Helmsman Remote vs ShowMatic
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Helmsman Remote
Control your Helmsman PRO performances remotely from your iPhone. Start, stop, play, pause, activate triggers, and adjust volume without being tied to your computer.
- Remote play, pause, and stop
- Activate up to 8 triggers
- Adjust volume levels
- Wireless control from iPhone
- Requires Helmsman PRO v1.3.0+
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Helmsman Remote is for users already using Helmsman PRO but don't want to be tied to their computer throughout a performance. Helmsman Remote allows you the freedom to control Helmsman's actions right from your iPhone!!! Ever run into one of these scenarios when you're not by the computer? - Want to Start or Stop the performance? Go ahead! - Need to use a Trigger at just the right time? Click and watch everyone's reaction! - Volume too loud? Too soft? Change it! The following options are available: - Play - Pause - Stop - Triggers (1 through 8) - Volume control --------------------------------------- Note: Helmsman version 1.3.0.0 or later is required. 2nd Note: In order to avoid special router settings, forwarding ports, etc... make sure that your iPhone is connected to the same network as the computer running Helmsman. --------------------------------------- Information about Helmsman can be found @ http://www.lifeape.com
ShowMatic
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ShowMatic is the mobile command center for our controllers. Built for haunted attractions, escape rooms, interactive exhibits, and entertainment venues that demand instant visibility and zero downtime. YOUR SHOW IN YOUR POCKET See every device across your location at a glance. Live status streams over Wi-Fi so you know the second a prop stops responding, an air loop drops pressure, or a controller loses power - before patrons notice. MONITOR & DIAGNOSE FROM ANYWHERE Monitor and diagnose your devices from right in front of the prop, from anywhere in the world over the internet, or even without Wi-Fi or internet. FAULT NOTIFICATIONS Get a push alert when a problem is detected. Your tech team can intercept problems before the show is affected. MANAGE AND CONFIGURE Use the app to provision your devices for Wi-Fi, upload sounds, configure scenes, and more. REQUIREMENTS ShowMatic hardware and a ShowMatic account on our cloud.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: ShowMatic at every 3 weeks against Helmsman Remote's every 31 months. Helmsman Remote's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Helmsman Remote ships an update every 31 months, ShowMatic every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Helmsman Remote | ShowMatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 31 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Nelson Bairos | Bright Ideas Custom Electronics Inc |
In-app purchases
Helmsman Remote
No in-app purchases
ShowMatic
No in-app purchases









