Comparison

Sidus Link vs Vari

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
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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

Vari

Control your lighting console remotely from any location. Program, adjust, and manage your show with features like command line access, cue playback, and fader control. Ideal for lighting professionals seeking flexibility and precision.

Highlights
  • Remote console control
  • Command line access
  • Cue playback management
  • Groups & palettes editing
  • Advanced color picker
  • Fader control
  • Interactive magic sheets
  • Patch table editing
Features
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VL Remote – VariLite NEO Console Control Take full control of your VariLite NEO console from anywhere in the venue. VL Remote puts professional lighting control in the palm of your hand, giving you the freedom to program, adjust, and manage your show from the stage, the stalls, or anywhere in between. Command Line Access - Execute commands in real time, just as you would at the console. Make precise adjustments on the fly without interrupting your workflow. Cue Playback Control - Manage cue lists and trigger playback from wherever you need to be. Stay in sync with your show without being tied to the console. Groups & Palettes - Access, edit, and apply groups and palettes instantly to accelerate programming and keep your session moving. Advanced Color Picker - Dial in exact colors with a powerful, intuitive color picker designed for speed and precision in demanding production environments. Fader Control - Make real-time level adjustments remotely, giving you hands-on control without returning to the desk. Magic Sheets - Visualize your rig and select fixtures intuitively using fully interactive magic sheets. Patch Table - View and edit your patch data whether you're online or working offline — ideal for preparation and troubleshooting. Task Tracking - Keep your production organized with integrated task management, so nothing gets missed during busy shows. Messaging - Communicate directly with your console operators through built-in messaging, keeping your entire team in sync. VL Remote is built for lighting professionals who demand flexibility and precision. Whether you're on a world tour or setting up a one-night show, VL Remote keeps you in control — wherever you are.

Screenshots

Sidus Link4 screens
Vari4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sidus Link at 70% against Vari's 0%. Sidus Link also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (626 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Sidus Link holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sidus Link has 626 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of Sidus Link's written reviews are positive against 0% of Vari's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sidus Link ships an update every 2 weeks, Vari every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and August 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Sidus Link versus Vari: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSidus LinkVari
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (626 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews69.7% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings626 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS1515.0
Further details — not scored
Size381 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSidus Link Ltd.Signify Netherlands B.V.

Customer experience

Sidus Link

All ratings626 ratings
Positive82.7%
Neutral3.0%
Negative14.2%
Written reviews211 reviews
Positive69.7%
Neutral5.7%
Negative24.6%

Vari

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

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

Vari

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Sidus Link

No in-app purchases

None

Vari

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sidus Link free?
Sidus Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Vari free?
Vari is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Sidus Link or Vari?
Sidus Link is rated higher. Sidus Link averages 4.3 out of 5 from 626 ratings, while Vari averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Sidus Link or Vari have ads?
Neither Sidus Link nor Vari shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sidus Link or Vari?
Sidus Link ships an update every 2 weeks, and Vari every 2 months. Most recently, Sidus Link was updated on August 26, 2026 and Vari on August 17, 2026.

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