# Screens 5: VNC Remote Desktop — user reviews

> 295 indexed App Store user reviews of Screens 5 by Edovia Inc., rated 4.50/5 from 534 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 437 · 4★ 36 · 3★ 7 · 2★ 8 · 1★ 46

## What do users think of Screens 5?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🚀 Excellent remote access
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🔒 Secure SSH-based remote control
- 👍 Native to Apple ecosystem
- 🚀 High-quality remote desktop rendering

**Cons**

- 🐛 Unreliable connection and frequent disconnections
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔒 Requires complex networking setup (port forwarding, Tailscale)
- 🐛 Issues with full-screen mode and window management
- 🐛 Telemetry and analytics cannot be disabled

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Inability to delete auto-saved nearby devices
- Inconsistent behavior when editing device configurations
- Screens Connect failing to work reliably

**Most requested features**

- Ability to block remote input while keeping remote desktop visible
- File transfer between Mac and iOS/iPadOS
- Upgrade pricing for existing users

## Newest reviews (10 of 295)

### 3/5 — Austricksen - nicht mit mir

*2026-08-15*

Nun, der Hinweis der anderen Personen, die Bewertungen abgegeben haben, ist berechtigt. Während andere Apps, die In-App-Käufe verlangen, dass schon in der Appstore-Übersicht angeben, passiert das bei  Screens 5 nicht. Man wird also, im Glauben eine kostenlose App zu benutzen, zum, Download verleitet, um dann festzustellen, dass man selbst für den Test schon eine Abo abschließen und Zahlungsinfos eingeben muss.
Zahlen für Leistung ist in Ordnung, es gibt aber auch Apps, die man testet, und erst wenn man damit zufrieden ist, muss man Zahlungsdaten eingeben.
Ich mag es nicht, Kreditkarten- oder andere Zahlungsinfos in die welt zu streuen, wenn ich noch nicht weiß, ob ist die Software auch nutzen werde.
Demzufolge werde ich Screens 5 nicht ausprobieren.
Schade, Ihnen entgeht somit ein potenzieller Kunde.

**Developer response:** Die verfügbaren Abonnements und Preise werden im App Store auf der Produktseite von Screens 5 im Bereich „In-App-Käufe“ aufgeführt.

Screens 5 bietet außerdem eine kostenlose 7-tägige Testphase, damit Sie die App ausprobieren können, bevor Ihnen etwas berechnet wird. Das Abonnement kann während dieser Zeit jederzeit gekündigt werden.

Alle Zahlungen werden vollständig von Apple über den App Store abgewickelt. Wir erhalten oder speichern keinerlei Kreditkarten- oder Zahlungsdaten.

Screens 5 ist eine kostenpflichtige App, die kontinuierlich gewartet und weiterentwickelt wird. Das Abonnement umfasst die Nutzung auf iPhone, iPad, Mac und Apple Vision Pro sowie regelmäßige Updates und neue Funktionen.

### 2/5 — Verbindung möglich, aber keine Auflösungen

*2026-08-04*

Es ist schon sehr verwirrend eine native Vision App zu verwenden, und keine Auflösungen Einstellung zu können, besonders wenn es Hart auf HD 1080 eingestellt ist, und die Qualität nicht komprimiert wird. Wenn dann Komprimierung aktiviert wird, fällt die ohnehin schlechte Auflösung so krass ab, das oft ein Pixelbrei zu erkennen ist. Ohne Komprimierung sind es plötzlich GB an Daten gewesen die Übertragen worden sind. Ich kommt mit der Anwendung für meinen Einsatz nicht zurecht.

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback. Wenn Sie Unterstützung benötigen, kontaktieren Sie uns bitte unter screens@edovia.com. Wir helfen Ihnen gerne weiter.

### 3/5 — Curtain mode unreliable, lovely app otherwise

*2026-07-28, version 5.8.10*

1. [BUG] Constantly getting "unable to enable curtain mode" popup annoyances for macOS 27 hosts. I have followed the ***EXACT*** instructions on the website and have ensured remote login is set up appropriately. Please fix.  

2. [FR] Please add curtain mode status icon (working/broken/not selected) to AVP app. 

3. [FR] It would be nice to also have RDP support, as half of my remotes are Windows and RDP is honestly just better for scaling and low-data environments than the comparatively terrible VNC protocol. RDP would also be useful for some Linux remotes, strangely enough.

### 3/5 — Not for RDP

*2026-07-19, version 5.8.10*

Not for windows rdp and requires a subscription
Compatible with VNC and true own server

### 4/5 — Overall good

*2026-07-12, version 5.8.10*

It works pretty well. But my main gripe is that the screens do not curve. It would be much more usable to me if they did.

### 4/5 — An sich gut

*2026-06-17*

Bedienung super, aber nicht 100% zuverlässig. Bleibt öfter im Ladebildschirm hängen, Zwischenablage geht trotz Haken nicht immer etc. Trotzdem ein Blick wert

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung und Ihr Feedback.

Es freut uns, dass Ihnen Screens insgesamt gefällt. Wir würden gerne mehr über die von Ihnen beschriebenen Probleme erfahren, beispielsweise das Hängenbleiben im Ladebildschirm oder die Zwischenablage, die nicht immer funktioniert.

Bitte kontaktieren Sie uns unter screens@edovia.com und teilen Sie uns weitere Details mit. Wir schauen uns das gerne genauer an.

Wir wünschen Ihnen einen schönen Tag!

### 5/5 — Great app on all devices.

*2026-06-09*

The only caveat is that a -very wide- screen is not curved on the Vision Pro and makes it hard to use the screen in VR. Other than that, the best app for connecting to remove devices. Only beaten by Apply native AirPlay feature (which requires to be next to the Macbook…)

**Developer response:** Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to leave a review!

We’re glad you’re enjoying Screens across your devices. Regarding curved windows on Vision Pro: we’d love to support them as well. Unfortunately, Apple currently doesn’t make that capability available to third-party developers, so it’s not something we can implement yet. As soon as Apple opens up the API, it’s definitely something we’d like to explore for Screens.

If you ever have questions, suggestions, or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out at screens@edovia.com. We’re always happy to help.

### 1/5 — keeps interrupting me asking for feedback

*2026-06-06, version 5.8.7*

Any app that asks me for feedback repeatedly and does not provide a “don’t ask me again” button automatically gets the lowest possible rating from me.

### 3/5 — IME change not work

*2026-06-05*

Also function keys and spotlight feature

**Developer response:** Thanks for your review. We’d be happy to investigate the IME issue if you contact us at screens@edovia.com with more details. Screens also includes a Spotlight button in the toolbar for quick access.

### 4/5 — 제꺼는 접속이 안되네요

*2026-06-04*

로그인이 안됩니다 방금 결제했는데 환불 부탁드립니다

**Developer response:** 안녕하세요. 문의해 주셔서 감사합니다.

로그인 또는 연결 문제는 저희가 도와드릴 수 있습니다. 자세한 내용을 확인할 수 있도록 screens@edovia.com 으로 연락해 주세요.

환불을 원하시는 경우에는 Apple을 통해 요청하셔야 합니다.

감사합니다.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Intermittent disconnections

*2026-08-30*

Screens 4 works perfectly with my MacBookPro. Screens 5 keeps disconnected and attempts to reconnect. Really annoying and frustrating. Tried many different methods and no luck. Had to use Screens 4. The only thing that attracted me to buy Screens 5 was the password auto populating feature. Apart from that, nothing is better and it is not worth the money. I would appreciate if I could get a refund.

**Developer response:** Hi! Sorry you're experiencing this. Screens 5 should not repeatedly disconnect like this, and this is most likely related to the connection or configuration rather than expected behaviour.

Please contact us from Screens > Settings > Help > Support Request and send a diagnostics report. We'll be happy to investigate what's causing the disconnections and help get things working properly.

Cheers!

### 1/5 — Buggy, slow, and overpriced

*2026-08-19*

Requires massive setup on each device. Very poor interface. Not worth it when there are so many free VNC apps out there

**Developer response:** Hi. That’s certainly not the experience we expect. Screens is widely praised for its ease of use and interface, so it sounds like something may not be working as intended in your setup. Please contact us at screens@edovia.com and we’ll be happy to help. Have a nice day!

### 1/5 — Subscribe? NO

*2026-08-10, version 5.8.12*

More subscriptions, no thank you…

### 1/5 — Paywall

*2026-07-06*

A free app should not lock all of its functionality behind a paywall

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. We understand that a subscription is not the right choice for everyone.

For clarification for anyone reading this review: Screens is not advertised as a free app. Whether the App Store displays the button as “Get” is entirely determined by Apple. We have no control over that. The App Store also clearly indicates that Screens offers In-App Purchases before you download it.

Screens requires a subscription to use, but we also offer a 7-day free trial that can be canceled at any time before it ends if you decide it’s not the right fit.

While VNC is an open standard, a modern remote desktop app doesn’t build itself. We develop and maintain our own VNC implementation and continuously invest in features such as secure remote access, file transfers, Tailscale integration, support for Apple Vision Pro, and ongoing compatibility with new versions of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.

We strive to be transparent about our pricing so everyone can decide whether Screens is the right solution for them.

### 1/5 — Schade

*2026-07-03*

Nicht wirklich brauchbar, wenn man mit dem Apple Pencil auf dem iPad und dem Remote-Mac arbeiten möchte. Der Cursor greift nicht, Fenster können nicht an den Ecken vergrößert/verkleinert werden und die Textauswahl ist mehr oder weniger Glücksache. Ärgerlich.

**Developer response:** Es tut uns leid, dass Sie diese Erfahrung gemacht haben.

Apple Pencil wird von Screens bereits seit über einem Jahr unterstützt und sollte für Ziehen, Größenänderungen und Textauswahl problemlos funktionieren.

Bitte kontaktieren Sie uns unter screens@edovia.com mit den Modellen Ihrer Geräte sowie den verwendeten iPadOS- und macOS-Versionen. Wir helfen Ihnen gerne dabei, das Problem zu untersuchen.

### 1/5 — Kostenlos?

*2026-06-28*

App ist kostenlos, damit es aber funktioniert muss man ein Abonoment abschließen. 

Keine Verbindung für „kostenlos“ hergestellt, 1 Stern für diese Täuschung! Ändert es in kostenpflichtig und nicht kostenlos. Irgendwann brauch man bei OpenSource oder Freeware auch noch ein Abonnement.

**Developer response:** Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback. Wir verstehen, dass ein Abonnement nicht für jeden die richtige Wahl ist.

Zur Klarstellung für alle, die diese Bewertung lesen: Wir bewerben Screens nicht als kostenlose App. Außerdem haben wir keinen Einfluss darauf, ob der App Store den Button mit „Laden“ oder „Gratis“ anzeigt. Diese Bezeichnung wird ausschließlich von Apple festgelegt.

Für die Nutzung von Screens ist ein Abonnement erforderlich. Das wird sowohl auf der Produktseite im App Store unter „In-App-Käufe“ als auch in der App selbst deutlich angezeigt, bevor ein Abonnement abgeschlossen werden muss.

Das VNC-Protokoll ist zwar ein offener Standard, aber eine leistungsfähige Remote-Desktop-App entwickelt sich nicht von selbst. Screens verwendet keine Drittanbieter-VNC-Bibliotheken. Wir entwickeln und pflegen unsere eigene Implementierung und investieren kontinuierlich in Funktionen wie sicheren Fernzugriff, Dateiübertragungen, Tailscale-Integration, Unterstützung für Apple Vision Pro sowie die laufende Anpassung an neue Versionen von macOS, iOS und iPadOS.

Wir legen großen Wert auf Transparenz bei unserer Preisgestaltung, damit jeder selbst entscheiden kann, ob Screens die richtige Lösung für ihn ist.

### 1/5 — Bad

*2026-06-21, version 5.8.9*

Paywall, requires subscription. Do Not Download

### 1/5 — Not recommended if you use two Apple IDs

*2026-06-15, version 5.8.7*

I have two Apple IDs on my Mac. I purchased the subscription with one Apple ID, but whenever I switch the App Store to my other account, Screens 5 keeps asking me to subscribe again.
The subscription only works after I sign out of the App Store and switch back to the original Apple ID. This is extremely inconvenient and frustrating.
I’m planning to cancel my subscription because of this. If you use two Apple IDs, I strongly recommend not subscribing to this app. It is simply too painful to use in this situation.

### 1/5 — Latest update broke the software

*2026-06-12, version 5.8.7*

The latest update is a joke and an absolute disaster. The following functionality no longer works: saved links, clicking on the remote computer, scrolling is so slow it’s essentially broken. In sum: all functionality has been destroyed. Despite having the better part of a year, I canceled and moved to Astropad Workbench because it actually works, even though I don’t like it as well.

### 1/5 — Freezes constantly

*2026-06-11, version 5.8.7*

The app used to work flawlessly but recently the remote access freezes constantly. Like every minute. The app needs to be closed and re opened each time. It’s just a visual freeze, text still works but you can’t see anything until closing the app and re opening it. Using it on iPad Pro and Mac mini m4.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Exceptional Product and Customer Service

*2026-08-21*

It’s been over a year since my last review, and things have only gotten better. Connection is easy and great. I love this product. It enables me to work off my computer in New Jersey while in Central America. PRIOR REVIEW: I gotta hand it to them, they mastered what so many companies cannot seem to do - MASTERED CUSTOMER SERVICE. Have a problem? Email them and you will receive a prompt response. The response has been helpful each time I had a question. The product itself enables me to work remotely from anywhere in the world.

**Developer response:** Thank you so much for the amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear that Screens and our support team have made a difference for you. Enabling remote work from anywhere is exactly what we strive for, and it’s great to know we’ve hit the mark. Thanks again for your kind words!

### 5/5 — Super useful app

*2026-08-21, version 5.8.12*

I found this app super useful, highly intuitive and easy to use. Support from the publisher of the app is great and their website is also very helpful. Highly recommend.

### 5/5 — Easy, effortless control from all my devices for all my devices

*2026-08-19, version 5.8.12*

Screens is an outstanding app.  It really gets the usability right in a way that most other apps just don’t. The integration with Tailscale is well done and makes screen-sharing even easier still. I also appreciate that it works so well under the Apple Vision Pro.

### 5/5 — The best Remote Desktop

*2026-08-01*

Just works and does what it says from anywhere

**Developer response:** Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that the app is working so well for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us at screens@edovia.com if you have any questions or need assistance in the future. Cheers!

### 5/5 — Power Consumption on iPad Pro M5 Extremely High

*2026-07-30, version 5.8.10*

The app is great but it draws down power on an iPad Pro M5 extremely rapidly.  Even plugged into a charger, power goes down faster than it can be supplied by the charger. Surely, this is a bug whereby something is staying too busy.

### 5/5 — ability to switch Apple ID accounts within the iPhone app settings

*2026-07-03, version 5.8.9*

Please add the ability to switch Apple ID accounts within the iPhone app settings. Users should be able to sign in and switch accounts using their email and password, similar to how Grok, Claude, and Codex handle authentication.

### 5/5 — Screen 5 - Best VNC Client

*2026-07-02, version 5.8.8*

I’ve been a longtime customer of Screens, I think for well over a decade. Screens 5 is by far the best release, and every major release prior were also great. It feels natural, and just works. It works very well on iPads with Magic Keyboards, and also works great on Apple Vision Pro. While I don’t use the TailScale integration built into the app, it works perfectly with the external TailScale app as the active system VPN.

### 5/5 — Not everyone uses TailScale

*2026-06-23, version 5.8.8*

Unsure why the new version has no way to manually configure ports. I have UPnP disabled and manage all remote ports manually. I hope there is no immediate plan to totally eliminate the standalone ScreensConnect client port manager.

### 5/5 — Really solid and easy to use

*2026-06-18*

I’m really happy with this app, and the support are very responsive + helpful.

**Developer response:** Hi, thanks for your review. We’re really glad you’re happy with Screens. It also means a lot to hear you had a positive experience with our support. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to contact us again. Cheers!

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2026-06-17, version 5.8.7*

Great software that allows you to remote to MAC laptop or desktop.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-10.*