Comparison

PicoRecorder vs Astropad Workbench

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

Head to head
About

PicoRecorder

Features
Read full description

This app is a simple voice recorder focused on real-time, on-device transcription. It transcribes audio as you record, and works even without an internet connection. Your audio and transcripts are never uploaded to any cloud service. # Key Features - Real-time transcription on your device - Fully offline support - No cloud upload — all data stays on your device - Simple AI-powered summaries # Usage - Free for up to 5 recordings with transcription - With the Unlimited pack, you can record and transcribe **without limits** Ideal for meetings, interviews, and quick voice notes — a simple and private way to turn speech into text instantly.

About

Astropad Workbench

Access and control your Mac remotely from your iPhone or iPad. Manage your machine, run desktop applications, and monitor tasks from anywhere with a high-performance, secure connection.

Highlights
  • Real-time Mac control
  • Voice dictation to Mac
  • Unified multi-display workspace
  • Apple Pencil cursor control
  • Hassle-free network connections
  • End-to-end encrypted sessions
Read full description

Access and control your Mac from anywhere. Workbench is a high-performance remote desktop that lets you connect to your Mac from your iPhone or iPad. Manage your machine, run desktop apps, and check in on long-running tasks while away from your desk. Built by the team behind Astropad Studio and Luna Display, Workbench delivers fast, responsive control with crisp visual and reliable performance across all networks. ————— KEY FEATURES Fast, high-fidelity streamlining. Interact with your Mac in real time with responsive controls and sharp visuals. Voice input. Dictate text from your iPhone or iPad and send it directly to your Mac. Unified display. Consolidate multi-display setups into a single workspace that conforms to the resolution of your mobile device. Apple Pencil support. Use your Apple Pencil like a mouse for precise cursor control when interacting with Mac apps. No-hassle connections. Connect instantly without complicated router/network configurations, port forwarding, or manual setup. Secure by design. Astropad doesn’t capture your screen or track your activity, and sessions are secured by modern end-to-end encryption standards. ————— BUILT FOR REMOTE WORKFLOWS Workbench makes it easy to stay connected to your Mac wherever you are. Monitor running processes, access files, manage remote systems, or check in on tools and software that doesn’t have a mobile app. ————— PRICING Workbench includes a Free plan with 30 minutes of access per day. Upgrade to Unlimited for uninterrupted access (subscription required). ————— SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Mac: macOS 15 or later iPhone: iOS 26 or later iPad: iPadOS 26 or later

Screenshots

PicoRecorder3 screens
Astropad Workbench4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Astropad Workbench at none against PicoRecorder's 1. On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PicoRecorder sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Astropad Workbench asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
PicoRecorder versus Astropad Workbench: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPicoRecorderAstropad Workbench
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (177 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—58.6% of reviews
Number of ratings—177 — better
Update frequency—Every 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.026.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerpostalk株式会社Astro HQ

In-app purchases

1 purchases

PicoRecorder

One-time1
  • Unlimited Pack$3.99
None

Astropad Workbench

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PicoRecorder free?
PicoRecorder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Astropad Workbench free?
Astropad Workbench is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do PicoRecorder or Astropad Workbench have ads?
Neither PicoRecorder nor Astropad Workbench shows ads.

Other comparisons