# Screens 5 vs SpaSync

The clearest difference is ads: Screens 5 at none against SpaSync's shown. Screens 5 also leads on device support (4 vs 2). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screens 5 sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and SpaSync sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Screens 5 ships an update fortnightly, SpaSync every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Screens 5 | SpaSync |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (590 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **590** | — |
| Positive reviews | 49.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 69 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Edovia Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/284606519) | [Lachlan Ross](https://appshunter.io/developer/1869897232) |

## What reviewers say

### Screens 5

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

Access your Mac, Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi computers remotely from your Apple devices. Offers fast, secure, and reliable desktop access for work, travel, or helping others. Integrates with modern workflows and system features for seamless control.

**Highlights:** Remote access to Mac, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Fast and secure VNC connections, Curtain Mode for private sessions, SSH connections and key support, Clipboard and file transfer, Multi-display support, Siri and Shortcuts integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | 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


### SpaSync

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spasync/id6757952574)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SpaSync Premium (Monthly) | $1.99 | per month |
| SpaSync Premium (Yearly) | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Screens 5 free?

Screens 5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SpaSync free?

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

### Do Screens 5 or SpaSync have ads?

SpaSync shows ads; Screens 5 does not.

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

Screens 5 ships an update fortnightly, and SpaSync every 2 weeks. Most recently, Screens 5 was updated on October 30, 2026 and SpaSync on October 5, 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.*