Comparison

iRFR Preview 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 Preview

This app offers a view-only display of active cue lists for lighting consoles. It's designed for professionals needing to monitor current and upcoming cues. iPad users can also take and export notes on cues.

Highlights
  • View-only cue list display
  • Monitor current and pending cues
  • Note-taking on iPad
  • Export notes to text file
  • Works on iPhone and iPad
Features
Read full description

The Preview iRFR application for the Eos family of products - Eos, Ion and Element - provides a view-only Cue List display of the active cue list. ideal for lighting designers and stage managers who need to only see current and pending cues, this application works on the iPhone, iPad Touch and iPad products. On the iPad, this application makes it possible for designers to take notes on cues, copy those notes to a text file and email them as needed.

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

iRFR Preview3 screens
StageTools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: StageTools at 5.0 against iRFR Preview's 2.8. StageTools also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 12 months). iRFR Preview's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). On price, ratings volume, 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

Both are free to download. StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. iRFR Preview asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

StageTools holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 3 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iRFR Preview ships an update every 12 months, StageTools every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 3, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
iRFR Preview versus StageTools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriRFR PreviewStageTools
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.8 (4 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
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 Preview

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 Preview free?
iRFR Preview is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is StageTools free?
StageTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, iRFR Preview or StageTools?
StageTools is rated higher. iRFR Preview averages 2.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while StageTools averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do iRFR Preview or StageTools have ads?
Neither iRFR Preview nor StageTools shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iRFR Preview or StageTools?
iRFR Preview ships an update every 12 months, and StageTools every 2 weeks. Most recently, iRFR Preview was updated on October 3, 2026 and StageTools on October 3, 2026.

Other comparisons