Comparison

iRFR vs StageTools

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
Currently charting
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

StageTools

A comprehensive lighting toolkit for professionals, offering network scanning, DMX inspection, fixture testing, and plot creation. Manage fixture data, files, and notes without needing a laptop, with many tools available offline.

Highlights
  • Network device scanning
  • DMX viewer for sACN/ArtNet
  • Micro console for fixture testing
  • Protocol detector
  • LTC timecode generation/reception
  • Curve builder
  • Quick plot creation
  • Scout notes with multimedia
Features
Read full description

StageTools is a lighting toolkit for iPhone and iPad, built for the work that happens before, during, and after the rig is in the air. Scout the job. Plot the rig. Troubleshoot the network. Check DMX. Keep fixture data, files, notes, and utility tools close without opening a laptop. TOOLBOX Network Devices scans your show network and helps you keep track of nodes, switches, consoles, and other devices. DMX Viewer listens to sACN and ArtNet so you can inspect live universe data and catch channel changes. Micro Console gives you a pocket-sized lighting console for fixture testing, quick looks, and controlled sACN or ArtNet output when you need it. Protocol Detector passively listens for common show-network traffic so you can see what is talking before you change anything. LTC Timecode can generate, receive, or jam timecode from your device. Curve Builder helps build fixture correction references from meter readings and export them for real show workflows. DIP Switch and CCT Converter cover the small calculations that still come up on set and in the shop. QUICK PLOTS Build fast lighting plots, network layouts, and power notes on one canvas. Add symbols, labels, cables, layers, backgrounds, custom symbols, and exports to PDF or PNG. SCOUT NOTES Create location scouts with photos, videos, marked-up images, note tabs, voice memos, transcripts, files, and PDF export. Make Scout Notes can turn a voice transcript into structured notes you can review and insert. FIXTURES Search, download, favorite, and reference fixtures from the GDTF Share Library. Downloaded fixtures can be used across StageTools workflows. FILES Save links, PDFs, manuals, plots, patch sheets, network diagrams, and local files. Organize by folder, category, and favorites, then share folder bundles when another StageTools user needs the same packet. BUILT FOR LIGHTING WORK StageTools is focused on lighting professionals: set lighting crews, theatrical electricians, lighting designers, programmers, gaffers, and touring techs. Many tools work offline. Live network tools require access to the show network. Core data stays on your device, with optional iCloud Sync for your own devices. StageTools is free to try. A subscription unlocks the full lighting workflow after the trial. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

iRFR4 screens
StageTools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: StageTools at Free against iRFR's $49.99. StageTools also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.9) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 10 months). iRFR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and chart position (#164 vs unranked). On ads 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

StageTools is free to download; iRFR costs $49.99 up front. StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. iRFR asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

StageTools holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iRFR has 17 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iRFR ships an update every 10 months, StageTools every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
iRFR versus StageTools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriRFRStageTools
Price$49.99Free — better
Rating2.9 (17 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews49.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings17 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#164 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB87 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperElectronic Theatre Controls, Inc.X0 Lighting Control Inc.

In-app purchases

None

iRFR

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

StageTools

Subscriptions2
  • StageTools Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • StageTools Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is iRFR free?
iRFR costs $49.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is StageTools free?
StageTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, iRFR or StageTools?
StageTools is rated higher. iRFR averages 2.9 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while StageTools averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do iRFR or StageTools have ads?
Neither iRFR nor StageTools shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iRFR or StageTools?
iRFR ships an update every 10 months, and StageTools every 2 weeks. Most recently, iRFR was updated on October 14, 2026 and StageTools on October 3, 2026.

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