RustDesk Remote Desktop vs Soda Player
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. It functions as an alternative to commercial remote access software, allowing users to manage their computers from a distance. Note that it only supports controlling other devices, not screen sharing or being controlled itself.
- Open-source remote desktop
- Remote access and control
- TeamViewer alternative
- Self-hosting capability
- Cross-platform support
- Low input lag
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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.
Soda Player
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Soda Player is a sleek, powerful stream player built for iOS. Whether you have a direct video URL, an HLS stream, or an AceStream content link, Soda Player handles it all with a clean, intuitive interface. STREAM ANYTHING Paste any HTTP, HTTPS, or HLS video URL and start watching instantly. Enter AceStream content IDs or acestream:// links to connect through your own self-hosted AceStream engine. Soda Player gives you full control over your streaming setup. IMPORT PLAYLISTS Load M3U and M3U8 playlists from a URL or paste them directly. Soda Player parses channel names, groups, and metadata automatically, organising hundreds of channels into searchable, grouped lists. Refresh playlists from their source URL at any time to stay up to date. SAVE YOUR CHANNELS Found a stream you love? Save it to your Channels library with one tap. Organise channels into groups, mark favourites for quick access, and search across your entire collection. Swipe to favourite or delete — managing your library is fast and fluid. FULL-FEATURED PLAYBACK Soda Player uses the native iOS video player, giving you full playback controls, AirPlay support, and Picture-in-Picture. Watch in portrait or landscape — the player adapts to your content automatically. RETRO-INSPIRED DESIGN Enjoy a distinctive dark interface with a retro VHS-tape themed launch screen and animated spinning reels. The app features a striking pink-to-purple colour palette that looks great on any device. PRIVACY FIRST Soda Player does not collect any personal data. Your channels, playlists, and preferences are stored locally on your device. No accounts, no tracking, no ads. KEY FEATURES Play HTTP, HTTPS, and HLS video streams AceStream support via self-hosted backend Import M3U/M3U8 playlists from URL or clipboard Save and organise channels with groups and favourites Search across channels and playlists Native iOS video player with full controls Picture-in-Picture support AirPlay compatible Dark mode interface ACESTREAM SUPPORT Soda Player includes built-in AceStream support. Simply paste an AceStream content ID or acestream:// link and start watching. The app connects securely to deliver your stream as standard video playback — no extra setup required. Soda Player is designed for users who want a simple, elegant way to watch their streams without clutter or complexity. Download now and start streaming.No ads, no tracking, no accounts required
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Soda Player at every 3 weeks against RustDesk Remote Desktop's every 6 weeks. On price, 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
RustDesk Remote Desktop ships an update every 6 weeks, Soda Player every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RustDesk Remote Desktop | Soda Player |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (102 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 58.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 102 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Purslane Limited | Trademark Applications |
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
Soda Player
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
RustDesk Remote Desktop
No in-app purchases
Soda Player
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is RustDesk Remote Desktop free?
Is Soda Player free?
Do RustDesk Remote Desktop or Soda Player have ads?
Which is updated more often, RustDesk Remote Desktop or Soda Player?
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