Comparison

vMix Virtual Control Surface vs TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)

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

Head to head
About

vMix Virtual Control Surface

This app provides a virtual control surface for the vMix video switching software. It allows users to control vMix functions remotely over a network, mimicking the feel of a hardware switcher with numerous programmable buttons and faders.

Highlights
  • 512 preview buttons
  • 512 program buttons
  • 512 audio input faders
  • Audio channel control
  • Clip playback control
  • Transition and DSK buttons
  • Programmable user buttons
Read full description

vMix CS is a software control surface for controlling the video switching program vMix. This app enables you to control vMix from anywhere within your network. vMix CS also provides the feel of a traditional hardware switcher. Simply press the IP address within vMix CS and type in the IP address of the computer running vMix. vMix Virtual Control Surface Features: -512 preview buttons -512 program buttons -512 overlay buttons -512 audio input faders -512 audio input meters -512 mute input buttons -Toggle Master, A-G bus assignment for audio -Solo Audio Channels -Play, Pause & Repeat clips from the audio controller -4 DSK buttons to control up to 4 overlay channels -4 transition buttons -4 user programmable buttons (programmed within vMix "SurfaceF1", "SurfaceF2", "SurfaceF3" and "SurfaceF4") -Master / Bus A-G audio fader -Master / Bus A-G mute button -Record, Stream, External, FadeToBlack and Take buttons -Smooth T-Bar ******NOTE****** The host vMix computer must have its network set to "Home". Setting this to "Work" or "Public" will block vDesk from connecting to vMix. This can be changed by right clicking the network icon on the bottom right of windows and selecting "Open Network and Sharing Center". In the Network and Sharing Center, the network that you are currently connected to will be displayed along with an icon. Under the name should list the current security setting. It will either list "Home", "Work" or "Public". To change this setting, click on the link below the network name and a new window will pop up. In this new window, select "Home Network". ******* User experience may be poor if WiFi signal is poor

About

TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)

This app allows users to switch between multiple video sources, including external cameras and built-in device cameras, for live streaming and recording. It offers advanced features like real-time transitions, overlays, picture-in-picture effects, and remote control capabilities.

Highlights
  • Multicam switching (up to 9 inputs)
  • Supports NDI, SRT, UVC, RTSP protocols
  • Real-time transitions and playback
  • Customizable overlays (titles, logos, clock)
  • Picture-in-picture effects
  • Remote title overlay via LAN
  • Live sports slow-motion playback
Features
Read full description

- Up to 9 inputs could be TopDirectorCam or any other external A/V sources that support NDI, NDI HX, SRT and RTSP protocols - Up to 4 UVC(USB -> HDMI) camera inputs on iPadOS 17 - Start all the built-in cameras on the iPhone/iPad simultaneously (Pro Max models could have up to 4 cameras, the earlier models could only choose one between the front and rear cameras) - Real-time transition among the external inputs, built-in cameras, and media in the Photo Library - Full Screen External HDMI & Wireless AirPlay via Screen Mirroring/AirPlay - Use the RTMP protocol which is used by most of the video platforms to 3 channel live streams, local record for backup, NDI or NDI|HX output at the same time - No need for cumbersome timeline operations, real-time playback to edit, getting video post-production easily - Valuable background music feature to easily create electronic albums with the Ken Burns special effects of photos - Customized and unlimited vector title and shape overlay with professional safety Down Stream Key(DSK) control - Independent and unlimited layers of translucent logo overlay and clock, countdown, and scoreboard - Support TopDirectorTitle App for remote title overlay via LAN, suitable for complex subtitle operations in live broadcasting - Perfectly embedded Apple Pencil (or use finger on the iPhone) to realize online sketch comments - Picture-in-picture effects for remote interviews, online teaching, video conferencing, etc, fully customizable video source, window size and position, distortion, dynamic background, edges, reflections, blur, and more - Used in conjunction with TopDirectorCam app for real-time slow-motion playback of live sports games - All operations support unlimited Undo and automatic alignment snap feature that all the professional people needed - Support the TALLY feature to mark the current PGM camera when switching among multiple cameras - Unique security protection keep maintaining output even in the background - No need to register, no any other subscription fees, one-time purchase for lifetime use Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) at Free against vMix Virtual Control Surface's $19.99. TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (114 vs 9). vMix Virtual Control Surface's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On rating, review sentiment, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) is free to download; vMix Virtual Control Surface costs $19.99 up front. TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per year. vMix Virtual Control Surface asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) has 114 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 40% of vMix Virtual Control Surface's written reviews are positive against 38% of TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

vMix Virtual Control Surface ships an update every 4 months, TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
vMix Virtual Control Surface versus TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP): the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametervMix Virtual Control SurfaceTopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)
Price$19.99Free — better
Rating3.9 (9 ratings)4.1 (114 ratings) — better
Positive reviews40.0% of reviews — better37.5% of reviews
Number of ratings9114 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB98 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSeth HabermanTopDirector Corporation

Customer experience

vMix Virtual Control Surface

All ratings9 ratings
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%
Written reviews35 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral17.1%
Negative42.9%

TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)

All ratings114 ratings
Positive71.1%
Neutral10.5%
Negative18.4%
Written reviews40 reviews
Positive37.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

vMix Virtual Control Surface

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)

Reported bugs

17 issues
  • Crashes at opening on iPad Pro M2
  • iPad camera always 30fps despite correct config
  • App freezes when syncing iPad Pro with iPhone
  • App crashes every time after latest update
  • App won't open if 'Don't allow' is selected for album access
Show 12 more
  • NDI streaming to another computer does not work
  • Cannot choose save location for recorded files (reverts to camera roll, renames/changes resolution)
  • SRT does not work
  • SRT output livestream not supported
  • Audio of video clips does not work
  • Audio does not work
  • Video playback only works for clips under 10 seconds
  • App crashes when feeding in 5 to 6 cameras
  • App randomly crashes
  • Tally does not work
  • No audio from iPhones via NDI
  • App crashes on launch after update

Requested features

19 requests
  • PIP templates with square or round screens
  • Scrolling text in overlays
  • Ability to replay, back-forward, adjust speed, freeze
  • RTMP input support
  • OSC control for Stream Decks
Show 14 more
  • Tutorials on optimal NDI usage
  • Add a next cam option
  • Better character generator
  • Fix video playback for clips over 10 seconds
  • Improve bitrate for YouTube streaming
  • Add SRT output support
  • Improve audio functionality
  • More intuitive wireless camera setup
  • Provide how-to videos or tutorials
  • Allow recovery of previously purchased features
  • Implement a trial period
  • Fix tally functionality
  • Add audio support for NDI streams
  • Improve output section stability

In-app purchases

None

vMix Virtual Control Surface

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)

Subscriptions1
  • Unlock All Features$49.991 Year
One-time9
  • NDI and TALLY$4.99
  • Enable USB(UVC) Camera Input$4.99
  • Screen Mirroring/AirPlay$9.99
Show 6 more
  • PTZ Camera Control$9.99
  • Picture in Picture Watermark$14.99
  • Logo and Background Music$14.99
  • Video Scopes, Color Grading$14.99
  • UTitle, Title, NTitle, SuperFG$14.99
  • Unlimited PGM Duration$14.99

Questions

Is vMix Virtual Control Surface free?
vMix Virtual Control Surface costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) free?
TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, vMix Virtual Control Surface or TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)?
TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) is rated higher. vMix Virtual Control Surface averages 3.9 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) averages 4.1 from 114 ratings.
Do vMix Virtual Control Surface or TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) have ads?
Neither vMix Virtual Control Surface nor TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) shows ads.
Which is updated more often, vMix Virtual Control Surface or TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP)?
vMix Virtual Control Surface ships an update every 4 months, and TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) every 10 days. Most recently, vMix Virtual Control Surface was updated on October 24, 2026 and TopDirector (NDI,SRT,UVC,RTSP) on October 22, 2026.

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