Comparison

Sidus Link vs Stage Control

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

Head to head
About

Sidus Link

Control film lighting fixtures directly from your mobile device. This app offers advanced modes for white light, gels, color, and effects, with features for scene setup and collaboration. It supports over 100 fixtures and simplifies complex lighting workflows.

Highlights
  • Sidus Mesh Intelligent Lighting Network
  • White Light, Gel, Color, and Effect Modes
  • Unlimited Presets and QuickShots
  • On-set Workflow Management
  • Multi-device Control
  • Sidus Cloud and Creative Collaboration
Features
Read full description

Sidus Link provides a brand-new solution for film lighting control. Based on proprietary Sidus Mesh technology, it enables direct connection and control of over 100 film lighting fixtures using mobile devices like smartphones. Sidus Link integrates the most widely used and professional control functions and modes in the lighting field, including White Light Mode, Gel Mode, Color Mode, Effect Mode, and unlimited preset functions. With built-in Sidus Cloud and Creative Collaboration Group features, it simplifies workflows to help gaffers, DPs, and filmmakers quickly complete scene and lighting setups. Language Support: English Simplified Chinese Traditional Chinese Japanese Portuguese French Russian Vietnamese German 1. Sidus Mesh Intelligent Lighting Network 1.Decentralized film lighting network – No additional network equipment (gateways or routers) required; connect and control lighting fixtures directly via smartphones or other smart devices. 2.Multi-layer encryption ensures a secure and reliable lighting network, preventing interference and misoperation. 3.Supports 100+ professional lighting fixtures. 4.Multiple control devices (smartphones or other smart devices) can simultaneously control the same lighting network. 2. Basic Functions Supports four major control modes: White / Gel / Color / Effect. 2.1. White Light 1.CCT – Supports quick adjustment and touchpad-based control. 2.Source Type – Built-in common white light source library for fast selection. 3.Source Match – Quickly match any scene or cct 2.2. Gel Mode 1.Supports traditional CTO/CTB adjustments used in the film industry. 2.300+ Rosco® & Lee® lighting gels.Rosco® and Lee® trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners. 2.3. Color Mode 1.HSI & RGB modes for quick color adjustments. 2.XY Chromaticity Mode supports A Gamut (similar to BT.2020), DCI-P3, and BT.709 color spaces. 3.Color Picker – Instantly sample any visible color. 2.4. Effects Supports fine-tuning and control of all built-in lighting effects in Aputure fixtures. 2.5. Presets & QuickShots 1.Unlimited local presets. 2.QuickShot Scene Snapshots – Save and recall lighting setups instantly. 3. Advanced Effects Sidus Link App supports: PICKER FX MANUAL MUSIC FX Magic Program Pro/Go Magic Infinity FX 4. Compatibility 1.Sidus Link App supports connection and control of all new Aputure film lights, such as LS 300d II, MC, etc. 2.Legacy Aputure lights will require additional accessories for app connectivity and control.* 3.Supports OTA management – Network firmware and lighting updates for continuous optimization. 5. Sidus On-Set Lighting Workflow On-set workflow management – Create scenes, add devices, and quickly complete lighting setups. Console Workspace Mode – Quickly configure scenes and lighting. Group Management – Fast grouping and control of multiple fixtures. Power Management – Real-time monitoring of battery levels and remaining runtime. Device-Controller Parameter Sync – Instantly retrieve detailed device status and settings. QuickShot Scene Snapshots – Save and recall lighting setups. CC Collaboration Group Workflow Supports multi-user collaboration for controlling and adjusting lighting setups. 6. Sidus Cloud Services Free cloud storage for presets, scenes, and effects (requires compatible hardware/software; existing devices will be supported via firmware updates). CC Collaboration Group Workflow Share lighting networks with group members. Supports quick sharing via temporary verification codes. 7. UX Design Dual UI modes – Precise parameter control & WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). Fixture Locator Button – Added to device lists and group management for quick identification. Onboarding guides – Clear instructions on adding/resetting devices.

About

Stage Control

Features
Read full description

This app (with network relay) will allow you to control 2 power stands, two screens, or screen and stand. The required network relay (not included) from ControlByWeb.com will work with this app on the same network. As long as you have a power microphone stand that requires Direct Current (DC) to operate, you can connect the stand using it's own power supply, or use the recommended 12v 2.0a power supply (not included). The electronic projection screen control will replace the hardwired control. Make sure the relays are connected to the correct pins on the electronic projection screen. No warranty is implied by the use of this application. NOTE: The app ONLY works if you meet the following: 1: Web-Quad Relay (www.ControlByWeb.com) 2: Your iOS device connected to same network as relay. 3: Either a power microphone stand (www.remote-mast.com) or Electric Projection Screen with compatible pin-outs*. 4: Power stand will require a DC voltage power supply. * See support PDF on the support URL or help document on setting screen. Please consult with a local electrician if you need further assistance with cable connections. Cabling may vary, we cannot support wiring beyond what is in the support documents.

Screenshots

Sidus Link4 screens
Stage Control2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Sidus Link at Free against Stage Control's $9.99. Stage Control's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). On ads, in-app purchases, 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

Sidus Link is free to download; Stage Control costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sidus Link ships an update every 2 weeks, Stage Control every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Sidus Link versus Stage Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSidus LinkStage Control
PriceFree — better$9.99
Rating4.3 (626 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews61.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings626 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15 — better15.4
Further details — not scored
Size381 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSidus Link Ltd.Christopher Curry

Bugs and requests

Sidus Link

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes on launch
  • Inability to save/restore light settings
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching devices

Requested features

5 requests
  • Artnet support for lighting automation
  • Siri/voice control integration
  • Dedicated desktop/tablet app
  • Improved background operation and reconnection
  • More comprehensive tutorials and documentation

Stage Control

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Sidus Link

No in-app purchases

None

Stage Control

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sidus Link free?
Sidus Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Stage Control free?
Stage Control costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Sidus Link or Stage Control have ads?
Neither Sidus Link nor Stage Control shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sidus Link or Stage Control?
Sidus Link ships an update every 2 weeks, and Stage Control every 5 days. Most recently, Sidus Link was updated on November 3, 2026 and Stage Control on November 7, 2026.

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