Ctrl Player v1 vs ScreenExtend
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ctrl Player v1
This app centralizes control of audio, entertainment, video, and lighting systems. It allows users to interact with custom interfaces for managing complex equipment, making automation and device control intuitive for any technical skill level. Multiple devices can connect to the same installation for synchronized control.
- Centralized control of audio, entertainment, video, and lighting
- Interact with custom Ctrl Suite interfaces
- Intuitive buttons, sliders, and steppers
- Supports MIDI, OSC, UDP, HTTP(S), TCP, MQTT, Serial, KNX, Telnet, Timecode
- Connect multiple devices for synchronized control
- Customizable interface with images and colors
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The intuitive app making it easier than ever to control your installation's audio, entertainment, video, lighting, and so much more. Player makes control of multiple pieces of complex equipment on your installation centralised & simple by allowing you to view and interact with your Ctrl Suite interfaces. Player presents the customisable buttons, sliders, steppers, images, device modules & more in a form that makes triggering automation, controlling devices intuitive and straightforward for any level of technical ability. Player setup has been designed to be as simple and user-proofed as possible. Connect and go. Once the App is opened, Player can be discovered and adopted into a Ctrl Engine session over your local network to allow users to start controlling the installation. Why limit yourself to one device? The Ctrl Suite architecture allows you to connect multiple Player devices on the same installation. The system state is synchronised between all of them over the Ctrl Engine. Within Ctrl Designer, your Player interfaces can be authored to trigger devices using the following protocol types: · MIDI / Musical Instrument Digital Interface · OSC / Open Sound Control · UDP / User Datagram Protocol · HTTP(S) / HTTP(S)/1.1 Methods, Headers, Body · TCP / Transmission Control Protocol · MQTT / MQ Telemetry Transport · Serial · KNX over IP · Telnet · Timecode Alternatively, you can map each interface button to be fed into a logic process within Ctrl Engine to manipulate the input in real-time for more advanced projects. We’re always adding custom interface modules to simplify interaction with specific services to help you create the ultimate unified control interface for your installation: · Session timers · Buttons · Sliders · Steppers · Titles · Text · Images · Audio controls · Tab navigation bars · Side navigation bars · Module Specific controls Ctrl Player displays all customisation options defined in Ctrl Designer: · Custom background images & logos · Custom background colours Contact our team through our website if you're looking at Ctrl Suite for a project or installation and want to try the entire system. This is for Version 1 of Ctrl Suite
ScreenExtend
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Turn your iPad or iPhone into a second HD screen for your Mac – no Wi-Fi, no lag, with an ultra-stable wired connection. ScreenExtend is the ideal alternative to other similar apps: simple, fast, and compatible with all iOS 16+ and macOS 14+ devices. Increase your productivity wherever you are by connecting your iPad or iPhone as a secondary display via the charging cable. With our app, you can use your iPhone or iPad as a second screen for your Mac. Perfect for designers, developers, students, and professionals looking for a smooth, responsive, and seamless screen extension. KEY FEATURES: • Stable wired connection: No Wi-Fi required. Just connect your device to your Mac and get started. • No lag: Smooth video, instant response. Also ideal for presentations or multitasking. • High definition: Sharp and responsive display, like a real external monitor. • Universal Compatibility: Works with all iPhones/iPads with iOS 16.0+ and Macs with macOS 14.0+. • One-Minute Setup: Download the free desktop app at screenextend.com and follow the instructions. Download ScreenExtend today and revolutionize the way you work! In-App Purchases ScreenExtend includes additional features available via in-app purchase. All payments are handled directly by the App Store. For support, visit: • https://www.creact.it/eula/ • https://www.creact.it/privacy-policy/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Ctrl Player v1 at none against ScreenExtend's 1. Ctrl Player v1 also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). ScreenExtend's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs monthly). On price, 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
Both are free to download. ScreenExtend sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Ctrl Player v1 asks for nothing beyond the download.
Ctrl Player v1 ships an update monthly, ScreenExtend weekly. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Ctrl Player v1 | ScreenExtend |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 31 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ON LX Limited | Creact SRL |
In-app purchases
Ctrl Player v1
No in-app purchases
ScreenExtend
- ScreenExtend Monthly$2.991 Month
Questions
Is Ctrl Player v1 free?
Is ScreenExtend free?
Do Ctrl Player v1 or ScreenExtend have ads?
Which is updated more often, Ctrl Player v1 or ScreenExtend?
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