Comparison

BLE Controller vs Gerber Viewer

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

Head to head
About

BLE Controller

This app enables wireless control of microcontrollers like Arduino and ESP32 via Bluetooth Low Energy. It features a customizable remote interface, a serial console for real-time data monitoring, and device management tools for makers and hobbyists.

Highlights
  • Customizable button interface
  • Real-time serial console
  • Device scanning and management
  • Bi-directional communication
  • Offline functionality
  • Dark and light themes
Features
Read full description

Control your Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Micro:bit and IoT devices wirelessly with BLE Controller - the ultimate Bluetooth Low Energy remote and serial terminal for makers, hobbyists, and professionals. POWERFUL BLUETOOTH CONTROL BLE Controller provides seamless wireless communication with your microcontroller projects. Connect to any Bluetooth-enabled Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, or IoT device and take full control from your iPhone or iPad. CUSTOMIZABLE REMOTE CONTROL Create your perfect control interface with fully customizable buttons. Each button can be personalized with: - Custom labels and commands - Color-coded organization - Icon selection from 20+ options - Instant command transmission Perfect for robot control, smart home automation, motor control, LED strips, servo control, and more. Send commands like Forward, Backward, Left, Right, Stop, or any custom serial commands your project needs. SERIAL CONSOLE & TERMINAL Monitor real-time data from your devices with the built-in serial console. View sensor readings, debug messages, and system logs as they happen. Send custom commands directly to your device and receive instant feedback. Features: - Real-time data streaming - Command history - Clear and organized log view - Custom baud rate configuration - Bi-directional communication SMART DEVICE MANAGEMENT - Quick scan for nearby BLE devices - Auto-save recent connections - RSSI signal strength monitoring - One-tap reconnection to favorite devices - Device connection history PROFESSIONAL FEATURES - Dark and light theme options - Haptic feedback for tactile response - Offline functionality - no internet required - Privacy-focused - your data stays on your device - No subscription fees or in-app purchases PERFECT FOR - Arduino robot control (cars, drones, rovers) - ESP32/ESP8266 IoT projects - Home automation systems - Robotics competitions - STEM education and learning - Prototype testing and development - Maker projects and hackathons - Industrial automation - Smart device integration - Serial communication testing EASY SETUP 1. Enable Bluetooth on your device 2. Upload BLE serial code to your Arduino/ESP32 3. Tap "Scan" to find your device 4. Connect and start controlling 5. Customize buttons for your project needs RELIABLE & STABLE Built with professional-grade Bluetooth libraries ensuring stable connections and reliable data transmission. Advanced error handling and automatic reconnection keep you connected to your projects. CONTINUOUS UPDATES We're committed to making BLE Controller the best Bluetooth control app for makers. Regular updates bring new features, improvements, and bug fixes. SUPPORT & COMMUNITY Need help? Our support team is ready to assist with setup questions, connection issues, or feature requests. Join thousands of makers worldwide using BLE Controller for their projects. COMPATIBLE PLATFORMS • Arduino (Uno, Mega, Nano with BLE module) • ESP32 (built-in BLE) • ESP8266 (with external BLE module) • HC-05/HC-06 Bluetooth modules • nRF52 boards • Raspberry Pi with Bluetooth • Any device with BLE serial capability Start building amazing wireless projects today. Download BLE Controller and bring your IoT devices to life!

About

Gerber Viewer

Features
Read full description

The Ultimate Mobile PCB & Gerber File Inspector. Whether you are a hardware engineer, an electronics hobbyist, or a manufacturer, Gerber Viewer provides a desktop-grade experience for opening, inspecting, and verifying your printed circuit board designs directly on your iPhone or iPad. No need to wait until you are at your computer. Open both native CAD PCB layouts and manufacturing Gerber files instantly from your email, cloud storage, or local files. Key Features: Instant ZIP Archive Support: Simply open a .zip bundle of your design! The app automatically decompresses the archive and intelligently matches all layers for you. Advanced Layer Management: Toggle specific layers on and off effortlessly. Isolate copper traces, solder masks, silkscreen layers, and board outlines. Precise Measurement Tools: Check clearances, pad distances, and trace widths on the go with high-precision measurement tools. Smooth Render Engine: Built for speed. Experience fluid zooming, panning, and rendering of complex, high-density multi-layer boards without lag. Secure & Offline: Your designs are safe. All file rendering happens locally on your device, keeping your intellectual property completely secure and accessible offline. Comprehensive File Support: Our robust engine is designed to recognize and render all standard EDA exports automatically: Gerber Files (PCB Layer Artwork): General Gerber: .gbr, .ger Copper Layers: .gtl, .gbl, .cmp, .sol Silkscreen Layers: .gto, .gbo, .plc, .pls Soldermask Layers: .gts, .gbs, .stc, .sts, .st, .sb Board Outline / Keep-out: .gko, .gm1, .gm2, .gml, .profile, .outline, .cut, .out Layer Aliases: .top, .bottom, .bot, .ts, .bs Excellon Drill Files (CNC Holes): Supports: .drl, .txt, .xln, .tap, .drd, .drill, .pth, .npth Gerber ZIP Archives: Direct import of .zip files containing any of the Gerber and Drill files listed above with automatic layer matching! Premium Subscriptions & Plans: Unlock the full power of Gerber Viewer with our flexible premium plans designed to fit your production and engineering workflow. Choose the plan that best suits your needs: Weekly Subscription: $2.99 / week — Perfect for quick project checks and short-term manufacturing reviews. Monthly Subscription: $4.99 / month — Ideal for active hardware developers and engineering students. Yearly Subscription: $19.99 / year — Best value for professionals, offering full year-round access at a massive discount. Note: Payments will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or turn off auto-renew in your Apple ID Account Settings at any time after purchase. Legal & Privacy: Terms of Service: https://sites.google.com/view/gerber-terms/home Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/gerber-policies/home

Screenshots

BLE Controller4 screens
Gerber Viewer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BLE Controller at none against Gerber Viewer's 3. 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. Gerber Viewer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. BLE Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
BLE Controller versus Gerber Viewer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBLE ControllerGerber Viewer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (26 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings26 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size64 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCircuitMagic Inc.CODIGITAL SOLUTIONS

In-app purchases

None

BLE Controller

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Gerber Viewer

Subscriptions3
  • Pro Access$2.997 Days
  • Pro Access$4.991 Month
  • Pro Access$19.991 Year

Questions

Is BLE Controller free?
BLE Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Gerber Viewer free?
Gerber Viewer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do BLE Controller or Gerber Viewer have ads?
Neither BLE Controller nor Gerber Viewer shows ads.

Other comparisons