Comparison

Sidus Link vs VideoLighting

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

VideoLighting

Features
Read full description

I. Function Overview Our app is a multifunctional mobile application that enables users to easily manage video lighting equipment by areas, edit groups, set scenes, upgrade device firmware, and edit various lighting parameters (CCT, RGBCW, HSI, CIE, GEL, Effect, Set, etc.). We are committed to providing a simple and intuitive user interface, allowing users to quickly get started and enjoy all the features. II. Product Features 1.User-Friendly Interface Design: Our app adopts advanced user interface design concepts to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. Whether you are a first-time user or a long-time user, you will easily find the functions you need and improve your efficiency. 2.Multiple Function Modules: The app has several function modules, including Scenes, Groups, Devices, and Settings. Each module offers unique features and functions to meet diverse user needs. Users can choose different modules based on their interests and requirements. III. Key Features 1.Area Management: Users can add devices to different areas for individual management. To control devices in different areas on the same phone, users must obtain authorization or sharing from the area manager, effectively preventing interference and misoperation of nearby devices. This is especially suitable for centralized studios or livestreaming bases. 2.Group Functionality: Devices in the same area can be managed in groups, simplifying control operations. 3.Scene Functionality: Users can set fixed scenes for different groups or individual placements and activate them with one click. 4.Area Sharing Feature: After installation and setup personnel (or professionals) edit areas, group settings, and scene configurations, they can share them with other mobile devices for direct use, saving significant manpower and financial resources. 5.Online Upgrade Feature: We continuously optimize device functions and firmware, with all new programs stored on cloud servers. Global users can directly update device firmware via the "Device Upgrades" option in the app's settings. This upgrade feature allows for updates of individual devices or bulk updates of multiple devices. For devices with multiple programs (such as main and auxiliary programs), comprehensive upgrades can be applied simultaneously. 6.Video Lighting Control Parameters: For single-color temperature devices, users can edit brightness, effects, and settings in real time. For bi-color temperature devices, users can edit CCT, brightness, custom settings, effects, and more. For RGBCW-color devices, users can edit CCT, brightness, RGBCW, HSI, CIE, GEL, Effect, Set, and other parameters in real time.

Screenshots

Sidus Link4 screens
VideoLighting4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Sidus Link at every 2 weeks against VideoLighting's every 2 months. VideoLighting's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sidus Link ships an update every 2 weeks, VideoLighting every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and August 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Sidus Link versus VideoLighting: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSidus LinkVideoLighting
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (626 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews69.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings626 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS1513.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size381 MB43 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperSidus Link Ltd.NINGBO EAST PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.

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

VideoLighting

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Sidus Link

No in-app purchases

None

VideoLighting

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sidus Link free?
Sidus Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VideoLighting free?
VideoLighting is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Sidus Link or VideoLighting have ads?
Neither Sidus Link nor VideoLighting shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sidus Link or VideoLighting?
Sidus Link ships an update every 2 weeks, and VideoLighting every 2 months. Most recently, Sidus Link was updated on August 26, 2026 and VideoLighting on August 6, 2026.

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