KromaDMX vs Surface Remote for Companion
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
KromaDMX
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Turn your iPhone into a professional lighting console. KromaDMX is a powerful mobile DMX control solution built for DJs, lighting technicians, and live event professionals who need speed, reliability, and full control without being tied to a computer. Designed for real-world environments, KromaDMX lets you control lights, scenes, and effects in real time from anywhere. Real-time DMX Control Control your lighting setup directly from your phone Low latency performance for live shows Fast and responsive interface built for real conditions Reliable operation in demanding environments Professional Interface Customizable faders, groups, and scenes Clean and intuitive layout for fast operation Optimized for live use and low light environments Efficient Workflow Quick setup and configuration Instant access to scenes and controls Manage multiple fixtures easily Advanced Connectivity Compatible with Art-Net and sACN protocols Works with standard DMX hardware Designed for professional network setups Perfect for DJs and live performers Lighting technicians Events and stage productions Installations and mobile setups KromaDMX is not a toy. It is a serious tool for professionals who need fast, reliable, and flexible lighting control. KromaDMX Pro (optional) The app is free and has no ads. Full DMX control — patch, scenes, cues and effects — with one universe is free forever. Pro adds multi-universe (up to 16), AutoShow and DJ Link. • Pro yearly: auto-renewing subscription, 1 year, $24.99 per year. First month free for new subscribers. • Pro forever: one-time purchase of $79.99, no renewal. Prices shown are for the United States. Elsewhere the local price applies, and the App Store shows it before you confirm the purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless it is cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; the renewal is charged within those last 24 hours. You can manage or cancel it in your Apple Account settings after purchase. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://kromadmx.app/en/privacy
Surface Remote for Companion
This app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a customizable button surface for Bitfocus Companion. It connects seamlessly to your network, displaying live button states and allowing for custom dashboards and operator sharing. Enjoy a distraction-free experience with no ads or analytics.
- Connects to Companion as Satellite surface
- Live button text, color, and press state
- Customizable Dashboard screen
- Operator mode for crew sharing
- PIN lock integration
- Keeps screen awake
- Light/Dark/System theme
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NO ADS. Surface Remote for Companion turns an iPhone or iPad into a button surface for Bitfocus Companion. It connects over Companion's Satellite API, on your own network, and shows your Companion buttons live. Built for control rooms, live events, streams, churches, schools and AV booths — anywhere you run a show from Companion and want one more set of buttons in your hand. WHAT IT DOES • Connects to Companion as a Satellite surface (WebSocket, port 16623 by default) • Finds Companion on your network by itself — tap it to connect, no address to type • Live button text, colour and press state from Companion • Tap or hold to press; page up and down; current page shown • Dashboard: pick the keys you need from any Companion page and put them on one screen • Operator mode: share chosen Dashboard keys with a crew member's phone by QR code; they see only those keys, and you can revoke them at any time • PIN lock: when Companion's PIN lock is on, unlock with the app's own keypad • Keeps the screen awake while connected • Light, Dark or System theme • Free to download and use • Remembers your last Companion and your surface settings, and connects on launch • Multi-Instance (in-app purchase, $9.99): save several servers, switch between them right on the surface, and on iPad run two surfaces at once • Auto reconnect when Companion restarts • Choose the grid: rows, columns, text size • Optional button artwork, or text-only for the fastest updates • Optional advanced layout with encoder controls • Diagnostics: latency, uptime, reconnects, Companion version, and a connection log you can share • Landscape layout for iPhone and iPad, or turn the surface upright with one tap • Settings in their own tab; the Connect and Settings screens turn with your phone PRIVACY No account. No ads. No analytics. The app talks only to the Companion server you use. Saved servers stay on your device. The camera is used only to scan an Operator QR code, on the device. REQUIREMENTS Bitfocus Companion running on a computer on the same network, with the Satellite WebSocket listener on. Dashboard and Operator mode need Companion 5 with Satellite subscriptions on. Surface Remote for Companion is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Bitfocus.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Surface Remote for Companion at every 3 days against KromaDMX's every 3 weeks. KromaDMX's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. KromaDMX sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per year and Surface Remote for Companion sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
KromaDMX ships an update every 3 weeks, Surface Remote for Companion every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | KromaDMX | Surface Remote for Companion |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Alejandro Fandos | Thomas Brown |
In-app purchases
KromaDMX
- Pro anual1 Month trial$24.991 Year
- Pro para siempre$79.99
Surface Remote for Companion
- Multi-Instance$4.99
Questions
Is KromaDMX free?
Is Surface Remote for Companion free?
Do KromaDMX or Surface Remote for Companion have ads?
Which is updated more often, KromaDMX or Surface Remote for Companion?
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