Comparison

QLab Remote vs DMXcat®

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

Head to head
About

QLab Remote

Control and edit live show cues remotely from your iOS device. This companion app for macOS software allows you to flag cues, adjust audio levels, and modify video geometry from anywhere in the venue. It offers a free read-only mode and optional in-app purchases for full editing capabilities.

Highlights
  • Remote control of QLab workspaces
  • Edit cue properties
  • Adjust audio levels and video geometry
  • Flag cues and edit notes
  • Real-time cue updates
  • Read-Only Mode for safe viewing
Features
Read full description

QLab Remote is the official iOS companion app for remote control of QLab, the award-winning live show control software for macOS. QLab Remote requires a connection to QLab 3.0 or later. Some features require a specific minimum version of QLab 4 or 5. See https://qlab.app/docs/v5/networking/qlab-remote/#requirements for details. Get out of the booth and edit your QLab workspace from wherever you are. Flag cues as you sit in tech rehearsal. Adjust audio levels from the front row. Change the geometry of a video cue from the stage. QLab Remote is free to use in "Read-Only Mode", which allows you to view a workspace & follow along worry-free and also includes the unlimited ability to flag cues & edit cue notes. Optional In-App Purchases are available to unlock show control, editing, and light tools features. FEATURES - Automatically finds any QLab workspace on the network. - Updates in QLab are instantly reflected in QLab Remote and vice versa. - Open multiple windows on iPad to view workspaces side-by-side on one screen. - Quickly flag and edit notes for cues. - Easily switch between cue lists. - Watch active cues update in real-time. - Enable "Read-Only Mode" to follow along without worrying you'll accidentally trigger a cue. - Edit basic properties for all cues, such as name, number, notes, color, armed, flagged, etc. - Adjust audio levels and patches for audio, mic, and video cues. - Change display geometry for video, text, and camera cues. - Double-tap a cue to quickly edit it. Please contact support@figure53.com with issues or feedback.

About

DMXcat®

Control, analyze, and test DMX lighting fixtures wirelessly from your smartphone. This system uses a hardware dongle and free mobile apps to simplify lighting control without complex consoles. It supports various functions like DMX and RDM control, fixture management, and DIP switch calculations.

Highlights
  • Wireless DMX and RDM control
  • Fixture control with built-in database
  • DMX analysis and testing
  • DIP switch calculator
  • Multi-language support
Features
Read full description

DMXcat® makes it easy for anyone to control, analyze, or test any DMX lighting fixture, whether it’s a simple LED PAR or a complex moving light. The system consists of a small hardware dongle (purchased separately) and a suite of free mobile applications. Together, they combine to bring wireless DMX and RDM control plus other useful lighting functions to the user’s smartphone. The DMXcat solves the problem faced by all users of modern lighting equipment: How to turn on and test DMX lighting gear without using a complicated lighting console. DMXcat app is now available in seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and English. Software Applications There are currently five apps available for use with the DMXcat system: •DMX Controller: A single universe (512) DMX channel controller with two user interfaces (sliders or keypad). •Fixture Controller: Controls multi-attribute fixtures from a built in database. •RDM Controller: For bi-directional communication and control of RDM enabled devices. •DMX Tester: Analyze and adjust settings for transmitting or receiving DMX. •DIP switch calculator: Simplifies the configuring of DIP switches used for setting DMX addresses. Hardware The DMXcat’s hardware interface is a compact battery powered device which fits easily in a pocket or tool pouch or may be worn on a belt. It uses Bluetooth LE technology for communication with the smartphone applications (up to 50’ range). Without the limitations of being physically connected, the user can move about the workspace as needed with their smartphone and run the various apps while still using the phone for on-the-job communication. The device’s five pin XLRF connector/cable assembly allows it to be connected to a point in a DMX data chain to test or control of the various DMX/RDM functions. It is charged using a standard USB to Micro-USB cable and charger. Other features include a built-in LED flashlight, an audible alarm for locating a misplaced unit, XLR5M to XLR5M Turnaround, LED status indicator, and a removable belt clip with a split ring safety point. Optional accessories include XLR5M to RJ45 Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3F Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3M Turnaround, and a Belt Pouch.

Screenshots

QLab Remote4 screens
DMXcat®4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: QLab Remote at 4.7 against DMXcat®'s 3.9. DMXcat®'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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. QLab Remote sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. DMXcat® asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

QLab Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 26 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of QLab Remote's written reviews are positive against 68% of DMXcat®'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QLab Remote ships an update every 3 weeks, DMXcat® every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
QLab Remote versus DMXcat®: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQLab RemoteDMXcat®
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (26 ratings) — better3.9 (26 ratings)
Positive reviews62.5% of reviews68.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2626
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB43 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFigure 53City Theatrical, Inc

Customer experience

QLab Remote

All ratings26 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.7%
Written reviews40 reviews
Positive62.5%
Neutral7.5%
Negative30.0%

DMXcat®

All ratings26 ratings
Positive73.1%
Neutral3.8%
Negative23.1%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive68.4%
Neutral5.3%
Negative26.3%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

QLab Remote

One-time2
  • Light Tools$19.99
  • Show Control & Editing$39.99
None

DMXcat®

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is QLab Remote free?
QLab Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DMXcat® free?
DMXcat® is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, QLab Remote or DMXcat®?
QLab Remote is rated higher. QLab Remote averages 4.7 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while DMXcat® averages 3.9 from 26 ratings.
Do QLab Remote or DMXcat® have ads?
Neither QLab Remote nor DMXcat® shows ads.
Which is updated more often, QLab Remote or DMXcat®?
QLab Remote ships an update every 3 weeks, and DMXcat® every 5 weeks. Most recently, QLab Remote was updated on September 21, 2026 and DMXcat® on September 9, 2026.

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