# StageWave vs MXBus

The clearest difference is rating: StageWave at 4.8 against MXBus's 4.2. StageWave also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). MXBus's advantage is review sentiment (71% vs 36%) and ratings volume (120 vs 9). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MXBus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. StageWave asks for nothing beyond the download.

StageWave holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MXBus has 120 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 36% of StageWave's written reviews are positive against 71% of MXBus's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StageWave | MXBus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stagewave/id1478655752/reviews)** | [4.2 (120 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mxbus/id1530411157/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **120** |
| Positive reviews | 35.7% of reviews | **71.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rodrigo Urbina](https://appshunter.io/developer/1406835555) | [Andreas Keldenich](https://appshunter.io/developer/1515007852) |

## What reviewers say

### StageWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stagewave/id1478655752)

This software-based system offers wireless personal audio monitoring for musicians. Control your sound mix directly from your smartphone, reducing cable clutter for live performances, recording, and practice.

**Highlights:** Wireless personal monitoring, Smartphone control, Reduced cable clutter, Universal equipment compatibility, Wi-Fi enabled connection

**In-app purchases:** none


### MXBus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mxbus/id1530411157)

This app empowers musicians to control their own monitor mixes directly from their iOS device when using Behringer X32/X-Air or Midas consoles. It offers features like stereo channels, namable groups, and automatic console discovery for a streamlined sound check and live performance adjustment.

**Highlights:** Monitor mix control for musicians, Supports Behringer X32/X-Air and Midas consoles, Stereo channels for screen real-estate, Namable groups and automatic console discovery, Control send levels for channels, aux tracks, and effects, Reorder channels within groups, Springboard and Lock Screen widgets

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MXBus PRO Package | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Quick and easy connection to mixers
- ✅ Stable and reliable performance for IEM mixing
- 💾 Ability to save scenes and group settings
- 🎚️ Clean, uncluttered design maximizes screen real estate

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Faders moving on their own (recent bug)
- 🔌 Connection issues on certain network subnets (10.0.0.x)
- ❌ Inconsistent connectivity across different devices
- 🔋 High battery drain on some devices
- 📱 Limited iPad compatibility issues

**Reported bugs**

- Faders moving/sliding on their own without user input
- App crashes when changing aux channels
- Mute button switches to channel info screen
- Scene saving not working properly (iOS 26)
- Mix recall/fader recall feature broken after updates

**Requested features**

- Panning control for individual channels
- Support for Behringer Wing consoles
- Individual group controls for sends
- Main L/R mix access
- FX send control from channels


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StageWave free?

StageWave is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MXBus free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StageWave or MXBus?

StageWave is rated higher. StageWave averages 4.8 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while MXBus averages 4.2 from 120 ratings.

### Do StageWave or MXBus have ads?

Neither StageWave nor MXBus shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StageWave or MXBus?

StageWave ships an update monthly, and MXBus monthly. Most recently, StageWave was updated on October 12, 2026 and MXBus on October 18, 2026.

---

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