Comparison

XeOS vs LumenDesk

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

Head to head
About

XeOS

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a full desktop experience on an external display. Browse the web, watch videos, and work with full resolution and no black bars. Supports mouse, keyboard, and floating tabs for enhanced multitasking.

Highlights
  • Full-resolution browsing on external display
  • Remove black bars for full-screen view
  • Open PDFs and files in browser tabs
  • Camera and microphone support for calls
  • Mouse and keyboard support
  • Multitask with floating tabs
  • Integrated ad-blocker
Features
Read full description

XeOS is the leading and most acclaimed desktop mode experience for iPhone, iPad, and the new iPhone Duo. Browse the web on a second screen, watch videos full-screen, work or study on your external monitor, TV, or projector powered only by your iPhone/iPad. Browse at full resolution, remove black bars, open PDFs and files in tabs, join calls with camera and microphone support, and enjoy a better iPhone/iPad extended display experience. • Full-resolution browsing on your external display from iPhone/iPad • Remove black bars for a cleaner full-screen view • Open PDFs and files in browser tabs • Download files directly from the browser • Watch YouTube and online video in full screen • Camera and microphone support for calls and meetings • Mouse and keyboard support for a desktop-like setup • Multitask with floating tabs - resize and reposition them anywhere on the screen • Use the on-screen trackpad when you don't have a mouse with you • Use the on-screen keyboard when you don't have a keyboard with you • More flexible iPhone/iPad external monitor to use anywhere • Enjoy a better iPhone/iPad to external monitor experience • Use iPhone/iPad extend display for work, travel, and entertainment • Privacy-focused by design, with no server account or remote processing; your browsing session, files, and activity stay on your device • Integrated ad-blocker disables many known intrusive trackers and ads • Built on Safari and iOS security standards, with proper system permissions IMPORTANT: This app works only with iPhone/iPads supporting video output when connecting via cable or adapter! Most iPhone/iPads support it, except the Air and E models, but check your iPhone/iPad's compatibility! The app works with some iPads but we advise you to use the free trial to test it with your model first! If wired connection doesn't work for your model try the wireless mode via AirPlay. The app's onboarding guides your through connecting all peripherals and your external monitor. If you encounter any issues or need help please contact support in the app. IMPORTANT: Note that the app has a few minor limitations. Due to browser engine security restrictions, users may be unable to interact with remote iframes in certain situations. When this happens, the app provides a button to temporarily switch to the phone layout, allowing you to complete the required action. Afterward, you can return to the fullscreen, black-bar-free experience. By using this app, you agree to Apple's Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

LumenDesk

Features
Read full description

LumenDesk puts your own Mac in your USB-C display glasses — or right here on your iPhone — from anywhere. Your phone becomes the trackpad and keyboard. YOUR MAC, ANYWHERE (LUMENDESK PRO) • Your whole Mac desktop on a 1080p canvas — every app, every file • Direct, end-to-end encrypted connection with a secure relay as fallback — set up once with a 6-digit code • Three screens in your glasses: your Mac in the middle, two extra displays at your sides • Hear your Mac's audio in your glasses while the Mac stays silent • Mission Control and desktop gestures from the phone • Start AI coding agents on your Mac, watch them work on the big screen and approve each change with a tap • Team Desk: a teammate's Mac as another screen, only with their consent • No glasses with you? Your Mac opens on the phone itself, and iPhone Duo half-folds into a tiny laptop FREE WITH YOUR GLASSES • A spacious canvas on your glasses — browse, read long documents and write with room to think • Your phone is the trackpad and keyboard — precise pointer, natural scrolling, quick text entry • Side-by-side panes, reading mode, PDF and a teleprompter • A voice copilot that runs entirely on your device • Comfort features: text zoom, auto-scroll, dim phone while connected, break reminders WORKS WITH • iPhone 15, 16, 17 and iPhone Duo (USB-C with DisplayPort) • Any USB-C DisplayPort ("DP Alt Mode") display glasses • Remote Mac: any Apple-silicon Mac running the free LumenDesk Connect app LUMENDESK PRO Pro is available as a monthly or yearly auto-renewing subscription, or as a one-time Lifetime purchase. New subscribers get the first week free. Payment is charged to your Apple Account when you confirm the purchase, or when the free week ends. A subscription renews automatically unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; manage or cancel it in your Apple Account settings. Pro belongs to your LumenDesk account, so it also works in the Mac app. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://lumendesk.dev/privacy

Screenshots

XeOS4 screens
LumenDesk4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: XeOS at daily against LumenDesk's every 2 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. XeOS sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and LumenDesk sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

XeOS ships an update daily, LumenDesk every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
XeOS versus LumenDesk: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterXeOSLumenDesk
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (24 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews61.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings24 — better—
Update frequencyDaily — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size83 MB16 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperMarian-Daniel FilipoviciEREN YAMIC

In-app purchases

3 purchases

XeOS

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Yearly$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$39.99
3 purchases

LumenDesk

Subscriptions2
  • LumenDesk Pro (Monthly)7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • LumenDesk Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • LumenDesk Pro (Lifetime)$149.99

Questions

Is XeOS free?
XeOS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LumenDesk free?
LumenDesk is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do XeOS or LumenDesk have ads?
Neither XeOS nor LumenDesk shows ads.
Which is updated more often, XeOS or LumenDesk?
XeOS ships an update daily, and LumenDesk every 2 weeks. Most recently, XeOS was updated on November 9, 2026 and LumenDesk on October 31, 2026.

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