Comparison

Remote Desktop vs Splashtop Remote Desktop

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Remote Desktop

Access your Windows PC from your iPhone or iPad. View files, run programs, and use resources remotely. Supports various Windows versions and includes features like printing and barcode scanning.

Highlights
  • Connect to Windows PCs
  • View files and programs
  • Supports Windows XP/7/8/10
  • Printing support
  • Barcode scanner
  • Wake on LAN (WOL)
Features
Read full description

Using your iPhone or iPad, you can connect to your Windows Workstation Computer and see the files, programs, and resources exactly as you would if you were sitting at your desk, just on a smaller screen. Mocha Remote Desktop (RDP) provides access to a PC running Windows XP Professional or Windows 7/8/10. HOME edition or Windows 200x Servers cannot be supported. LITE VERSION Has a 5 minutes session limitation. FEATURES - Standard RDP protocol. - 8/16 bit color mode for faster screen updates. - Zoom and scroll as the Safari Browser. - WOL (Wake on LAN). - Printing. - Barcode scanner. - Support for Swiftpoint GT hardware mouse. - Support for a Bluetooth mouse, when using an iPad. - Support for Mouse Easy. Use an iPhone as a bluetooth trackpad. - Stylus pen. - NETBIOS name support for easy configuration. - Landscape mode. - Have patent license for the RDP protocol from Microsoft. LIMITATIONS - Windows HOME edition cannot be used, as it does not include the RDP protocol. - We cannot offer Windows 200x Server access, as it will require another patent license from Microsoft.

About

Splashtop Remote Desktop

Access your Mac or PC securely from your phone or tablet, anytime, anywhere. This app provides fast, reliable remote access with simple setup and low latency, allowing you to control your computer from afar. It's ideal for retrieving files, working remotely, or assisting others with computer issues.

Highlights
  • Remote access to Mac or Windows computers
  • High-quality audio & video streaming
  • Low-latency remote control
  • Blank screen mode for privacy
  • Remote webcam access
  • Cross-platform support
Features
Read full description

NEED ACCESS RIGHT NOW? FORGOT SOMETHING ON YOUR COMPUTER? Your computer, anywhere you are. Access your Mac or PC securely from your phone or tablet – anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re traveling, helping family, or need something urgently from your Mac or PC, Splashtop gives you fast, reliable remote access in seconds. No complicated setup. No lag. Just control. GET STARTED IN 3 STEPS 1. Install Splashtop on your phone or tablet 2. Install the free Splashtop Streamer on your computer 3. Log in and connect instantly. That’s it. WHAT PEOPLE USE SPLASHTOP FOR • Accessing full apps, files, and tools they left at home • Working remotely when plans change • Helping parents or friends fix computer issues • Staying productive while traveling • Getting peace of mind knowing their computer is always reachable WHY SPLASHTOP Splashtop is trusted by millions of users and IT teams worldwide for one reason: it works when it matters. • ULTRA-FAST Smooth, high-resolution streaming with low latency. • SIMPLE SETUP Install, log in, and connect. No IT degree required. • SECURE Bank-grade encryption keeps your data and your screen private. • RELIABLE Works even on limited bandwidth or mobile data. This is the same remote access technology used by professionals – made simple for personal use. FREE VS ANYWHERE ACCESS • FREE Access your computer on the same local network • ANYWHERE ACCESS (UPGRADE) Securely connect from anywhere, on any network When remote access becomes important – not just occasional – upgrading unlocks full freedom without changing tools. KEY FEATURES • Access your Mac or Windows computer anytime • High-quality audio & video streaming • Low-latency remote control • Blank screen mode for privacy • Remote webcam access • Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, iOS) PERSONAL VS BUSINESS Splashtop Personal is designed for non-commercial use. For work or teams, try Splashtop Business for advanced features and management. A REMOTE ACCESS TOOL YOU CAN TRUST When your computer matters, access shouldn’t be complicated. Splashtop gives you control, clarity, and confidence – wherever you are. See our Terms of Service and Privacy policy at https://www.splashtop.com/terms/splashtop.

Screenshots

Remote Desktop4 screens
Splashtop Remote Desktop4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Splashtop Remote Desktop at 4.7 against Remote Desktop's 3.0. Splashtop Remote Desktop also leads on review sentiment (76% vs 52%) and ratings volume (4.5K vs 146). Remote Desktop's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Splashtop Remote Desktop sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Remote Desktop asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Splashtop Remote Desktop holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Splashtop Remote Desktop has 4.5K ratings behind it against 146, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Remote Desktop's written reviews are positive against 76% of Splashtop Remote Desktop's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Remote Desktop ships an update every 4 months, Splashtop Remote Desktop every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on August 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Remote Desktop versus Splashtop Remote Desktop: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRemote DesktopSplashtop Remote Desktop
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (146 ratings)4.7 (4.5K ratings) — better
Positive reviews51.9% of reviews75.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1464.5K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMochaSoftSplashtop Inc.

Customer experience

Remote Desktop

All ratings146 ratings
Positive43.8%
Neutral11.0%
Negative45.2%
Written reviews511 reviews
Positive51.9%
Neutral8.0%
Negative40.1%

Splashtop Remote Desktop

All ratings4,536 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral2.3%
Negative4.8%
Written reviews1,447 reviews
Positive75.8%
Neutral6.1%
Negative18.1%

User reviews

Remote Desktop

From 146 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and responsive
  • 👍 Easy to set up and use
  • 🔒 Secure remote access
  • 🤖 Works great with Windows XP and Server 2003

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and freezes on some devices
  • 🔒 Security concerns raised by some users
  • 🔌 Drains device battery quickly
  • 🚫 Does not support Windows Home editions or Vista

Splashtop Remote Desktop

From 4.5K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Works seamlessly
  • 🚀 Fast and painless connection
  • 👍 Easy setup
  • 👍 Reliable remote desktop
  • 👍 Secure and just works

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional disconnections and reconnection issues
  • 🔒 Requires subscription for remote access
  • 🔒 Limits features behind paywall
  • 🔋 High battery consumption on mobile
  • 👎 Doesn't work well for iOS devices

Bugs and requests

Remote Desktop

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Keyboard issues, unable to type full usernames
  • Corrupts desktop settings on remote machine
  • Compatibility problems with certain network configurations

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add support for Windows 7, 8, 10 and Server 2008/2012
  • Implement right-click and scroll functionality
  • Allow custom screen resolutions and full-screen mode
  • Integrate VPN capabilities

Splashtop Remote Desktop

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Cursor movement issues
  • Compatibility problems with newer OS versions
  • Inability to connect on the same network
  • Unexpected shutdowns and black screens

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add Bluetooth keyboard and controller support
  • Improve multi-monitor support
  • Provide more screen resolution options
  • Add audio routing options
  • Implement better wake-on-LAN/WAN functionality

In-app purchases

None

Remote Desktop

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Splashtop Remote Desktop

Subscriptions3
  • Anywhere Access Pack$1.991 Month
  • Anywhere Access Pack (Monthly)7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Anywhere Access Pack (Yearly)7 Days trial$23.991 Year

Questions

Is Remote Desktop free?
Remote Desktop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Splashtop Remote Desktop free?
Splashtop Remote Desktop is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Remote Desktop or Splashtop Remote Desktop?
Splashtop Remote Desktop is rated higher. Remote Desktop averages 3.0 out of 5 from 146 ratings, while Splashtop Remote Desktop averages 4.7 from 4.5K ratings.
Do Remote Desktop or Splashtop Remote Desktop have ads?
Neither Remote Desktop nor Splashtop Remote Desktop shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Remote Desktop or Splashtop Remote Desktop?
Remote Desktop ships an update every 4 months, and Splashtop Remote Desktop every 3 months. Most recently, Remote Desktop was updated on August 23, 2026 and Splashtop Remote Desktop on September 24, 2026.

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