Comparison

Remote Desktop vs XConnect

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

Head to head
About

Remote Desktop

Access and control your Mac or Windows PC from your iPhone or iPad with this easy-to-use remote desktop solution. Enjoy real-time video and audio streaming, intuitive touch controls, and secure, end-to-end encrypted connections without any complex setup or fees.

Highlights
  • Remote computer control
  • Real-time video and audio streaming
  • Intuitive touch-cursor control
  • End-to-end encrypted connection
  • No-setup required
  • Free to use
Features
Read full description

Your computer, in your pocket. Remote Desktop lets you see and control your Mac or Windows PC right from your iPhone or iPad — anywhere you have internet. No complicated setup, no servers to run, no port forwarding, no monthly fees. Install the free host app on your computer, select your device, and you're connected. Beautifully simple Most remote desktop tools are built for IT departments. This one is built for you. There's nothing to configure. Open the app, click once, and your computer appears on screen — live, with sound, and fully controllable. What you can do • See your computer's screen in crisp, real-time video • Hear your computer's audio streamed straight to your device • Tap, scroll, and drag with an intuitive touch-cursor • Type with your on-screen or hardware keyboard • Use a connected trackpad or mouse for precise control • Works great on both iPhone and iPad Set up in seconds Download the free Mac or Windows host app Sign in with the same Apple Account on both devices Select the device you want to control Done — you're connected Private by design Your connection is direct and end-to-end. Pairing only works between devices signed into your own Apple Account, so no stranger can ever reach your computer. There's no middle-man server storing your screen or your data — the video, audio, and controls flow straight between your devices. • Free to use • No account to create • No router settings to change • No subscriptions • Just works Whether you need to grab a file, check on a long-running task, run a desktop app on the go, or help yourself from the couch — Remote Desktop keeps your whole computer one tap away. Note: Requires the free companion host app for Mac or Windows, and both devices must be signed into the same Apple Account. A reliable internet connection is recommended for the best experience.

About

XConnect

Features
Read full description

XConnect brings SSH, Telnet, SFTP and Windows Remote Desktop together in one app built for iPhone. Manage Linux servers, reach Windows machines and move files, all from your pocket. REMOTE DESKTOP THAT WORKS ON A PHONE XConnect includes a full RDP client, not screen mirroring. Switch between trackpad and direct touch, scroll with two fingers, pinch to zoom, right-click, and use a hardware keyboard with sticky modifier keys. A TERMINAL MADE FOR TOUCH • A dedicated key row puts arrows, Ctrl and other essentials above the keyboard • Full-screen mode for long sessions • SSH with password or key authentication, plus Telnet for legacy devices • Jump hosts work like OpenSSH ProxyJump, so you can reach servers on private networks AN AI ASSISTANT THAT GETS THINGS DONE Describe the task, such as "check how much disk space is left", and the assistant plans it, runs the commands on your server, reads the real output and reports back. Before anything destructive, it stops and asks for your confirmation. Connect the AI provider of your choice. SCRIPTS, READY TO RUN Start with ready-made scripts for backups, disk usage, Docker, listening ports, failed services and more. View and edit them on your phone, or write your own, then run them on any connected server. SFTP FILE MANAGEMENT Browse remote directories, filter by files or folders, and upload or download with a tap. LOCAL FIRST, PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your connections, groups, scripts and keys are stored encrypted on your device. No account is needed to use SSH, Telnet and SFTP. When you want your setup on more devices, turn on sync: it is end-to-end encrypted, so the server never sees your data in plain text. XCONNECT PRO Free: SSH, Telnet, SFTP, the script library and one jump host. Pro unlocks: • Remote Desktop (RDP) • The AI assistant • Running scripts from the terminal • Unlimited jump hosts • End-to-end encrypted cloud sync across your devices XConnect Pro is available as an auto-renewable subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel it in your App Store account settings. Pro is tied to your XConnect account, so sign in first to subscribe. Terms of Use: https://xconnectapp.com/ios/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://xconnectapp.com/ios/privacy.html

Screenshots

Remote Desktop3 screens
XConnect4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Remote Desktop at none against XConnect's 3. XConnect's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 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. XConnect sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Remote Desktop asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Remote Desktop versus XConnect: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRemote DesktopXConnect
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequency—Weekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB58 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperMichael Inal振海 张

In-app purchases

None

Remote Desktop

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

XConnect

Subscriptions2
  • XConnect Pro3 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Unlock Pro3 Days trial$69.991 Year
One-time1
  • XConnect Pro Lifetime$89.99

Questions

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

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