# Backblaze vs Screens 5

The clearest difference is rating: Screens 5 at 4.5 against Backblaze's 2.7. Screens 5 also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (608 vs 39). Backblaze's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Screens 5 sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Backblaze asks for nothing beyond the download.

Screens 5 holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Screens 5 has 608 ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 35% of Backblaze's written reviews are positive against 49% of Screens 5's.

Backblaze ships an update every 2 months, Screens 5 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backblaze | Screens 5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backblaze/id628638330/reviews) | **[4.5 (608 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 39 | **608** |
| Positive reviews | 34.6% of reviews | **49.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 13 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Backblaze](https://appshunter.io/developer/628638334) | [Edovia Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/284606519) |

## What reviewers say

### Backblaze

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backblaze/id628638330)

Access and manage your cloud-backed-up files directly from your iOS device. Download, preview, and share files securely, with support for Face ID login. Keep your important data readily available wherever you go.

**Highlights:** Access backed-up files, Manage cloud storage, Face ID login, Search and download files, Image thumbnail previews, Share files

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and easy access
- 💡 Remote downloading
- 👍 Secure backup access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes, bugs, and reliability issues
- 👎 Clunky, slow, and unintuitive UI
- 🔒 Authentication and login problems
- 📤 Limited file download capabilities

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch or login
- Inconsistent performance and connectivity
- Unreliable file downloads and restoration

**Requested features**

- Thumbnails and previews for media files
- Ability to manage backups and buckets
- Improved search and sorting options
- Sync and upload capabilities from mobile


### Screens 5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912)

Access your Mac, Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi computers remotely from your Apple devices. Offers fast, secure, and reliable desktop access for work, travel, or helping others. Integrates with modern workflows and system features for seamless control.

**Highlights:** Remote access to Mac, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Fast and secure VNC connections, Curtain Mode for private sessions, SSH connections and key support, Clipboard and file transfer, Multi-display support, Siri and Shortcuts integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $29.49 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Family Upgrade | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent remote access
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🔒 Secure SSH-based remote control
- 👍 Native to Apple ecosystem
- 🚀 High-quality remote desktop rendering

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable connection and frequent disconnections
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔒 Requires complex networking setup (port forwarding, Tailscale)
- 🐛 Issues with full-screen mode and window management
- 🐛 Telemetry and analytics cannot be disabled

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to delete auto-saved nearby devices
- Inconsistent behavior when editing device configurations
- Screens Connect failing to work reliably

**Requested features**

- Ability to block remote input while keeping remote desktop visible
- File transfer between Mac and iOS/iPadOS
- Upgrade pricing for existing users


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backblaze free?

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

### Is Screens 5 free?

Screens 5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Backblaze or Screens 5?

Screens 5 is rated higher. Backblaze averages 2.7 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while Screens 5 averages 4.5 from 608 ratings.

### Do Backblaze or Screens 5 have ads?

Neither Backblaze nor Screens 5 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backblaze or Screens 5?

Backblaze ships an update every 2 months, and Screens 5 fortnightly. Most recently, Backblaze was updated on November 6, 2026 and Screens 5 on November 7, 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.*