Core Features Rigging & Power :: Rigging Load Tally (NEW) Build a quick touring load tally by category (fixtures, truss, motors, distro, cable). View total load, per-point averages, and utilisation for planning and paperwork. (Planning tool only — clear safety disclaimers included.) ::Power Colour Codes International single-phase and three-phase wiring colour references with side-by-side comparison. ::Power Sign-Off Sheets Capture inspection data, signatures, and export a professional Power Sign-Off PDF. ::Voltage & Power Tools Useful calculators for safe and consistent power setups. Lighting & Control ::Pin Outs Clear, quick-reference connector pinouts for common lighting and power connectors. ::DMX Calculators Addressing and utility tools to simplify patching and programming. ::Timecode Calculator (NEW) Convert between timecode, frames, and seconds across common frame rates (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30). Ideal for playback, show control, and synchronisation workflows. Utilities ::Measurement Converter Common touring conversions for distance, weight, and more. ::MIDI Pad Send MIDI / OSC controls for integration with consoles and show-control systems. ::Sound FX Handy utility sound effects. ::Torch Instant flashlight access for dark stages and venues. Built for the road Modern glass-style UI optimised for low-light environments Fast navigation straight into tools Clear safety messaging where it matters (power & rigging) Designed for touring, theatre, broadcast, and live events LX ToolBox is not a replacement for qualified professionals — it’s a fast, practical companion that helps lighting crews stay organised, consistent, and efficient.

Screenshots

Show StopWatch4 screens
LX ToolBox4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: LX ToolBox at none against Show StopWatch's 5. Show StopWatch's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 6 months) and chart position (#38 vs unranked). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Show StopWatch costs $3.99 and LX ToolBox $5.99 up front. Show StopWatch sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. LX ToolBox asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Show StopWatch ships an update every 4 weeks, LX ToolBox every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Show StopWatch versus LX ToolBox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShow StopWatchLX ToolBox
Price$3.99 — better$5.99
Rating4.7 (48 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews88.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings48 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#38 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJack Lord1BIGRIG Ltd

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Show StopWatch

Subscriptions4
  • Support Annually$4.991 Year
  • Small Team - 5 Followers7 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • Medium Team - 12 Followers$49.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Large Team - 50 Followers$99.991 Year
One-time1
  • Contribute with Coffee$2.99
None

LX ToolBox

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Show StopWatch free?
Show StopWatch costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is LX ToolBox free?
LX ToolBox costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Show StopWatch or LX ToolBox have ads?
Neither Show StopWatch nor LX ToolBox shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Show StopWatch or LX ToolBox?
Show StopWatch ships an update every 4 weeks, and LX ToolBox every 6 months. Most recently, Show StopWatch was updated on October 20, 2026 and LX ToolBox on October 4, 2026.

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