# DeskState vs OpenDisplay

The clearest difference is review sentiment: OpenDisplay at 92% against DeskState's 0%. OpenDisplay also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.7) and in-app purchases (none vs 7). DeskState's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 8 days). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DeskState sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. OpenDisplay asks for nothing beyond the download.

OpenDisplay holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenDisplay has 23 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of DeskState's written reviews are positive against 92% of OpenDisplay's.

DeskState ships an update every 4 days, OpenDisplay every 8 days. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | DeskState | OpenDisplay |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deskstate/id6757682755/reviews) | **[4.7 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opendisplay/id6780264891/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **23** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **92.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 8 days |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 48 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Abraham Rubio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1571784493) | [Philip Poloczek](https://appshunter.io/developer/1333036183) |

## What reviewers say

### DeskState

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deskstate/id6757682755)

Transform your iPhone into a focused external workspace. This app creates a windowed environment on a monitor with floating panels, keyboard/mouse support, and customizable layouts. Pin favorite web panels to maintain a consistent and efficient setup.

**Highlights:** External display workspace, Floating windows, Keyboard and mouse support, Pin favorite web panels, Customizable backgrounds

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Monthly subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime subscription | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


### OpenDisplay

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opendisplay/id6780264891)

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a genuine second display for your Mac. This open-source solution allows you to extend your screen space for multitasking, keeping important information visible. Connect via USB for minimal latency or Wi-Fi for easy setup.

**Highlights:** Real extended display functionality, USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, Retina-sharp rendering, Touch and scroll support, Portrait and landscape orientation, Private by design, no tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DeskState free?

DeskState is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is OpenDisplay free?

OpenDisplay is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DeskState or OpenDisplay?

OpenDisplay is rated higher. DeskState averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while OpenDisplay averages 4.7 from 23 ratings.

### Do DeskState or OpenDisplay have ads?

Neither DeskState nor OpenDisplay shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DeskState or OpenDisplay?

DeskState ships an update every 4 days, and OpenDisplay every 8 days. Most recently, DeskState was updated on November 5, 2026 and OpenDisplay on November 5, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*