DeskX vs External Display Desktop
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DeskX
Transform your iPhone and iPad into a multi-window desktop environment with icons, folders, and a customizable Dock. Supports external displays, a multi-tab browser, and a full file manager for enhanced productivity.
- Multi-window interface
- External display support
- Customizable Dock
- Full File Manager
- Multi-tab browser
- Pencil Overlay for annotation
- Spaces for organization
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Transform your iPhone and iPad into a true multi-window desktop: icons, folders, files, Dock and overlapping windows, with external-display support and modern input. All wrapped in the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic. Main features: • Real desktop – icons, folders, and files always at hand. • External display support – work on big screens. • Multiple windows – open, resize, and freely overlap apps. • Customizable Dock – quick access to your favorite apps. • Multi-tab browser – smooth browsing with download support. • Full File Manager – import, rename, tag, and organize without limits. • Web Apps – turn your favorite sites into dedicated apps with icons. • Spaces – separate desktops for work, study, creativity, or relaxation. • Pencil Overlay (iPhone & iPad) – draw and annotate anywhere, even over windows and the browser. • Controller support – use physical controllers in the browser and Web Apps (great for online games). • Access password – protect the entire environment with a secure code. • Backup & Restore – save the whole system and export it anytime. • Fullscreen browser + gamepad – a screen-filling mode ideal for cloud gaming with controllers. Widget: Drag, open, organize, and save your widgets directly on the desktop. Included examples: Weather, Stocks, Calendar, Reminders, World Clocks, News & Finance, Podcasts, Music, Quick Notes, and Monitoring. Built-in tools: • Archive Manager – create .zip archives or extract them in a tap. • AudioWorkFlow – convert audio files (e.g., WAV) and create albums fast. • Glass Office Viewer – open documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in common formats. • OpenMaps – maps based on OpenStreetMap with dedicated action buttons. • AI WebApps – instant access to ChatGPT and Google AI Studio right from the desktop. • VideoEditor Online – ready-made shortcuts to CapCut Online and Canva. • Native Text Editor – write with ease and export to PDF and images. • Calculator – always within Dock reach. • DeskGames – a curated set of links to legitimate online games. Personalization: • Dynamic themes – Light, Dark, Liquid Glass, Neon, Minimal, and more. • Custom wallpapers – import your own or use the included ones. • Custom fonts – load and use any font across the interface. • Color palette – tweak accents, borders, and details to craft your visual identity. Compatibility: • iPhone with Lightning port: supported via Lightning Digital AV Adapter (HDMI) with system mirroring. • iPhone/iPad with USB-C: supported via USB-C → HDMI/DisplayPort adapters/docks with system mirroring. • Resolution handling: the app automatically adapts the workspace to the external display’s resolution (when connected). External displays: • iPhone: Desktop mode requires an external display (HDMI/DisplayPort via adapter). Without an external display, the app returns to the start screen. • iPad: Desktop mode is available on the built-in display and on external monitors (native mirroring). Tips: for maximum stability, use original or certified cables/adapters. Some third-party combos may limit resolution, audio, or DRM (HDCP) in video/game WebApps. The AI WebApps, VideoEditor Online, and DeskGames features provide links to third-party web apps/online services (e.g., ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, CapCut Online, Canva, and legitimate game portals) opened in the integrated browser. These services require an Internet connection and may require an account; they are subject to each provider’s terms of use and privacy. OpenMaps uses data from OpenStreetMap — © OpenStreetMap contributors. Glass Office Viewer enables viewing of common document formats; feature availability and compatibility may vary.
External Display Desktop
Transform your iPhone or iPad into a full-featured desktop experience on an external monitor. Browse the web, watch videos, work, and join calls with full resolution and multitasking capabilities. Enjoy a privacy-focused, ad-free environment with mouse and keyboard support.
- Full-resolution browsing on external display
- Remove black bars for full-screen view
- Open PDFs and files in tabs
- Camera and microphone support for calls
- Mouse and keyboard support
- Multitask with floating tabs
- Integrated ad-blocker
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XeOS is the leading and most acclaimed desktop mode experience for iPhone, iPad, and the new iPhone Duo. Browse the web on a second screen, watch videos full-screen, work or study on your external monitor, TV, or projector powered only by your iPhone/iPad. Browse at full resolution, remove black bars, open PDFs and files in tabs, join calls with camera and microphone support, and enjoy a better iPhone/iPad extended display experience. • Full-resolution browsing on your external display from iPhone/iPad • Remove black bars for a cleaner full-screen view • Open PDFs and files in browser tabs • Download files directly from the browser • Watch YouTube and online video in full screen • Camera and microphone support for calls and meetings • Mouse and keyboard support for a desktop-like setup • Multitask with floating tabs - resize and reposition them anywhere on the screen • Use the on-screen trackpad when you don't have a mouse with you • Use the on-screen keyboard when you don't have a keyboard with you • More flexible iPhone/iPad external monitor to use anywhere • Enjoy a better iPhone/iPad to external monitor experience • Use iPhone/iPad extend display for work, travel, and entertainment • Privacy-focused by design, with no server account or remote processing; your browsing session, files, and activity stay on your device • Integrated ad-blocker disables many known intrusive trackers and ads • Built on Safari and iOS security standards, with proper system permissions IMPORTANT: This app works only with iPhone/iPads supporting video output when connecting via cable or adapter! Most iPhone/iPads support it, except the Air and E models, but check your iPhone/iPad's compatibility! The app works with some iPads but we advise you to use the free trial to test it with your model first! If wired connection doesn't work for your model try the wireless mode via AirPlay. The app's onboarding guides your through connecting all peripherals and your external monitor. If you encounter any issues or need help please contact support in the app. IMPORTANT: Note that the app has a few minor limitations. Due to browser engine security restrictions, users may be unable to interact with remote iframes in certain situations. When this happens, the app provides a button to temporarily switch to the phone layout, allowing you to complete the required action. Afterward, you can return to the fullscreen, black-bar-free experience. By using this app, you agree to Apple's Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: External Display Desktop at Free against DeskX's $12.99. External Display Desktop also leads on ratings volume (19 vs 1). DeskX's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and review sentiment (100% vs 61%). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
External Display Desktop is free to download; DeskX costs $12.99 up front. External Display Desktop sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. DeskX asks for nothing beyond the download.
DeskX holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: External Display Desktop has 19 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of DeskX's written reviews are positive against 61% of External Display Desktop's.
| Parameter | DeskX | External Display Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.2 (19 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 60.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 19 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 2 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Best chart rank | #196 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.2 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 218 MB | 82 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Giovanni Altrui | Marian-Daniel Filipovici |
Customer experience
DeskX
External Display Desktop
In-app purchases
DeskX
No in-app purchases
External Display Desktop
- Weekly7 Days trial$4.997 Days
- Yearly$14.991 Year
- Lifetime$34.99
Questions
Is DeskX free?
Is External Display Desktop free?
Which has better reviews, DeskX or External Display Desktop?
Do DeskX or External Display Desktop have ads?
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