# AsteraNext vs WLED

The clearest difference is rating: WLED at 4.0 against AsteraNext's 2.3. AsteraNext's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (14.2 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

WLED holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 10 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 51% positive.

AsteraNext ships an update every 3 weeks, WLED every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AsteraNext | WLED |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asteranext/id1628086599/reviews) | **[4.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wled-official-app/id6446207239/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **50.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 166 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.2** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Astera LED Technology GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1367867799) | [Christophe Gagnier](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676668149) |

## What reviewers say

### AsteraNext

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asteranext/id1628086599)

Control complex lighting setups with intuitive tools for creating custom programs and effects. Manage DMX addresses, diagnose and update fixtures, and ensure seamless runtime for your productions.

**Highlights:** Intuitive lighting control, Customizable programs and effects, DMX address and footprint setup, Fixture diagnosis and updates, Layer effects for pixel control, Scheduled standby mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### WLED

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wled-official-app/id6446207239)

Control and manage all your WLED light devices from your iPhone or iPad. This companion app works with the open-source WLED software for microcontrollers, offering automatic device detection, customizable names, and software update assistance.

**Highlights:** Automatic device detection, Centralized light list, Software update assistant, Customizable device names, Hide or delete devices, Light and dark mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works flawlessly for some
- 👍 Free and does the job
- 👍 Great for managing multiple devices
- 👍 Responsive and stable (for some)
- 👍 Cleaner and modern UI

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Randomly turns on/off
- 🐛 Not user friendly
- 🐛 Glitchy and poorly built
- 🐛 Flickering lights after update

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to connect to LEDs
- Lights randomly turn on
- Connectivity issues, needs re-pairing
- App doesn't work, glitchy
- Brightness control issues

**Requested features**

- User-friendly interface
- Simple interface with advanced option
- Widget features for Home Screen
- Sound react option
- Remote control when away from WiFi


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AsteraNext free?

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

### Is WLED free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AsteraNext or WLED?

WLED is rated higher. AsteraNext averages 2.3 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while WLED averages 4.0 from 10 ratings.

### Do AsteraNext or WLED have ads?

Neither AsteraNext nor WLED shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AsteraNext or WLED?

AsteraNext ships an update every 3 weeks, and WLED every 2 months. Most recently, AsteraNext was updated on October 3, 2026 and WLED on October 16, 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.*