# DS Next vs WLED Max

The clearest difference is update cadence: WLED Max at every 5 days against DS Next's fortnightly. DS Next's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DS Next sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and WLED Max sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DS Next ships an update fortnightly, WLED Max every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DS Next | WLED Max |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wled-max/id6758780253/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 67 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [镇宇 梁](https://appshunter.io/developer/1833822207) | [MeowScript LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1858977013) |

## What reviewers say

### DS Next

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ds-next/id6751843014)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium - Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium - Yearly | $3.99 | per year |


### WLED Max

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wled-max/id6758780253)

Effortlessly control your WLED lights with a user-friendly interface. Manage multiple devices, customize effects, and update firmware directly from your iPhone or iPad. Offers advanced features like segment editing and device grouping.

**Highlights:** Effortless device setup and discovery, Full color and brightness control, 180+ effects with live animated previews, Visual segment editor for zone control, In-app WLED configuration, Device grouping and iCloud sync, OTA firmware updates

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium — Unlimited Devices | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DS Next free?

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

### Is WLED Max free?

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

### Do DS Next or WLED Max have ads?

Neither DS Next nor WLED Max shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DS Next or WLED Max?

DS Next ships an update fortnightly, and WLED Max every 5 days. Most recently, DS Next was updated on November 8, 2026 and WLED Max on October 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.*