Comparison

Ctrl for iPad vs Stage Timer

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

Head to head
About

Ctrl for iPad

Create, edit, and run custom control interfaces for multiple devices. Trigger commands using various protocols like MIDI, OSC, and HTTP. Share workspaces across devices and customize your interface with custom palettes and images.

Highlights
  • All-in-one interface for building and running workspaces
  • Trigger multiple commands via MIDI, OSC, HTTP, TCP, UDP
  • Mix and match control protocols
  • Share workspaces across devices with file sharing and AirDrop
  • Customizable control palettes and interface design
  • Support for various control elements like buttons, sliders, and crossfaders
Read full description

- All in One Build, Edit and Run. All from one interface With Ctrl there's no need to ever leave the app. Create workspaces quickly, make changes in realtime and be ready to run your workspace all with a tap of a few buttons. - Mix and Match Trigger multiple commands using multiple protocols Build advanced interfaces with the flexible rules and command system. Trigger remote devices using MIDI, OSC, HTTP, TCP and UDP or mix them to control multiple device types. Playback audio locally and video over HDMI and AirPlay. - Share Work between device multiple devices with ease Why limit yourself to one device? Easily import and export workspaces and share between devices with file sharing and AirDrop support. - Customise Make Ctrl your own with custom control palettes Design colour palettes for your workspaces that match specifications Use the in-app palette builder or access pre-built styles online Set custom images or logos to suit your interface Set custom background images to make a completely unique interface design Controls - Buttons that allow control with single or multiple touches - Sliders that allow control with a variable value output - Steppers that allow variable control with set intervals - Crossfaders that allow control with a variable value output - Rotaries that allow control of rotation or parametric values - Descriptors that allow for information to be added your workspace - Custom built modules that control third party hardware & software - And more Control Protocols - MIDI / Musical Instrument Digital Interface - OSC / Open Sound Control - HTTP / HTTP/1.1 Methods, Headers, Body - TCP / Transmission Control Protocol - UDP / User Datagram Protocol - Audio Playback - Video Playback - sACN / Lighting Control [BETA] API Methods - MIDI - OSC - HTTP This app is provided by default to download at no cost. This trial version is designed for users to test the basic functions of the application, production use is not supported. Outputting from Ctrl for iPad will be disabled after 5 minutes of use without a Lite, Core or Pro license. If you are looking at Ctrl for iPad for a project or installation and want to try the full features of the app, contact our team through our website.

About

Stage Timer

This app provides precise timing for live events, presentations, and performances. It offers a clear display, intuitive controls, and multi-device synchronization to keep everyone on track. Enhance your event management with customizable features and a sleek interface.

Highlights
  • Precision timer display with progress bar
  • Intuitive start, pause, and reset controls
  • Multi-device synchronized timer sessions
  • Fullscreen mode for presentations
  • Customizable messages on screen
  • Advanced settings like dark mode and auto-start
Features
Read full description

StageTimer is a powerful, versatile, and intuitive timer app designed for professionals, educators, event hosts, and performers who need precision timing for live events, presentations, conferences, and stage performances. With its sleek interface, robust functionality, and seamless multi-device connectivity, StageTimer helps you stay on track, manage your time efficiently, and ensure your events run smoothly. Whether you’re a teacher timing classroom activities, a presenter coordinating your speech, or an event organizer managing multiple timers across devices, StageTimer provides you with an elegant, customizable timing solution. Enjoy a large, easy-to-read timer display accompanied by interactive controls that let you start, pause, reset, and update your timer with just a few taps. Plus, thanks to its innovative multi-device connectivity, you can share timer sessions across several devices—keeping your entire team or audience perfectly synchronized no matter where they are. But StageTimer isn’t just about keeping time—it’s about enhancing your entire event experience. Use the fullscreen mode for a distraction-free view that’s ideal for large presentations, or set custom messages to display important cues or instructions directly on the timer screen. Every aspect of the app has been designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, ensuring that your timing experience is not only accurate but also visually appealing. StageTimer offers a rich settings menu that empowers you to tailor the app to your exact needs. Set your default duration, enable auto‑start for immediate timing, toggle between dark and light modes, or keep your screen on during critical moments. And for those who demand even more, our premium upgrade unlocks advanced features like multi‑device sharing, remote controls, custom themes, and audio alerts. With a one‑time payment, you can upgrade to premium—no recurring subscriptions, just professional-grade tools that are yours forever. Every detail of StageTimer is crafted to ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience. The user-friendly interface, paired with clear controls and flexible options, makes it simple to focus on your performance rather than fiddling with settings. Whether you’re preparing for a live stage performance, running a workshop, or simply managing everyday tasks, StageTimer is the perfect companion to keep you punctual and in control. Join thousands of satisfied users who have elevated their timing game. With StageTimer, you’re not just managing time—you’re mastering it. Key Features: • Precision Timer Display with a dynamic progress bar • Intuitive Start, Pause, and Reset Controls • Customizable Timer Duration (up to 1 hour for free users, 24 hours for premium) • Multi-Device Connectivity for Synchronized Timer Sessions • Fullscreen Mode for Distraction-Free Presentations • Custom Messaging for On-Screen Instructions • Advanced Settings including Dark Mode, Auto‑Start, and “Keep Screen On” • Premium Upgrade with a One‑Time Payment (No Subscription) • Remote Controls, Custom Themes, and Audio Alerts (Premium) • Sleek, User-Friendly Interface Designed for Professionals Download StageTimer today and experience the ultimate tool for managing your time. Whether you’re leading a classroom, staging a live performance, or orchestrating a large event, StageTimer ensures you’re always in control—and always on time. Your payment will be charged to your Apple ID account. In-app purchases are processed by Apple and are subject to their standard terms and conditions. By downloading StageTimer, you agree to Apple's End User License Agreement (available at https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/) as well as our Privacy Policy, which is available at https://mattcowlin.com/policies/privacy.html. Please review these terms carefully before making any purchase.

Screenshots

Stage Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Stage Timer at 3.9 against Ctrl for iPad's 3.3. Ctrl for iPad's advantage is review sentiment (40% vs 13%) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. Ctrl for iPad sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Stage Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Stage Timer holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 16 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 40% of Ctrl for iPad's written reviews are positive against 13% of Stage Timer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Ctrl for iPad versus Stage Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCtrl for iPadStage Timer
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (7 ratings)3.9 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews40.0% of reviews — better12.5% of reviews
Number of ratings716 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperON LX LimitedMSDC TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Customer experience

Ctrl for iPad

All ratings7 ratings
Positive57.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.9%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative40.0%

Stage Timer

All ratings16 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral6.3%
Negative18.8%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive12.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative75.0%

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Ctrl for iPad

One-time6
  • Lite$14.99
  • Lite to Core Upgrade$37.99
  • Core to Pro Upgrade$44.99
Show 3 more
  • Core$59.99
  • Lite to Pro Upgrade$84.99
  • Pro$99.99
1 purchases

Stage Timer

One-time1
  • Stage Timer Pro$17.99

Questions

Is Ctrl for iPad free?
Ctrl for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Stage Timer free?
Stage Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Ctrl for iPad or Stage Timer?
Stage Timer is rated higher. Ctrl for iPad averages 3.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Stage Timer averages 3.9 from 16 ratings.
Do Ctrl for iPad or Stage Timer have ads?
Neither Ctrl for iPad nor Stage Timer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ctrl for iPad or Stage Timer?
Ctrl for iPad ships an update every 2 months, and Stage Timer every 2 months. Most recently, Ctrl for iPad was updated on October 12, 2026 and Stage Timer on October 8, 2026.

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