# RustDesk Remote Desktop vs VimKey

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | RustDesk Remote Desktop | VimKey |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (77 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rustdesk-remote-desktop/id1581225015/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vimkey-arrow/id6757208954/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **77** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 59.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 69 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Purslane Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/666983468) | [chuncheng su](https://appshunter.io/developer/1865334918) |

## What reviewers say

### RustDesk Remote Desktop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rustdesk-remote-desktop/id1581225015)

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.

**Highlights:** Open-source remote desktop, Remote access and control, TeamViewer alternative, Control other devices

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast connection and performance
- 🌟 Open source and free
- 💡 Self-hosting capability
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- ⚡️ Low input lag

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔋 Phone heats up
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance on iOS/iPadOS
- 🚫 Lacks mouse acceleration
- 📱 Poor compatibility with older iOS versions
- ⚠️ Some users report data collection (location, identifiers)

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### VimKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vimkey-arrow/id6757208954)

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.

**Highlights:** Vim-style HJKL navigation, Dedicated directional arrow keys, Dual layout switching, Privacy-focused data handling, Haptic feedback and click sounds

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| qwert Layout | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RustDesk Remote Desktop free?

RustDesk Remote Desktop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is VimKey free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RustDesk Remote Desktop or VimKey?

VimKey is rated higher. RustDesk Remote Desktop averages 4.2 out of 5 from 77 ratings, while VimKey averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do RustDesk Remote Desktop or VimKey have ads?

Neither RustDesk Remote Desktop nor VimKey shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RustDesk Remote Desktop or VimKey?

RustDesk Remote Desktop ships an update every 2 months, and VimKey every 10 days. Most recently, RustDesk Remote Desktop was updated on October 11, 2026 and VimKey on September 30, 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.*