# VatMap vs spacedesk

The clearest difference is rating: spacedesk at 4.7 against VatMap's 4.0. spacedesk also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (2.2K vs 22). VatMap's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

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

spacedesk holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: spacedesk has 2.2K ratings behind it against 22, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 79% of VatMap's written reviews are positive against 71% of spacedesk's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

VatMap ships an update fortnightly, spacedesk every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VatMap | spacedesk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vatmap/id641159906/reviews) | **[4.7 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacedesk-usb-display-for-pc/id1069217220/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 22 | **2.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **78.7% of reviews** | 71.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 9.3 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [wkberg](https://appshunter.io/developer/446191922) | [datronicsoft Technology GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1069217219) |

## What reviewers say

### VatMap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vatmap/id641159906)

View the VATSIM network in real-time on your mobile device. Plan, track, and monitor flights and controllers directly from your smartphone or tablet. Utilize built-in maps and in-app charts for an enhanced flight simulation experience.

**Highlights:** Real-time pilot and controller display, In-app charts for Electronic Flight Bag, Flight planning and tracking, Friend list management, One-minute data updates, Departure and arrival information

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent VATSIM tracking
- 📊 Detailed map with ATC coverage
- 🗺️ Integrated airport charts
- 👥 Ability to track friends
- 🔍 Comprehensive flight information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or stability issues
- 🔄 Inconsistent data refresh
- 📊 Limited chart coverage for some regions
- 💰 Ads can be intrusive

**Reported bugs**

- Metar request feature not working
- Crashes when trying to open weather tab
- Sector boundaries not showing for some ATC centers

**Requested features**

- Improved visualization of ATC sectors and coverage areas
- Option to disable dark mode when device is in light mode
- Integration of audio communication between ATC and pilots
- Ability to sort pilot and ATC lists by various criteria


### 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 VatMap free?

VatMap 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, VatMap or spacedesk?

spacedesk is rated higher. VatMap averages 4.0 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while spacedesk averages 4.7 from 2.2K ratings.

### Do VatMap or spacedesk have ads?

VatMap shows ads; spacedesk does not.

### Which is updated more often, VatMap or spacedesk?

VatMap ships an update fortnightly, and spacedesk every 3 weeks. Most recently, VatMap was updated on October 13, 2026 and spacedesk on October 12, 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.*