# m vs StageTools

The clearest difference is monetization model: StageTools at free with in-app purchases against m's subscription. StageTools also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. m sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year and StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for m against 5.0 for StageTools. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

m ships an update monthly, StageTools every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and August 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | m | StageTools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/m-ber/id6740215628/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stagetools/id6760953336/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **3** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 6 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lawrence Anthony Ware](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788973624) | [X0 Lighting Control Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886615494) |

## What reviewers say

### m

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/m-ber/id6740215628)

Transform your device into a professional sACN lighting fixture for stage, film, and art installations. Control screen brightness, intensity, and vibration using standard lighting protocols.

**Highlights:** sACN control for Universe and DMX Address, Real-time backlight brightness adjustment, IRGB 8-Bit fixture compatibility, 6 Channel Mode with flashlight intensity, Device vibration control, Intuitive interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 365 Days Access to m-BER app | $4.99 | per year |
| Access m-BER app Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


### StageTools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stagetools/id6760953336)

A comprehensive lighting toolkit for professionals, offering network scanning, DMX inspection, fixture testing, and plot creation. Manage fixture data, files, and notes without needing a laptop, with many tools available offline.

**Highlights:** Network device scanning, DMX viewer for sACN/ArtNet, Micro console for fixture testing, Protocol detector, LTC timecode generation/reception, Curve builder, Quick plot creation, Scout notes with multimedia

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StageTools Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| StageTools Annual | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is m free?

m is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is StageTools free?

StageTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, m or StageTools?

m and StageTools are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do m or StageTools have ads?

Neither m nor StageTools shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, m or StageTools?

m ships an update monthly, and StageTools every 2 weeks. Most recently, m was updated on September 17, 2026 and StageTools on August 31, 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.*