Comparison

Katnet vs VBCC

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

Head to head
About

Katnet

Features
Read full description

katnet is a network discovery and connectivity toolkit for IT Professionals. See which hosts are online, which ports respond, and what each device advertises-then jump straight into SSH or VNC when you need a terminal or remote desktop. Discover devices Run a TCP sweep across your subnet (with a sensible default port set, or your own list). Results merge with Bonjour browsing and SSDP/UPnP-style hints so cameras, printers, NAS boxes, and servers show up with clearer context. Enrichment includes lightweight probes where appropriate (for example HTTP, TLS certificate summaries, SSH banners, and SNMP where reachable) to build a richer fingerprint-without sending your scan results to us. Built-in clients Use SSH for shell access and VNC for remote screen sharing to machines you are authorized to manage. A URL test tab helps verify HTTP/HTTPS reachability and status. A Status view summarizes local addressing and network context. Privacy katnet is built for on-network, on-device use. Discovery talks to your routers, printers, and servers over local Wi-Fi or Ethernet. You control when scanning runs. Grant Local Network access when iOS asks so multicast, Bonjour, and LAN probes can work. Important Only scan networks and systems you own or have explicit permission to test. Unauthorized scanning or access may violate law or policy.

About

VBCC

Transform your iPhone into a voice input peripheral and shortcut dashboard for your Mac. Instantly transcribe speech, send custom texts, and execute complex shortcut combinations directly to your Mac's active window.

Highlights
  • Real-time voice transcription to Mac
  • Customizable macro keypad
  • One-tap sending of text snippets
  • Zero-latency local network connection
  • System-native and cloud ASR support
  • iCloud cross-device sync
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a powerful input controller for your Mac. VBCC brings voice dictation, a remote keyboard, custom shortcuts, and a trackpad together in one app. Whether you're working with AI coding agents, writing documents, or navigating your Mac, VBCC helps you stay in your flow. VOICE INPUT — SPEAK AND SEND Dictate on your iPhone and send recognized text directly to the active input field on your Mac. Use Apple's built-in speech recognition or configure Doubao ASR. Choose your recognition language and audio input device. REMOTE KEYBOARD — CONTROLS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Send navigation and editing keys from your iPhone, including modifier key combinations. With Pro, save frequently used text, prompts, and key combinations as customizable shortcut buttons. Integrate them with Apple Shortcuts and the Action Button on supported iPhones. REMOTE TRACKPAD — PRO Control your Mac's cursor directly from your iPhone: • One-finger cursor movement • Tap to click and double-tap to double-click • Long-press and drag • Two-finger tap for right-click • Two-finger horizontal and vertical scrolling with momentum • Adjustable cursor and scrolling sensitivity THREE HOME LAYOUTS Switch between the Messages layout for dictation and history, the Shortcuts layout for quick actions, and the Trackpad layout for pointer control. Shortcuts and Trackpad layouts require Pro. MESSAGES AND DEVELOPER TOOLS Keep your message history locally, with copy, resend, and Markdown preview support. You can even dictate and save messages while disconnected, then manually resend them when your Mac reconnects. Pro also includes: • Custom speech vocabulary and hotwords • iCloud sync for messages, shortcuts, and settings • Notifications from Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor via Mac Hooks On your Mac, you can optionally configure Ollama or Doubao for text refinement. Model services are configured separately and are not included with VBCC. PRIVATE, SIMPLE, AND DIRECT Connect your iPhone and Mac over a local network or supported P2P/AWDL connection. No VBCC account required. Basic dictation, remote keys, and message history are free. Pro is available as a one-time purchase. REQUIREMENTS • iPhone with iOS 26 or later • VBCC Mac companion app, macOS 13 or later • Local Network permission on iPhone • Accessibility permission on Mac • Trackpad requires Pro and VBCC Mac 2.0 or later Download the Mac app and explore the setup guide: https://imyiangyang.top/app/vbcc/

Screenshots

Katnet4 screens
VBCC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Katnet at none against VBCC's 1. Katnet also leads on iOS requirement (18.6 vs 26.0). VBCC's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads 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. VBCC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Katnet asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Katnet versus VBCC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKatnetVBCC
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequency—Monthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIT Guy IO洋 刘

In-app purchases

None

Katnet

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

VBCC

One-time1
  • VBCC Pro$1.99

Questions

Is Katnet free?
Katnet is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VBCC free?
VBCC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Katnet or VBCC have ads?
Neither Katnet nor VBCC shows ads.

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