# iRdesktop vs Remote File Explorer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iRdesktop at 80% against Remote File Explorer's 11%. iRdesktop also leads on rating (3.3 vs 2.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Remote File Explorer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. iRdesktop asks for nothing beyond the download.

iRdesktop holds the better App Store score, 3.3 against 2.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 40 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of iRdesktop's written reviews are positive against 11% of Remote File Explorer's.

iRdesktop ships an update every 2 months, Remote File Explorer every 161 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iRdesktop | Remote File Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.3 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irdesktop/id311467740/reviews)** | [2.1 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-file-explorer/id650802297/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **45** | 40 |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 11.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 161 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 2 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **3.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thinstuff s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/311467744) | [Do Anh](https://appshunter.io/developer/646231301) |

## What reviewers say

### iRdesktop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irdesktop/id311467740)

Access and control your Windows desktop remotely from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. This client uses the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to compatible Windows versions, offering features like mouse emulation and a familiar keyboard.

**Highlights:** Remote desktop control via RDP, Mouse emulation (click, drag, drop), Familiar iPhone keyboard support, Zoom and pan desktop view, Portrait and landscape rotation, Multiple connection entries, Wi-Fi and cellular data connection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Excellent free RDP client
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 👍 Intuitive touch-based controls
- 🔒 Secure remote access
- 💡 Supports multiple simultaneous connections

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezing
- 📱 Limited screen real estate for desktop apps
- 🔑 Lack of keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl, Alt, etc.)
- 🔍 Difficulty with small on-screen elements
- 📢 Intrusive ads on setup screens

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup with iOS 3.1.x
- Incompatibility with some Windows versions (Home editions)

**Requested features**

- Ability to hide top status bar for more screen space
- Support for international keyboard layouts
- Scrolling/panning improvements
- Option to pay for ad-free version


### Remote File Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-file-explorer/id650802297)

Access files on your Mac, Windows, or Linux computer, as well as cloud storage like Dropbox, directly from your iPhone or iPad. Transfer, manage, and view your documents, photos, and videos with built-in readers and players.

**Highlights:** Access remote computers (Mac, Windows, Linux), Connect to Dropbox and cloud storage, Transfer files between devices, Search files by name, Built-in photo viewer, Video and music player, Document reader for Office and iWork

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remote File Explorer Pro Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Remote File Explorer Premium Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Remote File Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iRdesktop free?

iRdesktop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Remote File Explorer free?

Remote File Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, iRdesktop or Remote File Explorer?

iRdesktop is rated higher. iRdesktop averages 3.3 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Remote File Explorer averages 2.1 from 40 ratings.

### Do iRdesktop or Remote File Explorer have ads?

Neither iRdesktop nor Remote File Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iRdesktop or Remote File Explorer?

iRdesktop ships an update every 2 months, and Remote File Explorer every 161 months. Most recently, iRdesktop was updated on October 23, 2026 and Remote File Explorer on October 20, 2026.

---

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