Comparison

Desk Remote vs TapTiller

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

Head to head
About

Desk Remote

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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

TapTiller

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TapTiller turns your iPhone into a beautiful, customizable command surface for your Mac. Pair your iPhone with your Mac on the same local network, build your own control grid, and keep your most-used actions one tap away. Open Mac apps, launch websites, trigger keyboard shortcuts, control media, adjust volume, and manage compatible Home accessories from a clean touch-first interface. Create pages for different workflows, like design, writing, meetings, music, or smart home control. Choose compact or expanded layouts, customize tile colors, organize shortcut groups, and make TapTiller fit the way you work. Features: - Pair securely with your Mac using a short local code - Launch Mac apps from your iPhone - Open websites and saved URLs - Run keyboard shortcuts and window actions - Control playback, mute, skip, and volume - Add compatible Home accessories like lights, fans, outlets, and shades - Create multiple custom pages for different workflows - Use 2x4 or 3x6 grid layouts - Customize tile colors and icons - No account required - TapTiller is not a remote desktop. It is a focused control surface for the actions you use all day, designed to keep your Mac visible and your workflow moving. Note: TapTiller requires the Mac companion app and both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi or local network.

Screenshots

Desk Remote4 screens
TapTiller4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TapTiller at none against Desk Remote's 2. TapTiller also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). Desk Remote's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price 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. TapTiller asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Desk Remote ships an update every 2 months, TapTiller every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 2 level
Desk Remote versus TapTiller: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDesk RemoteTapTiller
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, Mac, Vision Pro — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaniil Nuzhdin高阳 王

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Desk Remote

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

TapTiller

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Desk Remote free?
Desk Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TapTiller free?
TapTiller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Desk Remote or TapTiller have ads?
Desk Remote shows ads; TapTiller does not.
Which is updated more often, Desk Remote or TapTiller?
Desk Remote ships an update every 2 months, and TapTiller every 9 days. Most recently, Desk Remote was updated on September 29, 2026 and TapTiller on October 16, 2026.

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