Comparison

ScreenExtend vs DeskState

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

Head to head
About

ScreenExtend

Read full description

Turn your iPad or iPhone into a second HD screen for your Mac – no Wi-Fi, no lag, with an ultra-stable wired connection. ScreenExtend is the ideal alternative to other similar apps: simple, fast, and compatible with all iOS 16+ and macOS 14+ devices. Increase your productivity wherever you are by connecting your iPad or iPhone as a secondary display via the charging cable. With our app, you can use your iPhone or iPad as a second screen for your Mac. Perfect for designers, developers, students, and professionals looking for a smooth, responsive, and seamless screen extension. KEY FEATURES: • Stable wired connection: No Wi-Fi required. Just connect your device to your Mac and get started. • No lag: Smooth video, instant response. Also ideal for presentations or multitasking. • High definition: Sharp and responsive display, like a real external monitor. • Universal Compatibility: Works with all iPhones/iPads with iOS 16.0+ and Macs with macOS 14.0+. • One-Minute Setup: Download the free desktop app at screenextend.com and follow the instructions. Download ScreenExtend today and revolutionize the way you work! In-App Purchases ScreenExtend includes additional features available via in-app purchase. All payments are handled directly by the App Store. For support, visit: • https://www.creact.it/eula/ • https://www.creact.it/privacy-policy/

About

DeskState

Transform your iPhone into a focused external workspace. This app creates a windowed environment on a monitor with floating panels, keyboard/mouse support, and customizable layouts. Pin favorite web panels to maintain a consistent and efficient setup.

Highlights
  • External display workspace
  • Floating windows
  • Keyboard and mouse support
  • Pin favorite web panels
  • Customizable backgrounds
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a clean, focused workspace on an external display. When connected to a monitor or TV, the app creates a windowed environment with floating panels, quick switching, and full keyboard/mouse support — all within a single application. Pin your favourite web panels, organise your layout, and keep your workspace consistent across sessions. Key features: • External display workspace (phone + monitor) • Floating windows with resize and focus controls • Full keyboard and trackpad/mouse support • Pin favourite web panels for quick launch • Minimalist design with customisable backgrounds Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Note: The workspace lives inside the app and does not replace iOS.

Screenshots

ScreenExtend4 screens
DeskState4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: ScreenExtend at 16.4 against DeskState's 18.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. ScreenExtend sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month and DeskState sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ScreenExtend ships an update weekly, DeskState every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
ScreenExtend versus DeskState: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScreenExtendDeskState
PriceFreeFree
Rating—3.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.4 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB46 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperCreact SRLAbraham Rubio

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ScreenExtend

Subscriptions1
  • ScreenExtend Monthly$2.991 Month
3 purchases

DeskState

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly subscription$2.991 Month
  • Yearly subscription$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime subscription$29.99

Questions

Is ScreenExtend free?
ScreenExtend is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DeskState free?
DeskState is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ScreenExtend or DeskState have ads?
Neither ScreenExtend nor DeskState shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ScreenExtend or DeskState?
ScreenExtend ships an update weekly, and DeskState every 4 days. Most recently, ScreenExtend was updated on September 15, 2026 and DeskState on September 28, 2026.

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