Comparison

SpiderControl MicroBrowser vs DeskX

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

Head to head
About

SpiderControl MicroBrowser

This application acts as a viewer for industrial Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) created with specific development tools. It allows users to access and interact with HMIs deployed on PLC devices, supporting various versions and OEM solutions.

Highlights
  • HMI viewer for PLC devices
  • Supports CODESYS WebVisu v2 and v3
  • OEM solution for various manufacturers
  • Offline Trend and Alarm Lists
  • iTunes File Sharing for data export/import
Features
Read full description

The SpiderControl MicroBrowser app is a viewer for HMI's, designed with CODESYS or SpiderControl Editor (or any compatible OEM version) and deployed on many PLC devices. SpiderControl is a complete tool-chain for creating industrial HMI, that can be run directly from an embedded web-server on a PLC. SpiderControl is used as an OEM solution by many PLC manufacturers. Supports: * SpiderControl * CODESYS WebVisu Version 2 and 3 * SAIA Burgess Control with Offline Trend and Alarm Lists * OEM: Baumüller, Beckhoff, Berghof, Info-Team, KW-Software, Panasonic, Phoenix-Contact, RSI, Sabo, Saia-Burgess Control, Samson, Selectron, Siemens, Schleicher, SysMik, TBox, WAGO, ... - iTunes File Sharing to export / import station list and save alarm/trend log files Limitations: * CODESYS version 2 is supported with a few limitations on some objects.

About

DeskX

Transform your iPhone and iPad into a multi-window desktop environment with icons, folders, and a customizable Dock. Supports external displays, a multi-tab browser, and a full file manager for enhanced productivity.

Highlights
  • Multi-window interface
  • External display support
  • Customizable Dock
  • Full File Manager
  • Multi-tab browser
  • Pencil Overlay for annotation
  • Spaces for organization
Features
Read full description

Transform your iPhone and iPad into a true multi-window desktop: icons, folders, files, Dock and overlapping windows, with external-display support and modern input. All wrapped in the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic. Main features: • Real desktop – icons, folders, and files always at hand. • External display support – work on big screens. • Multiple windows – open, resize, and freely overlap apps. • Customizable Dock – quick access to your favorite apps. • Multi-tab browser – smooth browsing with download support. • Full File Manager – import, rename, tag, and organize without limits. • Web Apps – turn your favorite sites into dedicated apps with icons. • Spaces – separate desktops for work, study, creativity, or relaxation. • Pencil Overlay (iPhone & iPad) – draw and annotate anywhere, even over windows and the browser. • Controller support – use physical controllers in the browser and Web Apps (great for online games). • Access password – protect the entire environment with a secure code. • Backup & Restore – save the whole system and export it anytime. • Fullscreen browser + gamepad – a screen-filling mode ideal for cloud gaming with controllers. Widget: Drag, open, organize, and save your widgets directly on the desktop. Included examples: Weather, Stocks, Calendar, Reminders, World Clocks, News & Finance, Podcasts, Music, Quick Notes, and Monitoring. Built-in tools: • Archive Manager – create .zip archives or extract them in a tap. • AudioWorkFlow – convert audio files (e.g., WAV) and create albums fast. • Glass Office Viewer – open documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in common formats. • OpenMaps – maps based on OpenStreetMap with dedicated action buttons. • AI WebApps – instant access to ChatGPT and Google AI Studio right from the desktop. • VideoEditor Online – ready-made shortcuts to CapCut Online and Canva. • Native Text Editor – write with ease and export to PDF and images. • Calculator – always within Dock reach. • DeskGames – a curated set of links to legitimate online games. Personalization: • Dynamic themes – Light, Dark, Liquid Glass, Neon, Minimal, and more. • Custom wallpapers – import your own or use the included ones. • Custom fonts – load and use any font across the interface. • Color palette – tweak accents, borders, and details to craft your visual identity. Compatibility: • iPhone with Lightning port: supported via Lightning Digital AV Adapter (HDMI) with system mirroring. • iPhone/iPad with USB-C: supported via USB-C → HDMI/DisplayPort adapters/docks with system mirroring. • Resolution handling: the app automatically adapts the workspace to the external display’s resolution (when connected). External displays: • iPhone: Desktop mode requires an external display (HDMI/DisplayPort via adapter). Without an external display, the app returns to the start screen. • iPad: Desktop mode is available on the built-in display and on external monitors (native mirroring). Tips: for maximum stability, use original or certified cables/adapters. Some third-party combos may limit resolution, audio, or DRM (HDCP) in video/game WebApps. The AI WebApps, VideoEditor Online, and DeskGames features provide links to third-party web apps/online services (e.g., ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, CapCut Online, Canva, and legitimate game portals) opened in the integrated browser. These services require an Internet connection and may require an account; they are subject to each provider’s terms of use and privacy. OpenMaps uses data from OpenStreetMap — © OpenStreetMap contributors. Glass Office Viewer enables viewing of common document formats; feature availability and compatibility may vary.

Screenshots

SpiderControl MicroBrowser2 screens
DeskX4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DeskX at 100% against SpiderControl MicroBrowser's 33%. DeskX also leads on price ($12.99 vs $89.99). SpiderControl MicroBrowser's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.2). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support 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

SpiderControl MicroBrowser costs $89.99 and DeskX $12.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SpiderControl MicroBrowser versus DeskX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpiderControl MicroBrowserDeskX
Price$89.99$12.99 — better
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.2
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB218 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperiniNet Solutions GmbHGiovanni Altrui

Customer experience

SpiderControl MicroBrowser

Written reviews9 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral22.2%
Negative44.4%

DeskX

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

SpiderControl MicroBrowser

No in-app purchases

None

DeskX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SpiderControl MicroBrowser free?
SpiderControl MicroBrowser costs $89.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is DeskX free?
DeskX costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do SpiderControl MicroBrowser or DeskX have ads?
Neither SpiderControl MicroBrowser nor DeskX shows ads.

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