AFK Remote vs xpntl
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
AFK Remote
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AFK is a remote desktop app that connects your iPhone to your Mac — built specifically for AI-assisted development. Modern coding is about directing AI agents, reviewing their output, and verifying results. AFK lets you do this from anywhere: your couch, your bed, or your favorite coffee shop. HOW IT WORKS 1. Install the free macOS companion app (AFK Host) 2. Pair your iPhone once 3. Connect anytime over WiFi or cellular 4. Voice-command your AI tools and watch the magic happen VOICE-FIRST DESIGN Typing prompts on a phone keyboard is painful. AFK uses push-to-talk voice input optimized for natural language instructions. Just hold, speak your command, and release. Your words go straight to Claude Code, Cursor, or any AI tool you're using. INSTANT WINDOW SWITCHING Vibe coding means jumping between apps — terminal, browser, simulator, diff viewer. AFK gives you quick-switch buttons to instantly focus the window you need. No squinting at a shrunken desktop or hunting for tiny window edges. LOW LATENCY STREAMING WebRTC peer-to-peer connection means everything feels immediate. Scrolling, tapping, voice — no lag, no stutter. Works great on WiFi and surprisingly well on cellular. YOUR REAL ENVIRONMENT This isn't a sandboxed cloud IDE. It's your actual Mac — your configs, your tools, your local databases, your running services. Everything you've set up, accessible from your pocket. WORKS WITH ANY AI TOOL • Claude Code • Cursor • GitHub Copilot • Windsurf • Aider • VS Code • Xcode • Terminal • Any app on your Mac FEATURES • Push-to-talk voice transcription • Touch-optimized virtual keyboard • Sticky modifier keys (Cmd, Option, Control) • Customizable shortcut grid • Smart window management • Paste from iOS clipboard • Gesture support • Secure device pairing • No account required REQUIREMENTS • macOS companion app (AFK Host) - free download from afk.dev • Works over any network after pairing PRIVACY AFK remote access directly and encrypted to your Mac with no servers in between. Device credentials are stored securely. Perfect for developers who want to stay productive without being chained to their desk. Code review from the couch. Run tests from the kitchen. Ship features from anywhere.
xpntl
Manage software development tasks and projects on the go. This native mobile app allows teams to track issues, update statuses, comment, and plan work using a Kanban board. Receive real-time notifications to stay informed about project changes.
- Browse, search, and filter issues
- Create and edit issues inline
- Kanban board with drag-and-drop functionality
- Real-time push notifications
- Unified inbox for updates
- Native iOS and iPadOS experience
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xpntl is a fast, native issue tracker for software teams — now on iPhone and iPad. Stay on top of your work, triage what's new, and keep projects moving without reaching for your laptop. WORK YOUR ISSUES • Browse, search, filter, and sort issues across your projects • Open a full issue view with description, properties, sub-issues, and relations • Create issues and edit them inline — title, description, state, assignee, priority, and labels • Comment with @mentions and emoji reactions; resolve, pin, and manage threads • Multi-select to update state, assignee, or priority in bulk • See the complete activity history on every issue PLAN ON A BOARD • Kanban board grouped by workflow state • Drag and drop to change state and reorder • Cycle planning with Now / Next / Later • A triage inbox for incoming work NEVER MISS AN UPDATE • Real-time push for assignments, mentions, comments, and status changes • A unified inbox with Unread, All, and Archived views • Tap a notification to jump straight to the issue — or mark it read or archive it right from the notification • Fine-grained notification preferences BUILT FOR iPhone AND iPad • Native SwiftUI — quick, fluid, and at home on iOS • Adaptive layout with an iPad sidebar and split navigation • Light and dark appearance with multiple themes • Real-time sync keeps every device current WORKING WITH AI AGENTS? • See what your agents are doing and reply to their updates right from the issue thread SECURE SIGN-IN • Sign in with Apple, Google, GitHub, or Microsoft — or email and password • Two-factor authentication and active session management • Manage labels and API keys from Settings An xpntl account is required to use the app. Terms of Use (EULA): https://xpntl.dev/legal/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://xpntl.dev/legal/privacy/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AFK Remote at none against xpntl's 4. AFK Remote also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). xpntl's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks) and device support (5 vs 3). On price and ads 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
Both are free to download. xpntl sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. AFK Remote asks for nothing beyond the download.
AFK Remote ships an update every 2 weeks, xpntl every 4 days. Both last shipped on September 30, 2026.
| Parameter | AFK Remote | xpntl |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 30 MB | 21 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Bookhead LTD | Kevin Holland |
In-app purchases
AFK Remote
No in-app purchases
xpntl
- xpntl Pro (Monthly)$6.991 Month
- xpntl Ultra (Monthly)$15.991 Month
- xpntl Pro (Yearly)$59.991 Year
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- xpntl Ultra (Yearly)$139.991 Year









