Comparison

Stage Sounds vs OnCue Audio

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

Head to head
About

Stage Sounds

This app allows amateur drama groups to easily manage and play sound effects and background music for their productions. Users can create playlists from their existing music library or local files, and trigger sounds with simple button presses.

Highlights
  • Create and manage playlists
  • Play background music and sound effects
  • Trigger sounds with button presses
  • Use existing music library tracks
  • Import local audio files
  • Simple and easy to use interface
Features
Read full description

Stage Sounds is designed for small acting companies and groups that want to have music and sound effects with their production in a way that is easy to use without needing expensive equipment. Just set up play lists of your music or sound effects on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, and then pick the playlist that you want to play, give it a name and optionally put in a description of when the person playing the sound should press the button. The app is able to play background music/sound with another separate sound effect over the top. Note that this app does not have a library of its own songs or music, but plays tracks and playlists that you have set up in the music app. If you have your own audio tracks (e.g. gunshots) or other audio files you can copy them into the iCloud Files app, and select them from there using the local file option. It is designed to be simple to set up, and easy to use.

About

OnCue Audio

This app allows users to create custom audio libraries and playlists for various events, from sports games to retail promotions. It features hotkeys for instant sound playback and supports a wide range of venues.

Highlights
  • Create audio library
  • Create playlists
  • Drag and drop audio
  • Hotkeys for instant playback
  • Supports various venues
  • Tailored sound experiences
Features
Read full description

OnCue Audio puts you in command of every moment. A zero-latency confidence machine. Run music, sound effects, and announcements instantly — without stress, delays, or technical headaches. Whether you’re hyping a game day, running a service, or running a live event, OnCue keeps everything flowing smoothly. No internet? No problem. Your show goes on. Why OnCue? Built for real moments. - Designed for non-tech users — simple, fast, and intuitive from the first tap. Instant control - Trigger music, effects, and announcements exactly when you need them. Rock-solid reliability - Works fully offline. No buffering. No surprises. Native Built. All-in-one audio toolkit. From playlists to soundpads, everything you need in one place. Key Features: Audio Library – Store and organize your own audio tracks. Event Playlists – Create custom playlists for any occasion Soundpad Hotkeys – 168 instant trigger buttons across 6 banks Press & Hold Controls – Quick access to editing and options Play Area – Clean, focused interface for playlist playback Flexible Workflow – Switch seamlessly between playlists and hotkeys -zero dead air during a live game -no embarrassing audio mistakes -look like a pro operator with zero stress Subscriptions: OnCue offers monthly and yearly plans with full access and a free trial. Additional Info: -No Stream audio service(yet). Only local audio files. -No audio files included -Supports most common audio formats -Optimized for Ipad, from 8th gen and above -Works on phone. -Desktops(from M1) Terms of Service & Privacy Policy: By using this app, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy: https://oncue.nu/privacy-policy/

Screenshots

Stage Sounds4 screens
OnCue Audio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: OnCue Audio at 50% against Stage Sounds's 0%. OnCue Audio also leads on price (Free vs $3.99). Stage Sounds's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

OnCue Audio is free to download; Stage Sounds costs $3.99 up front. OnCue Audio sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Stage Sounds asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Stage Sounds ships an update every 23 months, OnCue Audio every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Stage Sounds versus OnCue Audio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStage SoundsOnCue Audio
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating—2.8 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews50.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—8 — better
Update frequencyEvery 23 monthsEvery 17 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.415.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPeter AlldayMasterplay Sweden AB

Customer experience

Stage Sounds

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

OnCue Audio

All ratings8 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

Stage Sounds

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

OnCue Audio

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly7 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Yearly7 Days trial$79.991 Year
One-time1
  • OnCue Pro$59.99

Questions

Is Stage Sounds free?
Stage Sounds costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is OnCue Audio free?
OnCue Audio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Stage Sounds or OnCue Audio have ads?
Neither Stage Sounds nor OnCue Audio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Stage Sounds or OnCue Audio?
Stage Sounds ships an update every 23 months, and OnCue Audio every 17 months. Most recently, Stage Sounds was updated on October 25, 2026 and OnCue Audio on October 24, 2026.

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