# spacedesk vs simREF

The clearest difference is review sentiment: simREF at 100% against spacedesk's 71%. simREF also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7). spacedesk's advantage is ratings volume (2.3K vs 3) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. spacedesk sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simREF holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: spacedesk has 2.3K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of spacedesk's written reviews are positive against 100% of simREF's.

spacedesk ships an update every 3 weeks, simREF every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | spacedesk | simREF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (2.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacedesk-usb-display-for-pc/id1069217220/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.3K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 71.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [datronicsoft Technology GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1069217219) | [Chris-Luca Fischer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843257076) |

## What reviewers say

### spacedesk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacedesk-usb-display-for-pc/id1069217220)

Extend your Windows PC's desktop to another device wirelessly or via USB. Use your tablet or phone as a drawing tablet or a portable second monitor for travel and productivity.

**Highlights:** Windows desktop extension, Screen mirroring, Remote desktop viewer, Drawing tablet functionality, Wireless display monitor, USB display monitor, Remote control

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Business License: 46-50 Conn. | $9.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 41-45 Conn. | $18.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 1 connection | $19.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 36-40 Conn. | $25.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 31-35 Conn. | $35.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 26-30 Conn. | $45.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 21-25 Conn. | $50.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 16-20 Conn. | $59.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 11-15 Conn. | $60.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 6-10 Conn. | $70.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 2-5 Conn. | $79.00 | one-time |


### simREF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206)

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

**Highlights:** Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists, Operational Data at a glance, CG/Trim calculator, Offline functionality, Dark UI for cockpit environments, iPad landscape optimized

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IndiGo Virtual Integration | $2.99 | one-time |
| simREF Full Access | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is spacedesk free?

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

### Is simREF free?

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

### Which has better reviews, spacedesk or simREF?

simREF is rated higher. spacedesk averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.3K ratings, while simREF averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do spacedesk or simREF have ads?

Neither spacedesk nor simREF shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, spacedesk or simREF?

spacedesk ships an update every 3 weeks, and simREF every 10 days. Most recently, spacedesk was updated on October 24, 2026 and simREF on October 24, 2026.

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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.*