Comparison

OpenLens vs Whatcode

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

Head to head
About

OpenLens

This application allows you to remotely control and monitor AI coding sessions from your iPhone. Continue your work seamlessly from your mobile device, manage sessions, and receive real-time updates.

Highlights
  • Remote AI coding session control
  • Real-time chat with streaming responses
  • Session management (create, delete)
  • Switch AI providers and models
  • Live progress on Lock Screen/Dynamic Island
  • Bonjour/mDNS server discovery
  • Save multiple server connections
Features
Read full description

OpenLens is a fast, focused iPhone client for OpenCode. Run OpenCode on your computer, then continue the same AI coding session from your phone. Use OpenLens to monitor progress, reply quickly, and stay in control when you are away from your desk. What you can do with OpenLens: - Connect instantly to nearby OpenCode servers with Bonjour/mDNS discovery - Save multiple server connections and reconnect automatically - Chat in real time with streaming responses - View and manage sessions, including creating and deleting sessions - Switch AI providers and models directly from the app - Review agent activity steps while work is in progress - Respond to permission prompts and interactive questions from the server - See live progress on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island with Live Activities Built for real workflows: - One session across terminal, web, and iPhone - Reliable reconnect behavior when network conditions change - Optional password-protected server access

About

Whatcode

Features
Read full description

WhatCode is a native iOS client for OpenCode, the open-source AI coding agent. Connect to your own OpenCode server and get a full AI coding assistant in your pocket. WhatCode gives you a fast, native interface to chat with an AI that can read your files, understand your codebase, suggest edits, and help you ship faster. Features: - Connect to any self-hosted opencode instance - Browse and manage all your projects - Real-time AI chat with streaming responses - Full context awareness, the AI sees your actual code - Works over your own infrastructure, your data stays yours - Dark and light mode Requires a running OpenCode server. Visit whatcode.app to get started. All features require a WhatCode Pro subscription. Terms of Use: https://www.whatcode.app/policies/terms

Screenshots

OpenLens4 screens
Whatcode4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenLens at none against Whatcode's 2. OpenLens also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks) and chart position (#206 vs unranked). Whatcode's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). 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. Whatcode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.29 per month. OpenLens asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenLens ships an update every 5 days, Whatcode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
OpenLens versus Whatcode: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenLensWhatcode
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#206 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMartyn PekalaSimone Gauli

In-app purchases

None

OpenLens

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Whatcode

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly3 Days trial$3.291 Month
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$23.991 Year

Questions

Is OpenLens free?
OpenLens is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Whatcode free?
Whatcode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do OpenLens or Whatcode have ads?
Neither OpenLens nor Whatcode shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OpenLens or Whatcode?
OpenLens ships an update every 5 days, and Whatcode every 2 weeks. Most recently, OpenLens was updated on September 24, 2026 and Whatcode on September 29, 2026.

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