# RCL iDirect vs Ctrl for iPad

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RCL iDirect at 100% against Ctrl for iPad's 40%. RCL iDirect also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (12.5.7 vs 15.6). Ctrl for iPad's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ctrl for iPad sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. RCL iDirect asks for nothing beyond the download.

RCL iDirect ships an update every 5 months, Ctrl for iPad every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RCL iDirect | Ctrl for iPad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.3 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ctrl-for-ipad/id1247514528/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.5.7** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Remote Controlled Lighting Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/522003193) | [ON LX Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1216537447) |

## What reviewers say

### RCL iDirect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rcl-idirect/id576714796)

This application provides a user-friendly interface for managing and controlling remote-controlled spotlights. It allows for easy setup, precise adjustments of pan, tilt, and intensity, and the creation of custom lighting scenes. Designed for iPad, it offers intuitive gesture controls and centralized dimming capabilities.

**Highlights:** Intuitive gesture control for pan, tilt, and dimming, Easy setup and spotlight addition, Light Tables with customizable tiles and areas, Reflected ceiling plan integration for precise placement, Centralized dimming for individual areas and all areas, Scene recording and recall for lighting schemes

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ctrl for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ctrl-for-ipad/id1247514528)

Create, edit, and run custom control interfaces for multiple devices. Trigger commands using various protocols like MIDI, OSC, and HTTP. Share workspaces across devices and customize your interface with custom palettes and images.

**Highlights:** All-in-one interface for building and running workspaces, Trigger multiple commands via MIDI, OSC, HTTP, TCP, UDP, Mix and match control protocols, Share workspaces across devices with file sharing and AirDrop, Customizable control palettes and interface design, Support for various control elements like buttons, sliders, and crossfaders

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lite | $14.99 | one-time |
| Lite to Core Upgrade | $37.99 | one-time |
| Core to Pro Upgrade | $44.99 | one-time |
| Core | $59.99 | one-time |
| Lite to Pro Upgrade | $84.99 | one-time |
| Pro | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RCL iDirect free?

RCL iDirect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ctrl for iPad free?

Ctrl for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do RCL iDirect or Ctrl for iPad have ads?

Neither RCL iDirect nor Ctrl for iPad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RCL iDirect or Ctrl for iPad?

RCL iDirect ships an update every 5 months, and Ctrl for iPad every 2 months. Most recently, RCL iDirect was updated on September 18, 2026 and Ctrl for iPad on June 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*