StageTools vs MeterWise
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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/
MeterWise
This app helps you predict your household utility bills by inputting meter readings. It offers accurate calculations for electricity, gas, and water, with specialized features for solar users and custom rate options. It ensures privacy by working offline and not requiring account registration.
- Predicts upcoming utility bills
- Supports electric, gas, and water utilities
- Optimized for California residential tariffs
- Solar NEM & True-Up forecaster
- Automatic meter conversions
- Unified and linked billing dashboard
- Offline-first functionality
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MeterWise is a utility bill predictor designed to help you take control of your household finances. Simply input your current meter readings, and MeterWise uses up-to-date rate tables and predictive calculations to project your upcoming bill. Stop the bill shock! Optimized for California residential tariffs: • Electric: LADWP, SoCal Edison (SCE), PG&E, SDG&E, Sacramento (SMUD), Pasadena (PWP), Glendale (GWP), Burbank (BWP), Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) • Gas: SoCalGas, PG&E, SDG&E, Long Beach Gas • Water: LADWP, San Diego (MyWaterSD), Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Anaheim, Long Beach • Full CCA rate support for all 25 Community Choice Aggregators across PG&E, SCE, and SDGE • Custom Rates: Support for unlisted utilities with manual rate entries. KEY FEATURES: • ACCURATE CALCULATION ENGINE Accurately models regional non-bypassable charges (NBCs), daily minimum bill floors, baseline climate zone allowances, CARE/FERA assistance discounts, and municipal tax brackets. Prediction Tuner allows modeling of usage spikes to prevent skewing of predictions early in the billing cycle. • SOLAR NEM & TRUE-UP FORECASTER For SCE, PG&E, and SDG&E, separate monthly cash obligations from your annual True-Up balance. Predict your Month 12 True-Up payment or wholesale refund based on your anniversary month. For LADWP, track rolling credit bank deposits and withdrawals. • AUTOMATIC METER CONVERSIONS Converts measured water gallons into Hundreds of Cubic Feet (HCF). Handles solar "rollback" meter readings automatically with zero manual math required. • UNIFIED & LINKED BILLING Supports grouped statements (such as LADWP electric, water, and sanitation) and aligns differing cycle lengths (30-day vs. 60-day) into a single, unified monthly dashboard. • FLEXIBLE INPUT OPTIONS Upload a PDF of your bill to auto-populate info. Use the built-in Lifestyle Profile wizard to estimate TOU usage splits based on your A/C habits and EV charging routine, or import official Green Button files. For water and gas, you can also enter a standard usual cost instead of meter readings. • SMART CYCLE REMINDERS MeterWise remembers your billing cycle dates and sends timely reminders to update your readings for maximum projection accuracy. • 100% PRIVATE No account registration is required. All meter data and settings stay strictly on your local device. A network connection is not required for use. METERWISE PRO (IN-APP PURCHASE) Upgrade to MeterWise Pro with a single one-time purchase ($4.99) to unlock advanced utility tools: • Solar NEM & True-Up Forecaster: Track credit banks and project 12-month solar true-up statements. • Green Button File Importer: Auto-populate usage tiers from official utility CSV and XML export files. • PDF bill scan: Provide a PDF or image of your latest bill to auto-fill your meter initial state. • Prediction Tuner: Model heat waves and other usage spikes to prevent false predictions. • Custom Rate Profile Builder: Create manual seasonal, TOU, and tiered rate ledgers for any utility. • Dashboard Customizer: Hide utility cards included in rent or HOAs. Only pay once. MeterWise Pro is a one-time purchase. DISCLAIMER: MeterWise is an independent calculation utility and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with any utility company. All projections are estimates based on published public tariff schedules. Actual bills may vary based on weather spikes, dynamic baseline updates, and meter discrepancies. Always refer to your official utility statement for actual charges. TERMS OF USE & PRIVACY • Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ • Privacy Policy: https://meterwiseapp.github.io/meterwise-privacy/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: MeterWise at every 4 days against StageTools's every 2 weeks. On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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 and MeterWise sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for StageTools against 5.0 for MeterWise. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.
StageTools ships an update every 2 weeks, MeterWise every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | StageTools | MeterWise |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 87 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | X0 Lighting Control Inc. | Joshua Finley |
In-app purchases
StageTools
- StageTools Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
- StageTools Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year
MeterWise
- MeterWise Pro Lifetime Access$4.99









