Comparison

QLab Remote vs Vari

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

Vari

Control your lighting console remotely from any location. Program, adjust, and manage your show with features like command line access, cue playback, and fader control. Ideal for lighting professionals seeking flexibility and precision.

Highlights
  • Remote console control
  • Command line access
  • Cue playback management
  • Groups & palettes editing
  • Advanced color picker
  • Fader control
  • Interactive magic sheets
  • Patch table editing
Features
Read full description

VL Remote – VariLite NEO Console Control Take full control of your VariLite NEO console from anywhere in the venue. VL Remote puts professional lighting control in the palm of your hand, giving you the freedom to program, adjust, and manage your show from the stage, the stalls, or anywhere in between. Command Line Access - Execute commands in real time, just as you would at the console. Make precise adjustments on the fly without interrupting your workflow. Cue Playback Control - Manage cue lists and trigger playback from wherever you need to be. Stay in sync with your show without being tied to the console. Groups & Palettes - Access, edit, and apply groups and palettes instantly to accelerate programming and keep your session moving. Advanced Color Picker - Dial in exact colors with a powerful, intuitive color picker designed for speed and precision in demanding production environments. Fader Control - Make real-time level adjustments remotely, giving you hands-on control without returning to the desk. Magic Sheets - Visualize your rig and select fixtures intuitively using fully interactive magic sheets. Patch Table - View and edit your patch data whether you're online or working offline — ideal for preparation and troubleshooting. Task Tracking - Keep your production organized with integrated task management, so nothing gets missed during busy shows. Messaging - Communicate directly with your console operators through built-in messaging, keeping your entire team in sync. VL Remote is built for lighting professionals who demand flexibility and precision. Whether you're on a world tour or setting up a one-night show, VL Remote keeps you in control — wherever you are.

Screenshots

QLab Remote4 screens
Vari4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: QLab Remote at 63% against Vari's 0%. QLab Remote also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.0) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Vari's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Vari asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

QLab Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QLab Remote has 26 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of QLab Remote's written reviews are positive against 0% of Vari's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QLab Remote ships an update every 3 weeks, Vari every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
QLab Remote versus Vari: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQLab RemoteVari
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (26 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews62.5% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings26 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFigure 53Signify Netherlands B.V.

Customer experience

QLab Remote

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

Vari

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

QLab Remote

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

Vari

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is QLab Remote free?
QLab Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Vari free?
Vari is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, QLab Remote or Vari?
QLab Remote is rated higher. QLab Remote averages 4.7 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Vari averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do QLab Remote or Vari have ads?
Neither QLab Remote nor Vari shows ads.
Which is updated more often, QLab Remote or Vari?
QLab Remote ships an update every 3 weeks, and Vari every 2 months. Most recently, QLab Remote was updated on October 12, 2026 and Vari on October 6, 2026.

Other comparisons