Comparison

PhoneMouse vs Desk Remote

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

Head to head
About

PhoneMouse

Features
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REQUIRES MAC APP — Download PhoneMouse on your Mac too. One purchase covers both! Never be stuck without a mouse again. PhoneMouse turns your iPhone into a wireless mouse for your Mac — perfect for presentations, travel, or when you forget your mouse at home. TWO CONTROL MODES • Gyro Mode – Wave your phone like a magic wand to control the cursor • Trackpad Mode – Use your screen as a wireless trackpad EASY SETUP 1. Download PhoneMouse on both your iPhone and Mac 2. Select your Mac from the app 3. Start controlling instantly PERFECT FOR • Presentations and demos • Couch computing • Travel and remote work • Emergency backup No subscriptions. No ads. One purchase for iPhone + Mac.

About

Desk Remote

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Turn your iPhone into a wireless trackpad and keyboard for your Mac. Move the cursor, type, control media, switch apps, and more — all without getting up. REQUIRES THE FREE MAC APP Desk Remote comes in two parts. This app runs on your iPhone; the free Desk Remote for Mac companion app runs on your Mac. Open Desk Remote on your iPhone and tap "Send link to my Mac" — the download link goes straight to your computer by AirDrop, Messages or Mail. Get the Mac app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6758866900 With both installed, the two find each other over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with zero configuration. Just open the app, tap your Mac, and start controlling. TRACKPAD • Single finger — move the cursor • Two fingers — scroll • Tap — left click • Double tap — double click • Two-finger tap — right click • Long press + drag — click and drag • Pinch — zoom in/out KEYBOARD • Full text input • Modifier keys: Cmd, Ctrl, Option • F1–F12 function keys • Arrow keys • Backspace and special keys MEDIA & SYSTEM CONTROLS • Play / Pause / Next / Previous • Volume up & down • Screen brightness • Mission Control & Spotlight APP LAUNCHER • View all running apps on your Mac • Switch to any app with one tap POWER MENU • Sleep, restart, log out, shut down — remotely CONNECTIVITY • Auto-discovery via Wi-Fi (Bonjour) and Bluetooth LE • Real-time connection status • Instant reconnection Free version includes trackpad, scrolling, clicks, and keyboard input. Upgrade to Pro to unlock media controls, volume, brightness, F-keys, arrow keys, app launcher, power menu, and advanced gestures. Requires the free Desk Remote for Mac app (Mac App Store, macOS 14 or later). SUBSCRIPTION Desk Remote Pro is an auto-renewable subscription (monthly or yearly). Payment is charged to your Apple Account. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel it in your Apple Account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://gelfand.dev/?policy=desk-remote-client

Screenshots

PhoneMouse4 screens
Desk Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PhoneMouse at none against Desk Remote's 2. PhoneMouse also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). Desk Remote's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price and device support 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. Desk Remote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. PhoneMouse asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PhoneMouse ships an update every 4 days, Desk Remote every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 2 level
PhoneMouse versus Desk Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhoneMouseDesk Remote
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBenjamin NærøDaniil Nuzhdin

In-app purchases

None

PhoneMouse

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Desk Remote

Subscriptions2
  • Desk Remote Pro Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Desk Remote Pro Yearly$14.991 Year

Questions

Is PhoneMouse free?
PhoneMouse is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Desk Remote free?
Desk Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PhoneMouse or Desk Remote have ads?
Desk Remote shows ads; PhoneMouse does not.
Which is updated more often, PhoneMouse or Desk Remote?
PhoneMouse ships an update every 4 days, and Desk Remote every 2 months. Most recently, PhoneMouse was updated on September 22, 2026 and Desk Remote on September 10, 2026.

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