Missiv vs StageTools
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Missiv
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Send your missive — instantly. This app lets you type any message and instantly turn your phone sideways to display it in big, bold, full-screen text. Perfect for communicating across a room, in loud environments, during events, on set, in class, at parties, or anywhere speaking isn’t practical. Whether you’re: • Sending a message across a crowded bar • Communicating on a film set • Making a silent joke from across the room • Getting someone’s attention without yelling • Sharing a quick note in a noisy space Make it your own with full customization. Adjust font style, text size, color, background color, underline, italics, and more to match your vibe or maximize visibility. Not sure what to say? Explore Starters — a built-in collection of ready-to-use message ideas to get you going. You can bookmark your favorites for quick access, or create and save your own custom presets to build a personal library of go-to missives. Just type your message, rotate your phone, and let the screen do the talking. MISSIV — when your message deserves the whole room.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Missiv at none against StageTools's 2. Missiv also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price, 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
Both are free to download. StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Missiv asks for nothing beyond the download.
Missiv ships an update every 5 days, StageTools every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Missiv | StageTools |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 87 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Niche Industries LLC | X0 Lighting Control Inc. |
In-app purchases
Missiv
No in-app purchases
StageTools
- StageTools Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
- StageTools Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year









