Comparison

DisplayerPad vs OpenSol

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

Head to head
About

DisplayerPad

Features
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DisplayerPad turns your iPad into a wired external display for your Mac.** With DisplayerPad, you can use your iPad as a second screen through a stable cable connection, without relying on Wi-Fi. It is designed for users who want a simple, portable, and reliable way to extend their Mac workspace using a device they already own. DisplayerPad works together with the Displayer macOS companion app. Connect your iPad to your Mac using USB-C or Lightning, open the companion app on macOS, and start using your iPad as an additional display. Whether you are studying, coding, designing, writing, browsing, presenting, or managing multiple windows, DisplayerPad gives you extra screen space wherever you are. It can help you keep reference materials open, move tools and panels to a separate screen, monitor communication apps, or simply work more comfortably with a wider digital workspace. DisplayerPad was created with accessibility in mind. Similar second-screen solutions are often paid products, but DisplayerPad is completely free. The goal is to make wired second-display functionality available to more people, especially those who already own an iPad and want to get more value from it without buying extra hardware or paying for subscriptions. The app focuses on a clean and essential experience: connect the cable, start the Mac companion app, and use your iPad as a portable external display. A wired connection helps provide a more stable experience compared to wireless solutions, especially in places where Wi-Fi may be weak, crowded, or unreliable. **Main features:** * Use your iPad as a wired second display for your Mac * Extend your Mac workspace with a portable screen * Connect through USB-C or Lightning * Avoid depending on Wi-Fi * Useful for productivity, development, design, studying, presentations, and multitasking * Completely free to use **Requirements:** DisplayerPad requires the Displayer macOS companion app to work. A compatible Mac and a wired connection between Mac and iPad are required. DisplayerPad is an independent project built with the idea that useful technology should be accessible, practical, and available to everyone.

About

OpenSol

Experience a classic 8080 computer emulator inspired by the Sol-20 Terminal Computer. Interact with original firmware, customize display effects, and enjoy an immersive terminal experience. This independently developed app offers a unique retro computing simulation.

Highlights
  • Intel 8080 interpreter
  • Original OpenSol firmware
  • Sol Command Monitor
  • Customizable display effects (CRT, phosphor)
  • Full-screen immersive mode
  • External keyboard and controller support
  • Virtual cassette tools
Features
Read full description

OpenSol is an independently developed Intel 8080 computer emulator inspired by the Processor Technology Sol-20 Terminal Computer. Explore a 64-by-16 character display, type directly into the original OpenSol firmware, and use the built-in Sol Command Monitor. Choose white, green, amber, or red phosphor; switch between a sharp flat display and period-inspired CRT effects; and use full-screen mode for an immersive terminal experience. OpenSol includes: • A complete independently written Intel 8080 interpreter • Original OpenSol firmware and Sol Command Monitor • iPhone, iPad, and Mac interfaces • Direct typing, touch input, external keyboards, and compatible game controllers • User-selected ENT and raw-binary file import • Private on-device Recent Programs and session restoration • Experimental virtual cassette and USB-audio cassette tools OpenSol includes no SOLOS ROM, vintage applications, download catalog, advertising, analytics, tracking, accounts, or network service. Users provide their own lawfully obtained compatible files. OpenSol is not affiliated with or endorsed by Processor Technology Corporation or any successor rights holder. Historical product names are used only to describe compatibility and historical context.

Screenshots

DisplayerPad4 screens
OpenSol3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: OpenSol at every 8 days against DisplayerPad's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DisplayerPad ships an update every 2 months, OpenSol every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
DisplayerPad versus OpenSol: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDisplayerPadOpenSol
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS18.217.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size46 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSilvio fossoJordan Ruderman

In-app purchases

None

DisplayerPad

No in-app purchases

None

OpenSol

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DisplayerPad free?
DisplayerPad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is OpenSol free?
OpenSol is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do DisplayerPad or OpenSol have ads?
Neither DisplayerPad nor OpenSol shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DisplayerPad or OpenSol?
DisplayerPad ships an update every 2 months, and OpenSol every 8 days. Most recently, DisplayerPad was updated on October 6, 2026 and OpenSol on October 8, 2026.

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