micro vs NetSupport Browser
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
micro
This app is the essential companion for the BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized programmable computer. It allows you to wirelessly beam programs to your micro:bit via Bluetooth and includes access to a block-based programming editor. Monitor sensor data and control your micro:bit in real-time.
- Wireless flashing of micro:bit hex files
- Access to Microsoft MakeCode editor
- Bluetooth beaming of programs
- Real-time sensor data monitoring
- Control micro:bit buttons and pins
- Debug running program code
- Store and manage HEX files
Read full descriptionHide full description
The micro:bit app is the essential companion to the BBC micro:bit, the pocket sized programmable computer. The app allows you to flash any micro:bit hex file to your device, as well as including online access to the Microsoft MakeCode editor for simple block-based programming. When your program is ready, the app beams it to the micro:bit via Bluetooth wirelessly. Easy-to-follow screens lead you through the process of pairing your iPad (or iPhone) to the micro:bit and then transferring your program code. Compared with previous versions, the micro:bit app Version 3.1 contains these additional features: • A simpler pairing and micro:bit discovery flow • The micro:bit V2 can be put into pairing mode by triple-tapping the reset button • Retrieval of the micro:bit data log files from off your micro:bit • Pair with any number of micro:bits • Choose which micro:bit is currently connected • Store HEX files in the app • Choose a HEX file for flashing • Export and delete HEX files • Import stored HEX files directly into JavaScript Blocks editor • Rapid download from JavaScript Blocks editor • Monitor data detected by micro:bit sensors • Use the range of micro:bit Bluetooth services in real time • Display messages on the micro:bit LEDs • Send control commands to the micro:bit buttons and pins • De-bug your program code while it is running in the micro:bit • Use a simulated gamepad to send commands to the micro:bit • View camera images ready for taking photos or video As well as providing more flexible handling of your program scripts and HEX files, a major addition in Version 3 is the Monitor and Control page. This lets you observe real-time data from the micro:bit sensors, send messages directly to the LEDs and control the micro:bit buttons and pins from your iPad or iPhone. Monitor is ideal for exploiting Bluetooth services in real time, and for de-bugging your program code while it is running in the micro:bit. The MakeCode code editor now requires iOS 13 or later.
NetSupport Browser
Read full descriptionHide full description
This mobile Browser app brings together NetSupport’s IT asset management, classroom instruction, internet safety and student safeguarding tools and is for use in your existing NetSupport DNA (v4.70 and above) and/or NetSupport School (v12 and above) environment. When launched, the app interrogates the iOS device to gather key system inventory details and monitor online activity. The data collected is dynamically sent to your local NetSupport DNA Server and is then available for reporting within the NetSupport DNA Management Console. When connected to a NetSupport School Tutor, the app also offers NetSupport’s core classroom instruction tools. NetSupport School functionality supported on Tablet only. Supported Browser features: Real-time monitoring - A DNA Console user can view a real-time summary of all devices in a detailed list view or via real-time thumbnails of each device screen. Internet metering - A full summary of internet activity is recorded and approved/restricted website lists can be employed to manage internet use. Safeguarding Keyword Monitoring (DNA Education version) – This tool helps schools protect students from being exposed to inappropriate online content. It alerts staff when students type or search for any terms that match with those in the DNA keyword database, providing safeguarding and eSafety indicators for self-harm, bullying, radicalisation - and more. Safeguarding Report a Concern (DNA Education version) - Vulnerable students can discreetly report concerns to nominated school staff. Safeguarding resources (DNA Education Version) - Provides vulnerable students with instant access to a list of appropriate online support resources. Hardware inventory - When the Browser is launched on a device, an inventory is dynamically sent to the NetSupport DNA Server. Enterprise alerting - Real-time alerts enable DNA Console operators to immediately identify any user who has attempted to access a restricted website or triggered a safeguarding keyword. Collect roaming data– The app can be configured to continue recording browser activity when the device is away from the network. The stored data being collected by the DNA Server once re-connected. Supported classroom instruction features: Student register: The teacher can request standard and custom information from each student at the start of a lesson. Lesson objectives: If provided by the teacher, once connected, students are presented with details of the current lesson along with the objectives and expected learning outcomes. Sending messages: The teacher can broadcast messages to selected devices. Chat: The student and teacher can initiate a 1:1 chat session and participate in group discussions. Request help: Students can alert the teacher when they require assistance. Lock screen – The teacher can lock the app to gain attention. Restrict Internet –The teacher can employ a list of approved/restricted websites for use during the lesson. Question and Answer module: Enables the teacher to conduct instant student and peer assessment. Deliver questions verbally to the class, then select students to answer – randomly, first to answer or in teams. Bounce questions to multiple students and ask the class to peer assess a response. Class surveys: Teachers can conduct on-the-fly surveys to gauge student knowledge and understanding. Show screen: While presenting, the teacher can show their desktop to connected devices. To learn more and to download the required components needed to complete your NetSupport DNA and NetSupport School installations please visit our website. Free 30-day trials available. With 30 years’ development expertise and a 17 million worldwide install base, NetSupport is a leading producer of educational and corporate software solutions. With our easy-to-use IT management tools, we help our customers increase productivity and security, as well as save time and money.
Screenshots
Verdict
micro and NetSupport Browser are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
micro ships an update every 7 months, NetSupport Browser every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | micro | NetSupport Browser |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (89 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 43.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 89 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 59 MB | 20 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Micro:bit Educational Foundation | NetSupport Ltd |
Bugs and requests
micro
Reported bugs
14 issues- Bluetooth pairing fails or shows false success
- App crashes when flashing code to micro:bit
- Connection lost after code flashing
- White screen display issue
- Login fails with Google accounts
Show 9 moreShow fewer
- Text strings display with extra characters
- Arrow keys non-functional on iPad with Bluetooth
- Pairing pattern entry buggy and unclear
- Safari crashes on iPad 2
- Keyboard blocks code naming on iPhone
- App crashes when sending feedback
- Screen freezes during use
- Recent update broke existing micro:bit connections
- Flashing takes excessive time (1+ minute)
Requested features
11 requests- Offline mode for iOS
- Integrated IDE in app instead of Safari redirect
- Support for multiple languages
- Persistent Bluetooth connection after flashing
- Mute audio functionality
Show 6 moreShow fewer
- Better pairing instructions
- USB cable connection alternative to Bluetooth
- Improved project save/storage duration
- WebKit Safari view controller integration
- Support for actual MicroPython instead of MakeCode Python
- Device statements for camera operations
NetSupport Browser
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
micro
No in-app purchases
NetSupport Browser
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is micro free?
Is NetSupport Browser free?
Do micro or NetSupport Browser have ads?
Which is updated more often, micro or NetSupport Browser?
Other comparisons















