Comparison

The Set Lighting App vs StageTools

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

Head to head
About

The Set Lighting App

Features
Read full description

All the digital tools the modern Set Lighting Technician will need in the field and back in the truck. Databases! Formulas! Diagnostics! Reference Materials!

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

The Set Lighting App3 screens
StageTools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: StageTools at Free against The Set Lighting App's $34.99. The Set Lighting App's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On update cadence, ads and device support 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

StageTools is free to download; The Set Lighting App costs $34.99 up front. StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. The Set Lighting App asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

The Set Lighting App ships an update every 8 days, StageTools every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and August 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
The Set Lighting App versus StageTools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Set Lighting AppStageTools
Price$34.99Free — better
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size102 MB87 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCanary Yellow Applications, LLCX0 Lighting Control Inc.

In-app purchases

None

The Set Lighting App

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

StageTools

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

Questions

Is The Set Lighting App free?
The Set Lighting App costs $34.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is StageTools free?
StageTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do The Set Lighting App or StageTools have ads?
Neither The Set Lighting App nor StageTools shows ads.
Which is updated more often, The Set Lighting App or StageTools?
The Set Lighting App ships an update every 8 days, and StageTools every 2 weeks. Most recently, The Set Lighting App was updated on September 10, 2026 and StageTools on August 31, 2026.

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