# Gmail vs RealVNC Server

The clearest difference is rating: Gmail at 4.7 against RealVNC Server's 1.3. Gmail also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (2.4M vs 135). RealVNC Server's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and ads (none vs shown). On price, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gmail sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. RealVNC Server asks for nothing beyond the download.

Gmail holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gmail has 2.4M ratings behind it against 135, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of Gmail's written reviews are positive against 9% of RealVNC Server's.

Gmail ships an update weekly, RealVNC Server every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and July 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gmail | RealVNC Server |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (2.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gmail-email-by-google/id422689480/reviews)** | [1.3 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/realvnc-server/id1616886311/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.4M** | 135 |
| Positive reviews | **29.0% of reviews** | 8.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 719 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [RealVNC Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/352019552) |

## What reviewers say

### Gmail

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gmail-email-by-google/id422689480)

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Grossing · Productivity, #5 Top Free · Productivity, #19 Top Grossing, #25 Top Free (US App Store)

This application provides a secure and efficient email experience with advanced features like spam blocking, smart replies, and multi-account support. It integrates with other Google services for enhanced productivity and collaboration.

**Highlights:** Robust security & spam blocking, Real-time notifications, Multiple account support, Smart Reply & Compose, Undo send, Google Chat & Meet integration, Threaded conversations

**Features:** Family Sharing, Siri integration, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 GB | $1.99 | per month |
| 100 GB | $1.99 | per month |
| 200 GB | $2.99 | per month |
| 200 GB | $2.99 | per month |
| 2 TB | $9.99 | per month |
| Google AI Plus (2 TB) | $9.99 | per month |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Efficient email management
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 😊 Positive user experience overall

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💡 Lacking advanced features
- 🔒 Security concerns
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly

**Reported bugs**

- Notifications not working properly
- Emails disappearing from inbox
- Inability to remove accounts
- Conversation view issues

**Requested features**

- Swipe to delete/snooze emails
- Ability to mark all emails as read
- Customizable notification settings
- Improved file attachment functionality


### RealVNC Server

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/realvnc-server/id1616886311)

Securely share your mobile device's screen with IT support. Offers on-demand assistance with one-time codes or pre-licensed device access for managed devices. Features end-to-end encryption and end-user connection approval.

**Highlights:** Secure screen sharing, On-demand assistance, Device access for IT, End-to-end encryption, End-user connection approval, Secure cloud service

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gmail free?

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

### Is RealVNC Server free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Gmail or RealVNC Server?

Gmail is rated higher. Gmail averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.4M ratings, while RealVNC Server averages 1.3 from 135 ratings.

### Do Gmail or RealVNC Server have ads?

Gmail shows ads; RealVNC Server does not.

### Which is updated more often, Gmail or RealVNC Server?

Gmail ships an update weekly, and RealVNC Server every 4 months. Most recently, Gmail was updated on September 26, 2026 and RealVNC Server on July 5, 2026.

---

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