Comparison

ScreenExtend vs Desktop Mode OS

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

Head to head
About

ScreenExtend

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a second monitor for your Mac using a simple cable connection. Enjoy extended screen real estate for work, study, or creative projects without needing Wi-Fi or extra hardware. Get 60 minutes of free use daily.

Highlights
  • Use iPhone/iPad as Mac external display
  • Wired connection, no Wi-Fi needed
  • High definition and smooth performance
  • 60 minutes free use daily
  • Simple setup with Mac app
  • Ideal for on-the-go professionals
Read full description

Turn your iPad or iPhone into a second monitor for your Mac. No Wi-Fi, no complicated setup—just a cable. Need more space to work, study, or organize your windows? With **ScreenExtend**, you can use your iPad or iPhone as an additional display for your Mac, wherever you are. And the best part? You get 1 hour for free every single day. No need to carry an extra monitor. No Wi-Fi networks to configure. Simply connect your device to your Mac with a cable, and start working with more screen real estate. ### WHY CHOOSE SCREENEXTEND? A second screen, always with you Turn your iPad or iPhone into an external monitor for your Mac. Perfect for working on the go, traveling, or expanding your workspace without having to buy another display. Wired connection—no Wi-Fi required ScreenExtend uses a direct USB cable connection, providing a stable and responsive experience that doesn't rely on the quality of a wireless network. High definition and smooth performance Enjoy crisp images and optimized video transmission with H.264 and H.265 support—ideal for multitasking and everyday tasks. 1 hour free, every day Use ScreenExtend for free for up to 60 minutes a day. Need more time? Upgrade to Premium to use your second screen with no time limits. Simple setup Install the app on your iPhone or iPad, download the Mac application from screenextend.com, and connect your devices using a cable. ### PERFECT FOR THOSE WHO WORK ON THE GO • Developers: Keep your code, documentation, and tools on separate screens. • Designers and creatives: Expand your workspace for your projects. • Students: Consult your notes and study materials while working on your Mac. • Professionals: Manage emails, documents, chats, and video conferences with more screen space at your disposal. • Digital nomads: Carry a dual-screen setup with you—no need to lug around an extra monitor. ### COMPATIBILITY • iPhone and iPad running iOS/iPadOS 16.0 or later • Mac running macOS 14.0 or later • Direct connection via cable • Desktop app available at screenextend.com ### FREE EVERY DAY. PREMIUM WHENEVER YOU WANT. With ScreenExtend, you get 60 minutes of free use every single day—no subscription required. If you’d like to use your second screen for longer, you can upgrade to ScreenExtend Premium directly within the app. Subscriptions are managed via the App Store and can be cancelled through your Apple account settings. Your Mac needs more screen space. Your iPad or iPhone is already good to go. Download ScreenExtend and discover how easy it is to always have a second monitor with you. Learn more: https://screenextend.com Terms of Use: https://www.creact.it/eula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.creact.it/privacy-policy/

About

Desktop Mode OS

Transform your iPhone into a powerful desktop workstation, extending its capabilities to external displays like AR glasses, monitors, or TVs. Experience a high-performance desktop environment using your phone's native silicon, with innovative input modes for seamless interaction.

Highlights
  • Turn iPhone into a desktop workstation
  • Extend to AR glasses, monitors, TVs
  • Spatial productivity with AR glasses
  • Multiple input modes: Air Mouse, Hand Tracking, Liquid Trackpad
  • Connect to any display (USB-C, HDMI, AirPlay)
  • Sync Assistant for webview issues
  • Pin frequently used sessions to dock
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a pro-grade desktop workstation! ProDocktive extends your iPhone to any external display — AR Glasses, Monitors, or TVs — creating a high-performance, multi-window desktop environment powered entirely by your phone. Your iPhone becomes the engine, trackpad, air mouse, and spatial hand tracker. No Mac or PC required! THE ULTIMATE AR & XR COMPANION Unlock spatial productivity with XREAL, VITURE, Rokid, and RayNeo glasses. • Infinite Real Estate: Say goodbye to simple screen mirroring. Experience a massive virtual desktop for immersive multitasking. • Privacy by Design: Work on sensitive projects in public spaces with total confidence. • Spatial Interaction: Control your desktop with futuristic Hand Tracking or Air Mouse navigation. CONNECT TO ANY DISPLAY • AR Glasses: Instant, private cinema-sized workstation. • USB-C / HDMI: Wired, zero-latency output to any monitor or TV. • AirPlay: Wireless freedom for zero-friction browsing and casting. REVOLUTIONARY INPUT MODES • Air Mouse: Point your iPhone like a laser to move the cursor with physical precision. • Hand Tracker (BETA): Use your iPhone's camera for hands-free spatial gestures. • Liquid Trackpad: Transform your screen into a premium multi-touch trackpad (scroll, swipe, pinch-to-zoom). • Bluetooth Support: Pair your favorite keyboard and mouse for a true PC feel. PRO-GRADE FEATURES & PRIVACY • Native Desktop UI: Optimized for large-scale displays and precision input. • Pin to Dock: Save frequently used web apps for lightning-fast access. • 100% On-Device: No cloud lag, no video compression. Pixel-perfect rendering using your iPhone's GPU. Requirements: iOS 18+ and compatible USB-C/HDMI adapters or AirPlay displays. Privacy Policy: https://prodocktive.com/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ScreenExtend4 screens
Desktop Mode OS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Desktop Mode OS at 4.6 against ScreenExtend's 1.0. Desktop Mode OS also leads on ratings volume (24 vs 1). ScreenExtend's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 Desktop Mode OS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Desktop Mode OS holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Desktop Mode OS has 24 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ScreenExtend ships an update weekly, Desktop Mode OS every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
ScreenExtend versus Desktop Mode OS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScreenExtendDesktop Mode OS
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)4.6 (24 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—71.4% of reviews
Number of ratings124 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 6 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.4 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB38 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperCreact SRLGautam Sukhramani

Customer experience

ScreenExtend

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Desktop Mode OS

All ratings24 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral8.3%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive71.4%
Neutral28.6%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ScreenExtend

Subscriptions1
  • ScreenExtend Monthly$2.991 Month
2 purchases

Desktop Mode OS

Subscriptions1
  • Yearly subscription$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime subscription$19.99

Questions

Is ScreenExtend free?
ScreenExtend is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Desktop Mode OS free?
Desktop Mode OS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ScreenExtend or Desktop Mode OS?
Desktop Mode OS is rated higher. ScreenExtend averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Desktop Mode OS averages 4.6 from 24 ratings.
Do ScreenExtend or Desktop Mode OS have ads?
Desktop Mode OS shows ads; ScreenExtend does not.
Which is updated more often, ScreenExtend or Desktop Mode OS?
ScreenExtend ships an update weekly, and Desktop Mode OS every 6 days. Most recently, ScreenExtend was updated on October 24, 2026 and Desktop Mode OS on October 24, 2026.

Other comparisons