StrokeInput vs Screens 5
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
StrokeInput
This app allows users to write naturally on a free field, seeing their text as they create it. It supports writing any character without switching keyboard views and offers easy cursor control. Users can also write and calculate formulas directly within the app.
- Write on a free field, view text as you type
- Input any character without keyboard switching
- Effortless cursor movement
- Write and calculate formulas
- Natural handwriting feel
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For those who like to write on a free field instead of pressing tiny keys. - Write looking at the text, not at the keyboard. - Write ANY character quickly, without switching between keyboard views. - Easily move the cursor through the text. - Write formulas and calculate them anywhere.
Screens 5
Access and control your Mac, Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi computers remotely from any device. Enjoy fast, secure connections with features like privacy masking, multi-display support, and file transfer.
- Remote computer access
- Secure connections
- Multi-display support
- Clipboard sharing
- File transfer
- Privacy masking (Curtain Mode)
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Access your computers from anywhere. Screens lets you remotely access your Mac, Windows PC, Linux PC, or Raspberry Pi from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Vision Pro. Whether you’re connecting to a remote workstation, a headless Mac mini, or helping friends and family, Screens delivers fast, secure, and reliable remote desktop access wherever you are. REMOTE ACCESS FROM ANYWHERE Remote access is built right into Screens on Mac. For older Macs and Windows PCs, install Screens Connect to easily set up remote access over the internet. Need to connect to Linux or Raspberry Pi? Screens also integrates with Tailscale for secure, hassle-free connections. FAST, SECURE REMOTE DESKTOP ACCESS Screens is optimized for responsive remote control with support for: • Curtain Mode for private remote sessions on Mac • SSH connections and SSH keys • Secure password storage and quick logins • Observe or control remote computers • Adaptive and Full display quality BUILT FOR MODERN REMOTE WORKFLOWS Use Screens to: • Access remote Macs, PCs, Linux systems, and Raspberry Pi devices • Connect to headless Mac mini setups and remote workstations • Monitor long-running tasks from anywhere • Help friends, family, or coworkers remotely • Access your computers while traveling or away from home DO MORE WITH SCREENS Take advantage of powerful system features across iPhone and iPad: • Connect using Siri, Shortcuts, and Spotlight • Quickly connect to saved computers from widgets • Use external keyboards, mice, and trackpads • Use Apple Pencil on iPad • Display your remote computer on an external display with AirPlay POWERFUL FEATURES • Multi-display support • Clipboard sharing • File transfer between iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro and Mac • Customizable connection settings for individual computers • Dictation support for remote text input • Session selection on Mac • iCloud synchronization • Full URL Schemes support • Touch ID, Face ID, Apple Watch, and password protection COMPATIBILITY • Connect from iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro • Connect to Mac, Windows PC, Linux PC, and Raspberry Pi • Screens Connect is built into Screens for Mac on macOS 14.6 or later • Standalone Screens Connect is available for Macs running macOS 10.13 or later and PCs running Windows 10 or later • Clipboard sharing on Windows and Linux supports text only • Sound transmission is not supported due to VNC protocol limitations • Screens does not support connections to iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro devices Screens gives you secure, reliable access to your computers anytime, anywhere. Privacy Policy: https://screens.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://screens.app/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Screens 5 at 4.5 against StrokeInput's 3.4. Screens 5 also leads on ratings volume (568 vs 8). StrokeInput's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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. Screens 5 sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. StrokeInput asks for nothing beyond the download.
Screens 5 holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Screens 5 has 568 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 49% positive.
StrokeInput ships an update every 3 weeks, Screens 5 every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | StrokeInput | Screens 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.4 (8 ratings) | 4.5 (568 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 49.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 8 | 568 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 14 MB | 70 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Annalisa Carraro | Edovia Inc. |
Customer experience
StrokeInput
Screens 5
Bugs and requests
StrokeInput
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Screens 5
Reported bugs
3 issues- Inability to delete auto-saved nearby devices
- Inconsistent behavior when editing device configurations
- Screens Connect failing to work reliably
Requested features
3 requests- Ability to block remote input while keeping remote desktop visible
- File transfer between Mac and iOS/iPadOS
- Upgrade pricing for existing users
In-app purchases
StrokeInput
No in-app purchases
Screens 5
- Monthly Subscription$3.991 Month
- Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$29.491 Year
- Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$29.991 Year
- Lifetime Family UpgradeFree
- Lifetime2 variants$199.99
Questions
Is StrokeInput free?
Is Screens 5 free?
Which has better reviews, StrokeInput or Screens 5?
Do StrokeInput or Screens 5 have ads?
Which is updated more often, StrokeInput or Screens 5?
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