Head-to-head · RGB Lighting Software
Nexus vs ASUS Armoury Crate
Nexus leads on 0 checks, ASUS Armoury Crate on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNexus · 7.6/10
- Free planboth
Nexus scores higher on our rubric for rgb lighting software: 7.6 against 7.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #13 and #15.
Nexus is the better fit for cross-platform RGB power users. ASUS Armoury Crate is the better fit for ASUS and ROG hardware owners.
- Nexus fits best
Cross-platform RGB power users
- ASUS Armoury Crate fits best
ASUS and ROG hardware owners
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Nexus 7.6/10 Visit ↗ | ASUS Armoury Crate 7.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.6 | 7.1 |
| Ranking | #13 in RGB Lighting Software | #15 in RGB Lighting Software |
| Best for | Cross-platform RGB power users | ASUS and ROG hardware owners |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Features Nexus 4/4 · ASUS Armoury Crate 4/4 | ||
| Addressable RGB control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-device sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lighting profiles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Game lighting effects | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Device scope | Both | Both |
| Maximum profiles | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Nexus is a free, open-source application for controlling PC hardware and RGB lighting, aimed at people who want to coordinate effects across components, peripherals, and smart lights. It supports Windows, Apple Silicon macOS, and x86-64… Read the review → |
ASUS Armoury Crate brings RGB lighting and device management together in a Windows application for compatible ASUS, ROG, and TUF Gaming laptops, desktops, components, and peripherals. Its audience is primarily people who already own… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Nexus — where it wins
- Controls RGB components, peripherals, hubs, and smart lights
- Offers screen, audio, and game-linked lighting effects
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
Where it doesn't
- Hardware and lighting control are combined with system controls
- Game-linked lighting depends on supported interfaces
- Mobile apps complement a desktop-focused hardware-control app
ASUS Armoury Crate — where it wins
- Syncs lighting across supported Aura Sync devices.
- Aura Creator edits multi-layer effects; AI can generate effects from text prompts.
- Combines game-linked profiles, monitoring, and driver and firmware updates.
Where it doesn't
- Windows only, with features varying by supported device model.
- Lighting control is centered on ASUS, ROG, TUF Gaming, and compatible devices.
- Combines RGB controls with game library, updates, and system monitoring in one app.
- Nexus7.6/10 · Free plan
A no-cost RGB control app with mapped LEDs, sync effects, and game-linked lighting.
Visit NexusFull verdict → - ASUS Armoury Crate7.1/10 · Free plan
A free Windows hub for ASUS and ROG lighting, device settings, and updates.
Visit ASUSFull verdict →
All RGB lighting software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update