Comparison

Helmsman Remote vs ShowMatic

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Remote play, pause, and stop
  • Activate up to 8 triggers
  • Adjust volume levels
  • Wireless control from iPhone
  • Requires Helmsman PRO v1.3.0+
Features
Read full description

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

About

ShowMatic

Read full description

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

Helmsman Remote2 screens
ShowMatic4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Helmsman Remote versus ShowMatic: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHelmsman RemoteShowMatic
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 31 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNelson BairosBright Ideas Custom Electronics Inc

In-app purchases

None

Helmsman Remote

No in-app purchases

None

ShowMatic

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Helmsman Remote free?
Helmsman Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ShowMatic free?
ShowMatic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Helmsman Remote or ShowMatic have ads?
Neither Helmsman Remote nor ShowMatic shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Helmsman Remote or ShowMatic?
Helmsman Remote ships an update every 31 months, and ShowMatic every 3 weeks. Most recently, Helmsman Remote was updated on September 23, 2026 and ShowMatic on October 5, 2026.

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