Comparison

ActionPad vs HTMLRemote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ActionPad

Create custom control panels to remotely operate your computer applications. Simulate keyboard and mouse input, launch programs, open files, and control media. Share and download user-created panels for enhanced productivity and gaming.

Highlights
  • Customizable control panels
  • Simulate keyboard and mouse input
  • Launch applications and files
  • Open websites
  • Media and volume control
  • Create macros
  • Community Panels Hub
Features
Read full description

ActionPad allows you to create your own custom control panels to remote control applications on your computer. This app requires the ActionPad Server desktop software to be installed on your computer for full functionality. For more information on this, visit https://actionpad.co/go. Compatible with macOS and Windows. Panels can contain buttons and other objects, which can be used to simulate keyboard and mouse input, as well as open files and URLs. With grid and dynamic panel types, buttons can be arranged into a grid with customizable rows and columns, or positioned and sized anywhere you would like on your panel for infinite customization possibilities. Customize the appearance of buttons and other panel objects to give them a distinct look. Get ready to make your keyboard and mouse jealous. With ActionPad, you may implement buttons on your panel that: -Execute keystrokes, such as Command C or Ctrl V. -Move your mouse pointer or hold keys as you hold down the button. -Launch applications and open files on your computer. -Open websites in your default browser and interact with them. -Control media and volume on your computer. -Do all of these things with one press! You can have buttons send continuous keyboard and mouse input as you hold them down, or you can combine multiple actions to create simple or complex macros that will run with just one tap of the button! All of this, along with visual elements such as images, text, and containers can all be combined to create unique control panels, each of which with it's own purpose. Don't feel like creating your own panel, or want to use some pre-created panels for some of your favorite desktop apps? ActionPad features the Community Panels Hub, which allows users to upload and share panels they create. It's very easy to share panels and build upon everyone's creations. Along with sharing through the Community Panels Hub, you can also export your panel and send it via E-mail, AirDrop, or a variety of other mediums. No account needed to download user-made panels, only required if you wish to upload to share with other users. Whether it be a panel used to quickly access the most commonly used tools in Photoshop, extra shortcuts for DAW power users, controls for your cockpit in a space simulation game, or a remote control for your streaming setup, there is no limit to what you can create and control with ActionPad.

About

HTMLRemote

This app allows you to create custom HTML-based interfaces to control your devices over a local network. It acts as an HTTP server, hosting your designs for seamless integration with TCP/IP communication.

Highlights
  • Local HTTP server for device control
  • TCP/IP protocol integration
  • Personalized web-based GUI
  • Design and debug with Safari Web Inspector
  • Expandable control center
Features
Read full description

HTMLRemote: Empower Device Control with Your Custom HTML GUI Key Features: - Acts as a local HTTP server, hosting your GUI as a localhost for seamless device control. - Seamlessly integrates with the TCP/IP protocol for flexible communication. - Easily integrate your personalized web-based GUI. - Use Safari Web Inspector (iOS > 16.3) or HTMLRemote on various platforms for effortless design and debugging. How to Use: 1- Design your HTML GUI with the javascript executecommand function. 2- Upload your HTML to your preferred server. 3- Fill in the URL in the HTMLRemote settings on your iOS device. Expand Your Control Center: As your device system grows, HTMLRemote lets you effortlessly expand your control center, adapting your HTML GUI to accommodate new devices. Revolutionize your LAN device control with HTMLRemote: Experience the freedom of personalized control and elevate your home automation or network management to new heights. Download now and make your HTML GUI the command center for all your connected devices!

Screenshots

ActionPad4 screens
HTMLRemote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ActionPad at $3.99 against HTMLRemote's $19.99. ActionPad also leads on rating (4.0 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (30 vs 2). HTMLRemote's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

ActionPad costs $3.99 and HTMLRemote $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ActionPad holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ActionPad has 30 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ActionPad ships an update every 3 months, HTMLRemote every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
ActionPad versus HTMLRemote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterActionPadHTMLRemote
Price$3.99 — better$19.99
Rating4.0 (30 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews63.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings30 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrew ArpasiNV Verdegem

Customer experience

ActionPad

All ratings30 ratings
Positive73.3%
Neutral10.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews41 reviews
Positive63.4%
Neutral7.3%
Negative29.3%

HTMLRemote

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

ActionPad

No in-app purchases

None

HTMLRemote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ActionPad free?
ActionPad costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is HTMLRemote free?
HTMLRemote costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ActionPad or HTMLRemote?
ActionPad is rated higher. ActionPad averages 4.0 out of 5 from 30 ratings, while HTMLRemote averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do ActionPad or HTMLRemote have ads?
Neither ActionPad nor HTMLRemote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ActionPad or HTMLRemote?
ActionPad ships an update every 3 months, and HTMLRemote every 3 days. Most recently, ActionPad was updated on October 8, 2026 and HTMLRemote on October 5, 2026.

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