Comparison

Ctrl for iPad 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

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

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

LX ToolBox4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Ctrl for iPad at Free against LX ToolBox's $5.99. Ctrl for iPad also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). LX ToolBox's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6). On ads 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

Ctrl for iPad is free to download; LX ToolBox costs $5.99 up front. Ctrl for iPad sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. LX ToolBox asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ctrl for iPad ships an update every 2 months, LX ToolBox every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Ctrl for iPad versus LX ToolBox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCtrl for iPadLX ToolBox
PriceFree — better$5.99
Rating3.3 (7 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews40.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperON LX Limited1BIGRIG Ltd

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
None

LX ToolBox

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ctrl for iPad free?
Ctrl for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LX ToolBox free?
LX ToolBox costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Ctrl for iPad or LX ToolBox have ads?
Neither Ctrl for iPad nor LX ToolBox shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ctrl for iPad or LX ToolBox?
Ctrl for iPad ships an update every 2 months, and LX ToolBox every 6 months. Most recently, Ctrl for iPad was updated on June 1, 2026 and LX ToolBox on September 17, 2026.

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