Comparison

Open Links in Apps vs PocketCtrl

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

Head to head
About

Open Links in Apps

This utility app automatically opens web links in their corresponding native applications, such as maps or social media. It also cleans URLs by removing tracking parameters, offering control over redirect behavior through custom rules and profiles.

Highlights
  • Open supported links in native apps
  • Clean tracking-heavy URLs
  • Control redirect behavior
  • Presets and per-site rules
  • Profiles for different contexts
  • Remove tracking parameters
Features
Read full description

Open links where they belong. Open Links in Apps: • Opens supported links in the right app from Safari • Strips tracking parameters before a page loads • Puts you in charge with presets, profiles, and per-site rules BEST USE CASES • Open map links in Apple Maps • Open YouTube, X, TikTok, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, and more in their apps • Remove utm_*, fbclid, gclid, social redirect wrappers, AMP detours, and short-link hops SETUP 1) Install the app 2) Open Settings → Safari → Extensions 3) Enable Open Links in Apps 4) Run the built-in test to confirm it works FREE PLAN • 1 active preset • Maps Redirect ready on first launch • Logs you can read and export LIFETIME PREMIUM • Unlimited active presets • Profiles for Work / Personal / Travel • Quick Modes like Clean Only and Apps Only • Smart Suggestions built from on-device activity • Restore purchases anytime • One-time purchase, no subscription PRIVACY • Redirect rules, presets, and logs stay on your device unless you export them • Expanding a short link sends a request to that link's server • Turn off analytics and crash reports in Settings • Analytics do not include your browsing history or full URLs SUPPORT Questions or feedback: support@chama.pro Requires iOS 18.0+

About

PocketCtrl

Control your Mac remotely from your iPhone or iPad. Use your device as a screen, trackpad, and keyboard, with features like voice typing and clipboard sharing. Securely connect on local or cross-networks.

Highlights
  • Remote screen, trackpad, and keyboard control
  • On-screen keyboard with Mac shortcuts
  • Optional on-device voice typing
  • Selectable Mac display view
  • Adjustable stream quality
  • Mac audio and clipboard sharing
  • QR code or code pairing
Features
Read full description

Your Mac, wherever you need it. PocketCtrl turns your iPhone or iPad into a remote screen, trackpad, and keyboard for your Mac. Connect on the same local network, or use your own Tailscale network to reach your Mac between networks. CONTROL THAT FEELS FAMILIAR • Move the pointer, click, scroll, and zoom with touch gestures. • Type with the on-screen keyboard and use convenient Mac shortcuts. • Use optional on-device voice typing when supported by your device and language. • Use an external keyboard or trackpad on iPad. YOUR MAC, YOUR SETUP • Choose which Mac display to view. • Switch between saved Macs. • Adjust stream quality to suit your connection. • Enable Mac audio and text clipboard sharing for approved devices. PAIR WITH CONFIDENCE • Pair with a QR code, computer code, or pairing link. • Approve new devices on the host Mac and choose their access permissions. • Stream and control data is encrypted and authenticated between paired devices. • No PocketCtrl account is required. REQUIREMENTS PocketCtrl requires the separate PocketCtrl Mac companion on a Mac running macOS 15.6 or later. Download it and follow the setup guide at https://www.pocketctrl.com/download. The Mac must be powered on, awake, running PocketCtrl, and reachable over the network. Allow Screen Recording on your Mac to share its display, Accessibility for remote control, and Local Network access for nearby connections. Tailscale is a separate, optional service for connections between networks and requires its own setup. PocketCtrl is open source. Learn more at https://www.pocketctrl.com. Privacy policy: https://www.pocketctrl.com/privacy

Screenshots

Open Links in Apps4 screens
PocketCtrl4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: PocketCtrl at 5.0 against Open Links in Apps's 1.0. PocketCtrl also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Open Links in Apps sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PocketCtrl asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PocketCtrl holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Open Links in Apps ships an update weekly, PocketCtrl every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Open Links in Apps versus PocketCtrl: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpen Links in AppsPocketCtrl
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.018
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB6 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperVladimir ChemerisTalkUp LLC

Customer experience

Open Links in Apps

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

PocketCtrl

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Open Links in Apps

One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$2.99
None

PocketCtrl

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Open Links in Apps free?
Open Links in Apps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PocketCtrl free?
PocketCtrl is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Open Links in Apps or PocketCtrl?
PocketCtrl is rated higher. Open Links in Apps averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while PocketCtrl averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Open Links in Apps or PocketCtrl have ads?
Neither Open Links in Apps nor PocketCtrl shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Open Links in Apps or PocketCtrl?
Open Links in Apps ships an update weekly, and PocketCtrl every 6 days. Most recently, Open Links in Apps was updated on October 4, 2026 and PocketCtrl on October 18, 2026.

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