# RealVNC Viewer vs spacedesk

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RealVNC Viewer at none against spacedesk's 11. RealVNC Viewer also leads on ratings volume (15K vs 2.2K). spacedesk's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 14.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. spacedesk sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. RealVNC Viewer asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for RealVNC Viewer against 4.7 for spacedesk. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RealVNC Viewer has 15K ratings behind it against 2.2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 72% of RealVNC Viewer's written reviews are positive against 71% of spacedesk's.

RealVNC Viewer ships an update every 2 months, spacedesk every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RealVNC Viewer | spacedesk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/realvnc-viewer-remote-desktop/id352019548/reviews)** | [4.7 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacedesk-usb-display-for-pc/id1069217220/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15K** | 2.2K |
| Positive reviews | **72.4% of reviews** | 71.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **9.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RealVNC Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/352019552) | [datronicsoft Technology GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1069217219) |

## What reviewers say

### RealVNC Viewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/realvnc-viewer-remote-desktop/id352019548)

Access and control your Mac, Windows, or Linux computers remotely from any device. View your desktop, use your keyboard and mouse, and manage files securely with end-to-end encryption. Sync connections across all your devices for seamless access.

**Highlights:** Instant remote access to computers, Control mouse and keyboard remotely, End-to-end session encryption, Cloud service for easy connection, Backup and sync connections, Virtual keyboard with advanced keys, Bluetooth keyboard support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and responsive
- 🔒 Secure remote access
- 👍 Intuitive user interface
- 💡 Useful for remote work and support
- 🚀 Fast and reliable connection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and connection issues
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and data harvesting
- 💰 Paid subscription required for full functionality
- 🔍 Lack of mouse/trackpad support
- 🔍 Inconsistent performance on different devices

**Reported bugs**

- Cursor and screen synchronization issues
- Incompatibility with certain macOS and iOS versions
- Frequent disconnections and login problems
- Keyboard input not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add support for audio streaming
- Improve clipboard and file transfer functionality
- Provide better multi-monitor support
- Allow customization of keyboard and mouse controls
- Implement a true touch-based interface


### spacedesk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacedesk-usb-display-for-pc/id1069217220)

Extend your Windows PC's desktop to another device wirelessly or via USB. Use your tablet or phone as a drawing tablet or a portable second monitor for travel and productivity.

**Highlights:** Windows desktop extension, Screen mirroring, Remote desktop viewer, Drawing tablet functionality, Wireless display monitor, USB display monitor, Remote control

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Business License: 46-50 Conn. | $9.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 41-45 Conn. | $18.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 1 connection | $19.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 36-40 Conn. | $25.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 31-35 Conn. | $35.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 26-30 Conn. | $45.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 21-25 Conn. | $50.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 16-20 Conn. | $59.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 11-15 Conn. | $60.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 6-10 Conn. | $70.00 | one-time |
| Business License: 2-5 Conn. | $79.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RealVNC Viewer free?

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

### Is spacedesk free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RealVNC Viewer or spacedesk?

RealVNC Viewer is rated higher. RealVNC Viewer averages 4.8 out of 5 from 15K ratings, while spacedesk averages 4.7 from 2.2K ratings.

### Do RealVNC Viewer or spacedesk have ads?

Neither RealVNC Viewer nor spacedesk shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RealVNC Viewer or spacedesk?

RealVNC Viewer ships an update every 2 months, and spacedesk every 3 weeks. Most recently, RealVNC Viewer was updated on September 24, 2026 and spacedesk on September 23, 2026.

---

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