Comparison

PhonePad vs MeshControl Remote Desktop

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

Head to head
About

PhonePad

Turn your iPhone into a responsive trackpad and keyboard for your Mac. Control your computer remotely with familiar gestures and easy text input. Requires a companion app on your Mac and a network connection.

Highlights
  • iPhone as Mac trackpad
  • Remote keyboard input
  • Familiar gestures and controls
  • Seamless integration with Mac
  • Intuitive user experience
Read full description

PhonePad - Bridging the gap between your iOS and macOS devices for a seamless and productive experience. Transform your iPhone into a fully functional trackpad for your Mac with PhonePad. Whether you’re on the go or simply prefer the convenience of using your iOS device as a trackpad, PhonePad delivers a seamless and intuitive experience. Key Features: 1. PhonePad integrates seamlessly with your Mac, providing a natural and responsive trackpad experience.  2. Enjoy the familiar gestures and controls you’re used to. 3. Using PhonePad's keyboard, easily type text on your Mac remotely. 4. Easily connect your device to your Mac by running the PhonePad for Mac app. Functionality: 1. Tap once to left-click 2. Tap twice to double-click 3. Tap with two fingers to right-click 4. Pan with two fingers to scroll 5. Pan with three fingers to drag 6. Tap on the keyboard icon to start typing on your Mac Requirements: 1. PhonePad app is also required to be installed on your Mac. 2. Network connection is required (connecting your Mac to your hotspot also works!) 3. Requires macOS 10.13 and iOS 16.0 or later. Download PhonePad today and unlock the full potential of your iOS device as a powerful, intuitive trackpad for your Mac! Security & Privacy: PhonePad does not collect any data from your devices. All communication is made between your iPhone and your Mac. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

MeshControl Remote Desktop

Features
Read full description

MeshControl lets you see and control the computers managed by your own MeshCentral server, right from your iPhone or iPad. REMOTE DESKTOP BUILT FOR TOUCH - Pointer mode works like a trackpad; touch mode clicks where you tap - Pinch to zoom, two-finger right click, three-finger scroll - Extra key row with Esc, Tab, Ctrl, Alt, Win, arrows and F1–F12 - Full hardware keyboard, mouse and trackpad support on iPad - Adjustable image quality for slow mobile connections SECURE BY DESIGN - Sign in with a MeshCentral login token or with username and password - Two-step verification with your authenticator app - Credentials stay in the iOS keychain, protected by Face ID or Touch ID - The app connects only to your server: no accounts, no tracking, no ads NO SERVER YET? A step-by-step guide inside the app shows how to set up a free MeshCentral server on Windows, Linux, macOS, Docker or Raspberry Pi. FREE AND FULL The free version includes remote control with mouse and keyboard. MeshControl Full adds screen selection on multi-monitor computers, the actions menu (Ctrl+Alt+Del, switch window, copy and paste, Task Manager and more) and upcoming features such as file transfer. Full is available as a weekly auto-renewable subscription or as a one-time lifetime purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel it in your Apple Account settings. MeshControl requires a MeshCentral server that allows the app (see the support page). MeshControl is an independent app and is not affiliated with the MeshCentral project. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://arksystems.it/meshcontrol/privacy/

Screenshots

PhonePad4 screens
MeshControl Remote Desktop4 screens

Verdict

The call

PhonePad and MeshControl Remote Desktop are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

Both are free to download. PhonePad sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and MeshControl Remote Desktop sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
PhonePad versus MeshControl Remote Desktop: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhonePadMeshControl Remote Desktop
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIbrahim ChihaLUCIO ANGELI

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PhonePad

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$0.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$9.991 Year
2 purchases

MeshControl Remote Desktop

Subscriptions1
  • MeshControl Full Weekly$0.997 Days
One-time1
  • MeshControl Full Lifetime$17.99

Questions

Is PhonePad free?
PhonePad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MeshControl Remote Desktop free?
MeshControl Remote Desktop is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PhonePad or MeshControl Remote Desktop have ads?
Neither PhonePad nor MeshControl Remote Desktop shows ads.

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