# Beacon Simulator vs Screens 5

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Screens 5 at 49% against Beacon Simulator's 0%. Screens 5 also leads on ratings volume (597 vs 2) and device support (4 vs 2). Beacon Simulator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and rating (5.0 vs 4.5). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screens 5 sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Beacon Simulator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Beacon Simulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Screens 5 has 597 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 0% of Beacon Simulator's written reviews are positive against 49% of Screens 5's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

## The numbers

| Metric | Beacon Simulator | Screens 5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beacon-simulator/id1380778696/reviews)** | [4.5 (597 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **597** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **49.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | — | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marino Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/303732567) | [Edovia Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/284606519) |

## What reviewers say

### Beacon Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beacon-simulator/id1380778696)

This utility app transforms your smartphone into a beacon transmitter. It's designed for developers to easily test beacon-enabled applications without needing physical hardware. Quickly set up and broadcast signals, and generate UUIDs for your development workflow.

**Highlights:** Turn phone into a beacon, Test beacon-enabled apps, No hardware required, Quickly configure beacon, Broadcast signal instantly, Generate and share UUIDs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Screens 5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912)

Access your Mac, Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi computers remotely from your Apple devices. Offers fast, secure, and reliable desktop access for work, travel, or helping others. Integrates with modern workflows and system features for seamless control.

**Highlights:** Remote access to Mac, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Fast and secure VNC connections, Curtain Mode for private sessions, SSH connections and key support, Clipboard and file transfer, Multi-display support, Siri and Shortcuts integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $29.49 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Family Upgrade | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Beacon Simulator free?

Beacon Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Screens 5 free?

Screens 5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Beacon Simulator or Screens 5?

Beacon Simulator is rated higher. Beacon Simulator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Screens 5 averages 4.5 from 597 ratings.

### Do Beacon Simulator or Screens 5 have ads?

Neither Beacon Simulator nor Screens 5 shows ads.

---

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