Best Pixel Controllers for xLights: Falcon, Kulp, Genius, HinksPix and PixLite Compared

The 5 controllers most used with xLights: Falcon, Kulp, Experience Lights, HinksPix and Advatek PixLite.
What each one does, how they compare, and the good and bad points of each.

What a pixel controller does

A pixel controller sits between your computer (or show player) and your pixels. xLights sends it the show data over your network. The controller turns that data into signals for each string of pixels plugged into its ports. More ports means more props or more pixels. Every controller here works with xLights.

Side by side

Falcon F16V5 Kulp K32 Experience Lights Genius Pro 32 HinksPix PRO V3 Advatek PixLite E16-S Mk3
Made by PixelController (USA) Kulp Lights (USA) Experience Lights (USA) HolidayCoro (USA) Advatek (Australia)
Pixel ports on the board 16 32 32 Built from expansion boards, up to 80 16
Extra ports (long range / receivers) 4 Smart Receiver ports (up to 32 ports) 4 differential ports (+16 strings) Long range receivers on the Long Range model Long range and smart receivers, up to 5 expansion boards Expanded mode up to 32 outputs
Universes it can take 192 Not stated by maker Not stated by maker 684 96
How the show runs From xLights or a show player such as FPP Built-in FPP show player From xLights or a show player such as FPP From xLights, or on its own from an SD card From xLights, or on its own from a MicroSD card (SHOWTime)
xLights can set it up for you Yes, full upload Yes, through FPP Yes, full upload Yes, full upload Yes, full upload
Price level $$ $ $$ $$$ $$$$
Best for Most home shows Lots of ports for less money Good value, xLights control Very big or commercial shows Commercial jobs, Australian support

Price level: $ is the lowest and $$$$ the highest, based on the makers’ own listed prices in November 2026. Prices and stock change often, and most of these ship from the USA, so check the maker’s website before you buy.

1. Falcon F16V5

PixelController, USA. Also sells through an Australian store.

The Falcon is the best known controller in the hobby. The F16V5 has 16 pixel ports and 4 Smart Receiver ports, so you can grow to 32 ports with receivers. It takes up to 192 universes of E1.31, Art-Net or DDP data, has a 2-port network switch so you can chain controllers together, and has wireless built in.

Good points

  • The most widely used, so help is easy to find on forums and Facebook groups.
  • xLights can upload all the port settings to it for you.
  • 2-port switch makes it easy to chain several controllers.
  • Grows with Smart Receivers as your show gets bigger.
  • Has an Australian store, so buying is easier.

Bad points

  • The bare board needs its own power supply, box and pigtails, or you pay more for a ready-to-run kit.
  • Only 16 ports on the board itself.
  • Stock can run out, even in the Australian store.
  • No show player built in, so you run it from xLights or a player such as FPP.

2. Kulp K32

Kulp Lights, USA.

The K32 is a 32-port board that runs FPP (Falcon Player), the free show player, on a PocketBeagle 2 computer. Each port can drive up to 800 pixels at 40 frames a second, and it takes 5 V to 24 V power. It also has 4 differential ports for 16 more strings, a DMX port, a screen and buttons, and a clock.

Good points

  • The show player is built in, so you do not need a computer running all night.
  • 32 ports for a low price. It is the cheapest per port of the five.
  • Works with 5 V, 12 V or 24 V pixels.
  • Screen, clock and temperature sensor on the board.

Bad points

  • Needs a PocketBeagle 2 (not the older PocketBeagle 1) and FPP version 9 or newer.
  • FPP takes more learning than a plain controller.
  • Sold from the USA, so you pay shipping and wait longer.

3. Experience Lights Genius Pro 32

Experience Lights, USA.

The Genius Pro comes in 16-port and 32-port models. There is also a Genius Long Range controller with 10 long range receiver ports, 2 DMX ports and a built-in power supply. xLights has full support for the Genius range, so it can set the ports for you.

Good points

  • 32 ports for a fair price.
  • xLights can upload all the port settings to it.
  • Long range model for props that are far from the controller.

Bad points

  • The 32-port model can be on back order.
  • Sold from the USA, so you pay shipping and wait longer.
  • No show player built in, so you run it from xLights or a player such as FPP.
  • Fewer users in Australia, so less local help.

4. HinksPix PRO V3

HolidayCoro, USA.

The HinksPix PRO V3 is a CPU board that you build up with expansion boards. It can run up to 80 ports and about 81,920 pixels, and takes up to 684 universes, the most of the five. It can play your xLights show from an SD card, has Wi-Fi to keep several controllers in time, a clock, and an audio output.

Good points

  • The biggest capacity of the five, for very large shows.
  • Plays the show on its own from an SD card.
  • Audio output and Wi-Fi sync for standalone shows.
  • xLights can upload all the port settings to it.

Bad points

  • Costs the most once you add expansion boards.
  • More parts to choose and set up.
  • Far more than most home shows need.
  • Sold from the USA.

5. Advatek PixLite E16-S Mk3

Advatek, made in Australia.

The PixLite is a commercial grade controller with 16 outputs (32 in expanded mode). It takes up to 96 universes of Art-Net or sACN, has a MicroSD card slot to play shows on its own with Advatek SHOWTime, a DMX port, and a 5 year warranty.

Good points

  • Made in Australia, with local support.
  • 5 year warranty and commercial certifications.
  • Plays the show on its own from a MicroSD card.
  • xLights can upload all the port settings to it.

Bad points

  • The most expensive per port, by a long way.
  • 96 universes, half of what the Falcon F16V5 takes.
  • Built for commercial jobs, so it costs more than most home shows need.

Which one should you pick?

  • First show or a normal home show: Falcon F16V5. It has the most users, the most help, and easy xLights setup.
  • Lots of props on a small budget, and no computer running all night: Kulp K32. It has 32 ports and a show player built in.
  • Good value with full xLights control: Experience Lights Genius Pro.
  • Very large or commercial show: HinksPix PRO V3.
  • Commercial job where Australian support and a long warranty matter: Advatek PixLite.

Whatever you choose, every prop from Christmas Props Australia comes with an xModel, so it drops straight into your xLights layout on any of these controllers. Building a mega tree too? Read our guide: How to Build a Pixel Mega Tree. Or browse our Pixel Props by Node Count to match the props to your controller.

Sources

  • xLights source code, controller files: github.com/xLightsSequencer/xLights
  • PixelController (Falcon): pixelcontroller.com and aus.pixelcontroller.com
  • Kulp Lights: kulplights.com
  • Experience Lights: experiencelights.com
  • HolidayCoro (HinksPix): holidaycoro.com
  • Advatek PixLite: advateklighting.com and Australian sellers