# Ctrl for iPad vs PromptBook

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PromptBook at 100% against Ctrl for iPad's 40%. PromptBook also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.3) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). Ctrl for iPad's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ctrl for iPad sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and PromptBook sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PromptBook holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Ctrl for iPad's written reviews are positive against 100% of PromptBook's.

Ctrl for iPad ships an update every 2 months, PromptBook every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ctrl for iPad | PromptBook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ctrl-for-ipad/id1247514528/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/promptbook/id6760601185/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 38 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ON LX Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1216537447) | [James Appleby](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885244547) |

## What reviewers say

### Ctrl for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ctrl-for-ipad/id1247514528)

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lite | $14.99 | one-time |
| Lite to Core Upgrade | $37.99 | one-time |
| Core to Pro Upgrade | $44.99 | one-time |
| Core | $59.99 | one-time |
| Lite to Pro Upgrade | $84.99 | one-time |
| Pro | $99.99 | one-time |


### PromptBook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/promptbook/id6760601185)

This professional tool allows stage managers and theatre technicians to import scripts, mark cues with precision, and annotate using Apple Pencil. It facilitates the creation of complete prompt books and offers real-time collaboration features for theatre production teams.

**Highlights:** Precision cue marking with text snapping, Color-coded cue lists for departments, Apple Pencil annotation and drawing, Configurable page layouts and reader line, PDF and CSV export options, Real-time collaboration with shared sessions, iCloud sync across devices

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Promptbook Pro | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ctrl for iPad free?

Ctrl for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PromptBook free?

PromptBook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Ctrl for iPad or PromptBook?

PromptBook is rated higher. Ctrl for iPad averages 3.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while PromptBook averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Ctrl for iPad or PromptBook have ads?

Neither Ctrl for iPad nor PromptBook shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ctrl for iPad or PromptBook?

Ctrl for iPad ships an update every 2 months, and PromptBook every 5 days. Most recently, Ctrl for iPad was updated on September 26, 2026 and PromptBook on October 15, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*