# StrokeInput vs Screens 5

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | StrokeInput | Screens 5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strokeinput/id1604062990/reviews) | **[4.5 (568 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **568** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 49.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 14 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Annalisa Carraro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604060916) | [Edovia Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/284606519) |

## What reviewers say

### StrokeInput

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strokeinput/id1604062990)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Screens 5

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

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.

**Highlights:** Remote computer access, Secure connections, Multi-display support, Clipboard sharing, File transfer, Privacy masking (Curtain Mode)

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $3.99 | 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 StrokeInput free?

StrokeInput 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, StrokeInput or Screens 5?

Screens 5 is rated higher. StrokeInput averages 3.4 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Screens 5 averages 4.5 from 568 ratings.

### Do StrokeInput or Screens 5 have ads?

Neither StrokeInput nor Screens 5 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StrokeInput or Screens 5?

StrokeInput ships an update every 3 weeks, and Screens 5 every 2 weeks. Most recently, StrokeInput was updated on October 4, 2026 and Screens 5 on October 15, 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.*