Comparison

StageTools vs ArtNet sACN Viewer

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

Head to head
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/

About

ArtNet sACN Viewer

Monitor Art-Net and sACN lighting network traffic in real-time. Visualize DMX channel values, track packet rates, and manage source priorities. Works over WiFi and Ethernet for comprehensive network analysis.

Highlights
  • Live DMX channel visualization
  • Source IP and sACN priority display
  • Multi-source HTP merging
  • Packet rate monitoring
  • Independent Art-Net/sACN monitoring
  • WiFi and Ethernet support
Read full description

ArtNet sACN Viewer Real-time monitoring for Art-Net and sACN lighting networks. ArtNet sACN Viewer listens for Art-Net and sACN traffic on your local network over WiFi or Ethernet. Active universes appear automatically as packets arrive, with channel values updating live. Features - Live DMX channel visualization per universe - Universe Overview grid — see all universes at a glance with live activity - Source IP display and sACN source priorities - Multi-source HTP merging with sACN priority rules - Art-Net subnet/universe mapping with optional +1 offset and hex notation - Packet rate monitoring per universe - Toggle to keep screen on during monitoring - Enable/disable Art-Net and sACN monitoring independently - Works over WiFi and Ethernet Note: Traffic is only visible if sent as broadcast or as unicast to the listening device. The app listens to one interface at a time, with Ethernet always taking priority over WiFi when connected.

Screenshots

StageTools4 screens
ArtNet sACN Viewer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: StageTools at Free against ArtNet sACN Viewer's $3.99. ArtNet sACN Viewer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On update cadence, 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

StageTools is free to download; ArtNet sACN Viewer costs $3.99 up front. StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. ArtNet sACN Viewer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StageTools ships an update every 2 weeks, ArtNet sACN Viewer weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
StageTools versus ArtNet sACN Viewer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStageToolsArtNet sACN Viewer
PriceFree — better$3.99
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size87 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperX0 Lighting Control Inc.Philip Daniel Schwanke

In-app purchases

2 purchases

StageTools

Subscriptions2
  • StageTools Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • StageTools Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year
None

ArtNet sACN Viewer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is StageTools free?
StageTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ArtNet sACN Viewer free?
ArtNet sACN Viewer costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do StageTools or ArtNet sACN Viewer have ads?
Neither StageTools nor ArtNet sACN Viewer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StageTools or ArtNet sACN Viewer?
StageTools ships an update every 2 weeks, and ArtNet sACN Viewer weekly. Most recently, StageTools was updated on October 24, 2026 and ArtNet sACN Viewer on October 28, 2026.

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