Comparison

ARRI ECS vs Freefly Ember

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

Head to head
About

ARRI ECS

Features
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The “ECS Sync” iPhone app functions as a direct communication platform between ARRI and users of ARRI’s Electronic Control System (ECS). Adaptable to any camera and any lens, ARRI ECS tools include wireless hand units and digital controllers, intelligent lens motors, and distance measurers. With the ECS Sync app, users can receive up-to-the-minute software updates, news, and answers to frequently asked questions relevant to these products. In addition, the ECS Sync app enables Bluetooth file sharing between ECS devices and the app via the new Hi-5 hand unit, without the need of a bulky laptop on set. Software versions can be synchronized, and transferred from the app to the connected devices. Lens files and user settings can be archived in the app, or forwarded on, including to the user’s Google Drive or Drop Box. Lens files can also be displayed graphically, contributing to the app’s usefulness as a portable and intuitive filmmaking tool. Features: • Save and load lens tables and user setup files to/from the Hi-5 hand unit via Bluetooth • Create a personalized lens data archive in the ECS Sync app • Update the Hi-5 hand unit and connected LBUS devices via the app • Get the latest news about ARRI ECS products • Distribute lens tables and user setup files from the app via email, WhatsApp, Dropbox, Google Drive and more

About

Freefly Ember

Control your Freefly Ember camera wirelessly from your iOS or iPadOS device. Adjust settings, review footage instantly, and export your best shots with ease. The app mirrors your camera's on-screen interface for a seamless workflow.

Highlights
  • Wireless camera connection
  • Live preview
  • Remote camera settings adjustment
  • Instant video playback
  • Export selected video clips
  • Synced user interface
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Introducing remote wireless control for your Freefly Ember on iOS and iPadOS. Quickly adjust your camera settings, enjoy instant playback, and easily export your favorite shots, all directly from the app. The Ember app replicates all camera controls available on the on-camera UI, providing a cohesive and intuitive experience. Any changes made on your camera are reflected in the app instantly, ensuring you're always in full control. Key Features: Wireless Connection: Connect the app to your Freely Ember camera via the camera’s WiFi network to view live preview and control your camera settings. Instant Playback: Replay your shots instantly, allowing you to check and perfect your videos on the go. Export: Specify in/out points on videos and transfer your shots directly from the camera to your device with a few simple taps. Synced UI: Changes made on your camera are instantly mirrored on the app for a seamless experience. Video playback requires a device that supports ProRes decoding: iPhone 13 and newer iPad Mini 6th generation and newer iPad Pro 12.9” 5th generation and newer iPad Pro 11” 3rd generation and newer iPad Air 5th generation and newer Ensure your device's compatibility for the best experience.

Screenshots

ARRI ECS3 screens
Freefly Ember4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Freefly Ember at monthly against ARRI ECS's every 14 months. ARRI ECS's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). 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

ARRI ECS ships an update every 14 months, Freefly Ember monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ARRI ECS versus Freefly Ember: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterARRI ECSFreefly Ember
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—6 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperARRI GroupFREEFLY SYSTEMS INC.

In-app purchases

None

ARRI ECS

No in-app purchases

None

Freefly Ember

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ARRI ECS free?
ARRI ECS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Freefly Ember free?
Freefly Ember is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ARRI ECS or Freefly Ember have ads?
Neither ARRI ECS nor Freefly Ember shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ARRI ECS or Freefly Ember?
ARRI ECS ships an update every 14 months, and Freefly Ember monthly. Most recently, ARRI ECS was updated on September 19, 2026 and Freefly Ember on September 27, 2026.

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