RustDesk Remote Desktop vs VimKey
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RustDesk Remote Desktop
This open-source application provides remote desktop access and control capabilities. It allows users to remotely manage their computers. Please note it only supports controlling other devices, not being controlled or screen sharing.
- Open-source remote desktop
- Remote access and control
- TeamViewer alternative
- Control other devices
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An open-source remote desktop application. The open source TeamViewer alternative. Source code: https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk Doc: https://rustdesk.com/docs Please be reminded that this app only has the ability to control, and it does not have the functionality of being controlled or screen sharing. WARNING: YOU MAY BE BEING SCAMMED! If you are on the phone with someone you DON'T know AND TRUST who has asked you to install RustDesk, do not install and hang up immediately. They are likely a scammer trying to steal your money or other private information.
VimKey
Enhance your mobile editing experience with Vim-style navigation and dedicated arrow keys. This app offers precise cursor control for developers and power users on iOS devices, bringing desktop-level efficiency to your fingertips.
- Vim-style HJKL navigation
- Dedicated directional arrow keys
- Dual layout switching
- Privacy-focused data handling
- Haptic feedback and click sounds
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【Master Your Cursor on iOS】 As a developer, I was frustrated with editing code and managing SSH sessions on my iPhone. The native "magnifying glass" cursor is slow, and my fingers often blocked the text I was trying to select. I built VimKey to scratch my own itch. It brings the precision of desktop editing to your mobile device. Key Features: * Vim-Style Navigation: Use the legendary HJKL (←↓↑→) keys to move the cursor. Keep your hands on the keyboard and fly through text. * Dedicated Arrow Keys: Includes a standard directional pad for precise control without blocking the screen. * Dual Layouts: Seamlessly switch between the navigation layout and a standard QWERTY keyboard (Unlock QWERTY for 30 minutes by watching a short ad, or unlock forever with a one-time purchase). * Privacy First: We respect your data. "Full Access" is requested ONLY to provide haptic feedback and click sounds. We strictly do NOT collect, store, or transmit your keystrokes. Important Note: * Due to browser limitations on iOS, special keys (Esc, Tab, Ctrl) and arrow keys do NOT work in browser-based WebSSH clients. For the best experience, please use a native Terminal app. Contact: I'm actively improving this app based on user feedback. Email: mozhenbear@zodic.dev
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: VimKey at 5.0 against RustDesk Remote Desktop's 4.2. VimKey also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 59%) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). RustDesk Remote Desktop's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (77 vs 3). On price, ads 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
Both are free to download. VimKey sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. RustDesk Remote Desktop asks for nothing beyond the download.
VimKey holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RustDesk Remote Desktop has 77 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of RustDesk Remote Desktop's written reviews are positive against 100% of VimKey's.
RustDesk Remote Desktop ships an update every 2 months, VimKey every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RustDesk Remote Desktop | VimKey |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 (77 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 59.4% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 77 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Purslane Limited | chuncheng su |
Customer experience
RustDesk Remote Desktop
VimKey
Bugs and requests
RustDesk Remote Desktop
Reported bugs
38 issues- Recent update broke iPad mouse alignment
- No image displayed from PC (black screen)
- Remember Password function doesn't work
- Black screen when remoting into Raspberry Pi Linux server (Wayland)
- Keyboard issues when remoting from iPhone to PC
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- Cannot control Mac
- iPad app fails to connect or shows key mismatch error
- App crashes or becomes unresponsive
- Connection issues over mobile data network
- Session closes after a short period
- Key presses duplicated or not registered with external keyboard
- Settings/Preferences not preserved
- iOS language icon covers toolbar collapse icon
- Previous direct IP sessions not saved
- Enter key does not work in address bar
- Copy/Paste broken
- Latest update deleted saved connections
- App not responding after update
- Connection Error, Operation not permitted (error 1) on iOS
- Mouse overflows monitor content, preventing clicks on edges
- Double-clicking behavior in touch mouse/pad options
- App launches but window vanishes on old iPads
- Crash on app startup (v1.2.7, iOS 12.2)
- Cannot paste remote ID by holding text input
- iOS client attempting to control Android results in frozen interface
- Cannot control Windows PC typing from iPhone
- Version 1.2.7 has issues on iPad (cannot launch)
- Address book empty on Pro version
- Arrow keys do not function like a desktop keyboard
- Phone heats up during use
- Mouse pointer on desktop and iPad not lined up
- Flakey behavior with keyboard and trackpad on iPad
- Scaling displays issues on iPad
- Key mismatch error with iPad app
- Virtual machine control issues (keyboard repeats or fails to register)
- Mobile network connection issues
- Cannot connect over mobile data network
- UI icon not centered
Requested features
13 requests- Add option to view and modify USB drives in file transfer mode
- Improve mouse and keyboard control configurability
- Allow Apple Pencil to function as a mouse
- Support iPhone remote control of each other
- Add option to automatically switch display/monitor to follow remote window focus
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- Sync remote ID list by iCloud
- Improve Wayland support
- Add option to change two-finger gesture behavior (scroll vs. move canvas)
- Center remote screen when zooming
- Remap controls for mouse actions
- Integrate arrow keys with device keyboard
- Support iPhone to Android control
- Support Windows remote typing from iPhone
VimKey
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
RustDesk Remote Desktop
No in-app purchases
VimKey
- qwert Layout$2.99
Questions
Is RustDesk Remote Desktop free?
Is VimKey free?
Which has better reviews, RustDesk Remote Desktop or VimKey?
Do RustDesk Remote Desktop or VimKey have ads?
Which is updated more often, RustDesk Remote Desktop or VimKey?
Other comparisons
