Comparison

CineTape AIR vs ARRI ECS

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

Head to head
About

CineTape AIR

Read full description

This is the official Cinematography Electronics CineTape AIR App. It wirelessly connects your iPhone, iPad or iPod to the new CineTape AIR that works in conjunction with your CineTape. The App instantly displays the distance and adds many features to the industry standard CineTape. The intuitive user interface (UI) makes it a perfect companion for your Cine Tape. This App requires both a CineTape and the new CineTape AIR accessory. The measured distance is displayed in easy to read large red numerals that mimic the CineTape. Feet or Meters is shown beneath the numeric readout, for reference. Adjustable features include; 1) NEAR and FAR distance, 2) SENSITIVITY level, and 3) BRIGHTNESS level. In addition, the App has the ability to SYNCHRONIZE two CineTapes. The NEAR and FAR distance settings are used to limit the range of the measurement. This is especially useful for “over the shoulder” type shots. To change the setting, tap on the yellow numerals in the NEAR or FAR section and a popup adjustment wheel appears. Scroll the wheel to fine-tune the distance limit. Tap the number again to set the distance. Both the NEAR and FAR settings work in a similar manner. Each can be set and switched on or off independently. This makes it possible to preset limits, and activate or deactivate them during a shot. Tap on the dotted line in the SENSITIVITY section to increase or decrease the SENSITIVITY. Each dot represents a 5% change. The new SENSITIVITY is displayed as a percentage along with the graphical dot representation. To confirm a change, the red distance display will momentarily flash the new selected setting. The BRIGHTNESS level of the CineTape is adjustable from the App. Tap on the dotted line in the CTM Brightness area to increase or decrease. The length of the dotted line represents the relative BRIGHTNESS. SYNCHRONIZE two CineTapes together by tapping the Tap to SYNC section. This App requires both a CineTape and the new CineTape AIR accessory.

About

ARRI ECS

Features
Read full description

The “ECS Sync” iPhone app functions as a direct communication platform between ARRI and users of ARRI’s Electronic Control System (ECS). Adaptable to any camera and any lens, ARRI ECS tools include wireless hand units and digital controllers, intelligent lens motors, and distance measurers. With the ECS Sync app, users can receive up-to-the-minute software updates, news, and answers to frequently asked questions relevant to these products. In addition, the ECS Sync app enables Bluetooth file sharing between ECS devices and the app via the new Hi-5 hand unit, without the need of a bulky laptop on set. Software versions can be synchronized, and transferred from the app to the connected devices. Lens files and user settings can be archived in the app, or forwarded on, including to the user’s Google Drive or Drop Box. Lens files can also be displayed graphically, contributing to the app’s usefulness as a portable and intuitive filmmaking tool. Features: • Save and load lens tables and user setup files to/from the Hi-5 hand unit via Bluetooth • Create a personalized lens data archive in the ECS Sync app • Update the Hi-5 hand unit and connected LBUS devices via the app • Get the latest news about ARRI ECS products • Distribute lens tables and user setup files from the app via email, WhatsApp, Dropbox, Google Drive and more

Screenshots

CineTape AIR1 screens
ARRI ECS3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ARRI ECS at Free against CineTape AIR's $19.99. CineTape AIR's advantage is chart position (#184 vs unranked). On update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

ARRI ECS is free to download; CineTape AIR costs $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CineTape AIR ships an update every 12 months, ARRI ECS every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 5 level
CineTape AIR versus ARRI ECS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCineTape AIRARRI ECS
Price$19.99Free — better
Update frequencyEvery 12 months — betterEvery 14 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Best chart rank#184 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.6
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas BartonARRI Group

In-app purchases

None

CineTape AIR

No in-app purchases

None

ARRI ECS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CineTape AIR free?
CineTape AIR costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ARRI ECS free?
ARRI ECS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do CineTape AIR or ARRI ECS have ads?
Neither CineTape AIR nor ARRI ECS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CineTape AIR or ARRI ECS?
CineTape AIR ships an update every 12 months, and ARRI ECS every 14 months. Most recently, CineTape AIR was updated on November 6, 2026 and ARRI ECS on November 3, 2026.

Other comparisons