Comparison

iRFR vs Vari

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

Head to head
About

iRFR

Control ETC Eos family lighting systems remotely from your mobile device. Access programming and playback features, including cue lists and direct selects. Requires Eos family software 2.6 or higher.

Highlights
  • Remote control for Eos family lighting systems
  • Programming and playback features
  • Tab-based display system
  • Moving light controls
  • Direct selects
  • Cue list access
  • Security controls
Features
Read full description

The iRFR from ETC provides a remote for any Eos family lighting system (Eos, Eos Ti, Gio, Gio @5, Ion, Element and Eos/Ion Remote Processors). This application requires Eos family software 2.6 or higher on the connected lighting system. Eos 3.0 or higher is required for Focus Wand Please note the iRFR is NOT support by Cobalt. The iRFR supports most features needed for programming and playback. It does not support remote patching and system configuration. A tab-based system changes the displays from the full keyboard, moving light controls, direct selects, playback tools and a cue list. Security controls prevent un-authorized access to a lighting system.

About

Vari

Control your lighting console remotely from any location. Program, adjust, and manage your show with features like command line access, cue playback, and fader control. Ideal for lighting professionals seeking flexibility and precision.

Highlights
  • Remote console control
  • Command line access
  • Cue playback management
  • Groups & palettes editing
  • Advanced color picker
  • Fader control
  • Interactive magic sheets
  • Patch table editing
Features
Read full description

VL Remote – VariLite NEO Console Control Take full control of your VariLite NEO console from anywhere in the venue. VL Remote puts professional lighting control in the palm of your hand, giving you the freedom to program, adjust, and manage your show from the stage, the stalls, or anywhere in between. Command Line Access - Execute commands in real time, just as you would at the console. Make precise adjustments on the fly without interrupting your workflow. Cue Playback Control - Manage cue lists and trigger playback from wherever you need to be. Stay in sync with your show without being tied to the console. Groups & Palettes - Access, edit, and apply groups and palettes instantly to accelerate programming and keep your session moving. Advanced Color Picker - Dial in exact colors with a powerful, intuitive color picker designed for speed and precision in demanding production environments. Fader Control - Make real-time level adjustments remotely, giving you hands-on control without returning to the desk. Magic Sheets - Visualize your rig and select fixtures intuitively using fully interactive magic sheets. Patch Table - View and edit your patch data whether you're online or working offline — ideal for preparation and troubleshooting. Task Tracking - Keep your production organized with integrated task management, so nothing gets missed during busy shows. Messaging - Communicate directly with your console operators through built-in messaging, keeping your entire team in sync. VL Remote is built for lighting professionals who demand flexibility and precision. Whether you're on a world tour or setting up a one-night show, VL Remote keeps you in control — wherever you are.

Screenshots

iRFR4 screens
Vari4 screens

Verdict

The call

iRFR and Vari both sit at 2.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 49% of iRFR's written reviews are positive against 0% of Vari's. iRFR also leads on ratings volume (17 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Vari's advantage is price (Free vs $49.99) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 10 months). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Vari is free to download; iRFR costs $49.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.9 for iRFR against 3.0 for Vari. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iRFR has 17 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 49% of iRFR's written reviews are positive against 0% of Vari's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iRFR ships an update every 10 months, Vari every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
iRFR versus Vari: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriRFRVari
Price$49.99Free — better
Rating2.9 (17 ratings)3.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews49.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings17 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperElectronic Theatre Controls, Inc.Signify Netherlands B.V.

Customer experience

iRFR

All ratings17 ratings
Positive35.3%
Neutral17.6%
Negative47.1%
Written reviews49 reviews
Positive49.0%
Neutral22.4%
Negative28.6%

Vari

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

iRFR

No in-app purchases

None

Vari

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iRFR free?
iRFR costs $49.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Vari free?
Vari is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iRFR or Vari?
Vari is rated higher. iRFR averages 2.9 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Vari averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do iRFR or Vari have ads?
Neither iRFR nor Vari shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iRFR or Vari?
iRFR ships an update every 10 months, and Vari every 2 months. Most recently, iRFR was updated on October 14, 2026 and Vari on October 17, 2026.

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