# Remote Desktop vs Splashtop Remote Desktop

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Remote Desktop | Splashtop Remote Desktop |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (146 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-desktop-rdp-lite/id288362576/reviews) | **[4.7 (4.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splashtop-remote-desktop/id561386772/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 146 | **4.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 51.9% of reviews | **75.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MochaSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/284741182) | [Splashtop Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/382509318) |

## What reviewers say

### Remote Desktop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-desktop-rdp-lite/id288362576)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splashtop-remote-desktop/id561386772)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anywhere Access Pack | $1.99 | per month |
| Anywhere Access Pack (Monthly) | $5.99 | per month |
| Anywhere Access Pack (Yearly) | $23.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*