Comparison

Bubble Private Group Audio vs StageTools

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

Head to head
About

Bubble Private Group Audio

Communicate clearly with friends in noisy environments like clubs or concerts. This app uses Wi-Fi Aware technology for direct device-to-device connections without needing internet. Enjoy private, real-time audio with advanced noise cancellation and spatial sound.

Highlights
  • Direct device-to-device audio
  • No internet required
  • Works in loud environments
  • Crystal-clear real-time audio
  • Private by design (no servers/accounts)
  • Wi-Fi Aware technology
Read full description

Bubble lets you talk clearly with friends in loud, crowded environments — like clubs, bars, concerts, and festivals. Using Apple’s new Wi-Fi Aware technology, devices connect directly to each other with no internet. Just open the app, join a Bubble, and hear each other instantly — even when the room is shaking. Perfect for loud environments • Clubs, bars, and nightlife • Concerts, festivals, and DJ sets • Parties, conventions, and busy events • Anywhere shouting over the noise gets old Crystal-clear real-time audio Bubble uses a fully local, distributed audio pipeline: • Low-latency streaming built for real conversation • Voice isolation that cuts through background noise • Participant-side mixing for clarity in chaotic rooms • Spatial audio separation so each friend sounds distinct • Automatic echo filtering to keep everything clean Private by design No servers. No cloud. No accounts. All audio stays on your devices. Your Bubble exists only between the people in it. Modern networking, no pairing required • Powered by Wi-Fi Aware for instant device-to-device connections • Automatic reconnection when the environment gets crowded • Real-time connection health monitoring • Built with the latest iOS audio and networking frameworks Support ongoing development Bubble is in active development and currently free, and your support helps improve: • Audio clarity in high-noise environments • Multi-device stability • Performance on future Apple hardware • New features and expanded use cases Choose a monthly contribution or unlock lifetime support. Why it matters Because talking shouldn’t be a struggle. Because your voice deserves to be heard - even in the loudest room. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.buttonwork.co/privacy-policy

About

StageTools

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
Read full description

StageTools is a lighting toolkit for iPhone and iPad, built for the work that happens before, during, and after the rig is in the air. Scout the job. Plot the rig. Troubleshoot the network. Check DMX. Keep fixture data, files, notes, and utility tools close without opening a laptop. TOOLBOX Network Devices scans your show network and helps you keep track of nodes, switches, consoles, and other devices. DMX Viewer listens to sACN and ArtNet so you can inspect live universe data and catch channel changes. Micro Console gives you a pocket-sized lighting console for fixture testing, quick looks, and controlled sACN or ArtNet output when you need it. Protocol Detector passively listens for common show-network traffic so you can see what is talking before you change anything. LTC Timecode can generate, receive, or jam timecode from your device. Curve Builder helps build fixture correction references from meter readings and export them for real show workflows. DIP Switch and CCT Converter cover the small calculations that still come up on set and in the shop. QUICK PLOTS Build fast lighting plots, network layouts, and power notes on one canvas. Add symbols, labels, cables, layers, backgrounds, custom symbols, and exports to PDF or PNG. SCOUT NOTES Create location scouts with photos, videos, marked-up images, note tabs, voice memos, transcripts, files, and PDF export. Make Scout Notes can turn a voice transcript into structured notes you can review and insert. FIXTURES Search, download, favorite, and reference fixtures from the GDTF Share Library. Downloaded fixtures can be used across StageTools workflows. FILES Save links, PDFs, manuals, plots, patch sheets, network diagrams, and local files. Organize by folder, category, and favorites, then share folder bundles when another StageTools user needs the same packet. BUILT FOR LIGHTING WORK StageTools is focused on lighting professionals: set lighting crews, theatrical electricians, lighting designers, programmers, gaffers, and touring techs. Many tools work offline. Live network tools require access to the show network. Core data stays on your device, with optional iCloud Sync for your own devices. StageTools is free to try. A subscription unlocks the full lighting workflow after the trial. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Bubble Private Group Audio4 screens
StageTools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: StageTools at every 2 weeks against Bubble Private Group Audio's every 3 months. StageTools also leads on iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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. Bubble Private Group Audio sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Bubble Private Group Audio ships an update every 3 months, StageTools every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Bubble Private Group Audio versus StageTools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBubble Private Group AudioStageTools
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings33
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB87 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperButtonWork, LLCX0 Lighting Control Inc.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Bubble Private Group Audio

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Full Access$2.991 Month
One-time1
  • Full Lifetime Access$19.99
2 purchases

StageTools

Subscriptions2
  • StageTools Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • StageTools Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Bubble Private Group Audio free?
Bubble Private Group Audio 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, Bubble Private Group Audio or StageTools?
Bubble Private Group Audio and StageTools are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do Bubble Private Group Audio or StageTools have ads?
Neither Bubble Private Group Audio nor StageTools shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Bubble Private Group Audio or StageTools?
Bubble Private Group Audio ships an update every 3 months, and StageTools every 2 weeks. Most recently, Bubble Private Group Audio was updated on October 6, 2026 and StageTools on October 3, 2026.

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