PicoRecorder vs Astropad Workbench
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PicoRecorder
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. PicoRecorder sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Astropad Workbench asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | PicoRecorder | Astropad Workbench |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.8 (177 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 58.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 177 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 41 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | postalk株式会社 | Astro HQ |
In-app purchases
PicoRecorder
- Unlimited Pack$3.99
Astropad Workbench
No in-app purchases





