Software comparison

QLab vs VDMX

QLab is a show-control application, while VDMX is a VJ application — they overlap in places but are often used together rather than as substitutes.

	QLab	VDMX
Developer	Figure 53	VIDVOX
Country	United States	United States
Category	Show control	VJ software
Platforms	macOS	macOS
Licence	Free to program; paid licences to run advanced features	Paid licence
Skill level	Beginner → Pro	Intermediate
First release	—	—
Best for	Theatre sound and video playback with simple mapping.	Mac-based VJs who build custom performance layouts.
Key features	Cue-based show control Video surfaces with corner-pin & mesh warp Audio playback & mixing MIDI / OSC / Network cues	Modular VJ workspace ISF shaders Syphon MIDI/OSC control

Verdict

Choose QLab for theatre sound and video playback with simple mapping.

Choose VDMX for mac-based VJs who build custom performance layouts.

Facts are curated and checked against vendor websites; licences and prices change — always confirm on the official sites before buying.