# Textastic Code Editor vs Desktop Browser

The clearest difference is monetization model: Desktop Browser at free with in-app purchases against Textastic Code Editor's subscription. Textastic Code Editor's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.5). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Textastic Code Editor sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Desktop Browser sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Textastic Code Editor holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.5K and 3.3K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Textastic Code Editor's written reviews are positive against 65% of Desktop Browser's.

Textastic Code Editor ships an update every 3 weeks, Desktop Browser every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Textastic Code Editor | Desktop Browser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textastic-code-editor/id1049254261/reviews)** | [4.5 (3.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-browser-zoomable/id1568442831/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2.5K | **3.3K** |
| Positive reviews | **68.9% of reviews** | 64.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#12** | #28 |
| Size | 26 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Blach](https://appshunter.io/developer/303486870) | [Actowise LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1563247119) |

## What reviewers say

### Textastic Code Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textastic-code-editor/id1049254261)

**Currently charting:** #12 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #42 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

A powerful text and code editor for mobile devices, offering syntax highlighting for over 80 languages, code completion, and formatting tools. It allows connection to various servers and cloud storage for seamless file management and editing.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for 80+ languages, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and Dropbox client, Built-in SSH terminal, Code completion and formatting, External keyboard and trackpad support, Split View and Slide Over multitasking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Textastic Pro (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Textastic Pro (Yearly) | $19.99 | per year |
| Textastic Pro (One-Time) | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Highly performant
- 👍 Versatile and feature-rich
- 💡 Excellent integration with other apps (e.g. Working Copy)
- 👍 Customizable and intuitive UI
- 👍 Reliable and stable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
- 🔒 Restrictive paywall for basic functionality
- 👎 Confusing file management and upload/download workflow
- 👎 Lack of modern code editing features (e.g. auto-indent, code folding)

**Reported bugs**

- Issues with SSH/SFTP connectivity and authentication
- Problems with handling large files or files with certain extensions
- Inconsistent text selection and editing behavior

**Requested features**

- Add support for more cloud storage providers (e.g. Google Drive, OneDrive)
- Implement a more seamless remote file editing and syncing workflow
- Improve code editing features like code folding, multi-cursor support, and code beautification
- Add a built-in terminal or ability to run code directly within the app


### Desktop Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-browser-zoomable/id1568442831)

**Currently charting:** #28 Top Free · Developer Tools, #193 Top Grossing · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Experience a full desktop web on your mobile device. This browser simulates a large, resizable screen to display desktop versions of websites, avoiding mobile-optimized layouts. Enjoy features like zoom control, full-screen mode, and privacy-focused data collection.

**Highlights:** Desktop website rendering, Zoomable screen (1x-3x), Full screen mode, Portrait/landscape transitions, Favorites management, UI customization, Multiple tabs (Pro), Theme customization (Pro)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2 Extra Tabs | $2.99 | one-time |
| Pro Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |
| Pro Lifetime | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 Intuitive user interface
- 🔍 Effective desktop mode
- 💡 Useful zoom feature
- 🔒 Secure browsing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and reloads
- 🔍 Inconsistent desktop mode performance
- 📱 Incompatible with some mobile apps
- 💸 Paid version required for full functionality
- 🔌 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Issues connecting to local IP addresses
- Inability to use Google account login
- Blank pages when resizing or zooming
- Redirects to search engine instead of desired site

**Requested features**

- Add ad-blocking capabilities
- Implement local network access
- Allow setting as default browser
- Introduce a virtual trackpad mode
- Improve bookmark management


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Textastic Code Editor free?

Textastic Code Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Desktop Browser free?

Desktop Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Textastic Code Editor or Desktop Browser?

Textastic Code Editor is rated higher. Textastic Code Editor averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.5K ratings, while Desktop Browser averages 4.5 from 3.3K ratings.

### Do Textastic Code Editor or Desktop Browser have ads?

Neither Textastic Code Editor nor Desktop Browser shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Textastic Code Editor or Desktop Browser?

Textastic Code Editor ships an update every 3 weeks, and Desktop Browser every 5 weeks. Most recently, Textastic Code Editor was updated on October 15, 2026 and Desktop Browser on October 15, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Textastic Code Editor or Desktop Browser?

Textastic Code Editor currently peaks at #12 in the App Store charts, and Desktop Browser at #28. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*