Comparison

Desk Remote vs QuickPad

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

Head to head
About

Desk Remote

Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a wireless trackpad and keyboard for your Mac. Move the cursor, type, control media, switch apps, and more — all without getting up. REQUIRES THE FREE MAC APP Desk Remote comes in two parts. This app runs on your iPhone; the free Desk Remote for Mac companion app runs on your Mac. Open Desk Remote on your iPhone and tap "Send link to my Mac" — the download link goes straight to your computer by AirDrop, Messages or Mail. Get the Mac app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6758866900 With both installed, the two find each other over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with zero configuration. Just open the app, tap your Mac, and start controlling. TRACKPAD • Single finger — move the cursor • Two fingers — scroll • Tap — left click • Double tap — double click • Two-finger tap — right click • Long press + drag — click and drag • Pinch — zoom in/out KEYBOARD • Full text input • Modifier keys: Cmd, Ctrl, Option • F1–F12 function keys • Arrow keys • Backspace and special keys MEDIA & SYSTEM CONTROLS • Play / Pause / Next / Previous • Volume up & down • Screen brightness • Mission Control & Spotlight APP LAUNCHER • View all running apps on your Mac • Switch to any app with one tap POWER MENU • Sleep, restart, log out, shut down — remotely CONNECTIVITY • Auto-discovery via Wi-Fi (Bonjour) and Bluetooth LE • Real-time connection status • Instant reconnection Free version includes trackpad, scrolling, clicks, and keyboard input. Upgrade to Pro to unlock media controls, volume, brightness, F-keys, arrow keys, app launcher, power menu, and advanced gestures. Requires the free Desk Remote for Mac app (Mac App Store, macOS 14 or later). SUBSCRIPTION Desk Remote Pro is an auto-renewable subscription (monthly or yearly). Payment is charged to your Apple Account. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel it in your Apple Account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://gelfand.dev/?policy=desk-remote-client

About

QuickPad

Features
Read full description

QuickPad is a wireless trackpad, keyboard, and macro pad that turns your iPhone, iPad, and Mac into a remote input device for your computer. Connect over your local network and control your desktop with multi-touch gestures, custom macros, and media keys. TRACKPAD: - Full-surface multi-touch trackpad emulation - Adjustable tracking speed (0.5x–5.0x) - Two-finger scrolling with natural/reverse scroll option - Tap-to-click support - Visual touch feedback with animated indicators EXTENDED KEYBOARD: - Sticky modifier keys: Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Cmd/Win - Function keys F1–F12 - Arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up/Down, Insert - Special keys: Esc, Tab, Enter, Space, Backspace, Delete - Auto-release modifiers after action key press MACRO PAD: - 4x3 configurable button grid (12 slots) - Custom labels, icons, and colors per button - Assign any key + modifier combination - Pre-configured common macros (Undo, Copy, Paste, Save, Find, etc.) - Long-press to edit any button MEDIA CONTROLS: - Play/Pause, Previous, Next track - Volume Up, Down, Mute with hold-to-repeat - Dedicated media control tab CONNECTION: - LAN auto-discovery via mDNS/Bonjour - Save multiple computer profiles - Quick connect by IP address - Auto-reconnect with retry (up to 3 attempts) - Auto-detect host computer's operating system SESSION: - Keep screen on during active session - Connection status indicators - Tab-based mode switching (Trackpad / Macros / Media) CUSTOMIZATION: - 20+ theme colors with dark/light mode - Haptic feedback toggle - Responsive layout for mobile, tablet, and desktop QuickPad Pro unlocks: - Bluetooth HID direct input (Android) - Ad-free experience - Full settings access - Priority support Terms of Use: https://kakitiro.com/quickapps/quickpad/terms/

Screenshots

Desk Remote4 screens
QuickPad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QuickPad at none against Desk Remote's 2. QuickPad also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads 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. Desk Remote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. QuickPad asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Desk Remote ships an update every 2 months, QuickPad every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
Desk Remote versus QuickPad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDesk RemoteQuickPad
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaniil NuzhdinKAZUHIRO KAKIMOTO

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Desk Remote

Subscriptions2
  • Desk Remote Pro Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Desk Remote Pro Yearly$14.991 Year
None

QuickPad

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Desk Remote free?
Desk Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QuickPad free?
QuickPad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Desk Remote or QuickPad have ads?
Both Desk Remote and QuickPad show ads.
Which is updated more often, Desk Remote or QuickPad?
Desk Remote ships an update every 2 months, and QuickPad every 2 weeks. Most recently, Desk Remote was updated on September 10, 2026 and QuickPad on September 17, 2026.

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