# MXBus vs VARI Series

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: VARI Series at none against MXBus's 1. VARI Series also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 70%) and rating (4.4 vs 4.2). MXBus's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 8 months) and ratings volume (117 vs 5). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

VARI Series holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MXBus has 117 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of MXBus's written reviews are positive against 100% of VARI Series's.

MXBus ships an update monthly, VARI Series every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 4, 2026 and June 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MXBus | VARI Series |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mxbus/id1530411157/reviews) | **[4.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vari-series/id6456571358/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **117** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 70.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 20 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Andreas Keldenich](https://appshunter.io/developer/1515007852) | [Guitar Center, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/700229066) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### VARI Series

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vari-series/id6456571358)

Wirelessly control and customize your VARI powered speakers with an intuitive touch interface. Manage full-range speakers and subwoofers, adjust EQ settings, save presets, and control various audio parameters for an enhanced sound experience.

**Highlights:** Wireless speaker control, Intuitive touch interface, EQ customization (4-10 bands), Save personal presets, Master volume and tone control, Subwoofer and routing management, Bluetooth control

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MXBus free?

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

### Is VARI Series free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MXBus or VARI Series?

VARI Series is rated higher. MXBus averages 4.2 out of 5 from 117 ratings, while VARI Series averages 4.4 from 5 ratings.

### Do MXBus or VARI Series have ads?

Neither MXBus nor VARI Series shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MXBus or VARI Series?

MXBus ships an update monthly, and VARI Series every 8 months. Most recently, MXBus was updated on September 4, 2026 and VARI Series on June 26, 2026.

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