Windows App Mobile vs GlobalProtect™
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Windows App Mobile
Connect securely to Windows PCs, virtual apps, and desktops from your iOS or iPadOS device. Access your work environment remotely with ease, managing connections and resources from a unified client.
- Connect to remote PCs and virtual desktops
- Access managed resources
- Remote Desktop Gateway support
- Connection management and favorites
- Audio and video streaming
- Device redirection (folders, clipboard, microphone, camera)
- External monitor support
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Windows App Mobile for iOS and iPadOS (previously named Remote Desktop Mobile) is your gateway to securely connect to Windows including remote PCs and admin-provided virtual apps and desktops across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Dev Box and Remote Desktop Services. Embrace the simplicity of a unified client with Windows App Mobile and connect to your Windows in the cloud with ease and security, from the device of your choice. GET STARTED • Learn more about the features of Windows App Mobile at https://aka.ms/WindowsApp. • Configure your PC for remote access using the information at https://aka.ms/rdsetup. KEY FEATURES • Access remote PCs running Windows Professional or Enterprise and Windows Server. • Access managed resources published by your admin. • Connect through a Remote Desktop Gateway. • Simplified management of your connections and credentials from the Connection Center, including a Favorites page to cater to your unique workflow needs. • Audio and video streaming. • Redirect folders, your clipboard, and local devices such as microphones and cameras. • Connect your iPhone or iPad to an external monitor. • Easily switch between Entra accounts. • Dynamically switch between Portrait and Landscape mode. By downloading Windows App Mobile, you agree to the license (see https://aka.ms/WindowsAppLicense) and privacy terms (see https://aka.ms/privacy).
GlobalProtect™
This app provides secure network connectivity for mobile users by connecting to an enterprise gateway. It automatically adapts to your location to ensure optimal performance and allows for secure work outside the office. Administrators can configure various VPN modes for enhanced security.
- Automatic VPN connection
- Support for BYOD
- Automatic best gateway discovery
- Manual gateway selection
- IPSec or SSL connection
- MDM integration
- Two-factor authentication support
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GlobalProtect for iOS connects to a GlobalProtect gateway on a Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall to allow mobile users to benefit from enterprise security protection. Enterprise administrator can configure the same app to connect in either Always-On VPN, Remote Access VPN or Per App VPN mode. The app automatically adapts to the end user’s location and connects the user to the best available gateway in order to deliver optimal performance for all users and their traffic, without requiring any effort from the user. This allows users to work safely and effectively at locations outside of the traditional office. Before installing this app, please check with your IT department to ensure that your organization has enabled a GlobalProtect gateway subscription on the firewall. Features: Automatic VPN connection using iOS VPN On-Demand Support for BYOD with Remote Access VPN and App Level VPN Automatic discovery of best available gateway Manual gateway selection capability Connection over IPSec or SSL Integration with MDM for easy provisioning Support for changing an expired AD/RADIUS password when the user connects remotely Support for 2 Factor One Time Password based Authentication using RADIUS, SAML Support for other PAN-OS authentication methods, including LDAP, Client Certificates, and Local User Databases Full benefits of the native iOS experience with integrated notifications Capability for enterprises to enable users to use any app securely Requirements: Supported on Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls running PAN-OS 7.1, 8.0, 8.1 and above Requires a GlobalProtect gateway subscription installed on the Palo Alto Networks firewall in order to enable support for GlobalProtect app for iOS. Supported on iOS 10 and later releases
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Windows App Mobile at every 3 weeks against GlobalProtect™'s every 3 months. Windows App Mobile also leads on review sentiment (35% vs 17%) and chart position (#188 vs unranked). GlobalProtect™'s advantage is rating (4.4 vs 4.2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 26.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
GlobalProtect™ holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7.8K and 2.7K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 35% of Windows App Mobile's written reviews are positive against 17% of GlobalProtect™'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Windows App Mobile ships an update every 3 weeks, GlobalProtect™ every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Windows App Mobile | GlobalProtect™ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 (7.8K ratings) | 4.4 (2.7K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 34.8% of reviews — better | 16.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 7.8K — better | 2.7K |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #188 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 199 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation | Palo Alto Networks |
Customer experience
Windows App Mobile
GlobalProtect™
User reviews
Windows App Mobile
From 7.8K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Seamless remote desktop experience
- 👍 Smooth mouse and keyboard support
- 🚀 Reliable connections
- 👍 Great integration with Windows
- 🚀 Responsive and fast
Room to improve
- 🐛 Keyboard issues (no virtual keyboard, input problems)
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Resolution and scaling problems
- 🐛 Connectivity issues, especially over mobile data
- 🐛 Buggy after updates
GlobalProtect™
From 2.7K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Works well when set up
- 🔒 Secure VPN connection
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent connection issues
- 🔍 Lack of troubleshooting options
- 🤯 Frustrating user experience
- 🔑 Difficult to change login credentials
- 🔌 Disconnects internet when turned off
Bugs and requests
Windows App Mobile
Reported bugs
5 issues- Keyboard not working properly
- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Connectivity issues, especially over mobile data
- Resolution and scaling problems
- Incompatibility with newer iOS devices
Requested features
5 requests- Full screen support for external monitors
- Ability to save/sync connection profiles
- Support for multiple monitors and remote apps
- Improved keyboard functionality (F-keys, shortcuts)
- Better mouse/trackpad support (right-click, scrolling)
GlobalProtect™
Reported bugs
4 issues- Crashes on iOS 15 and newer
- "Missing required input parameters" error
- Fails to connect with certain authentication methods
- Stuck in "connecting" state, requires reinstall
Requested features
5 requests- Multiple portal support
- Ability to save server addresses
- Support for hardware security keys
- Landscape mode for tablets
- Improved compatibility with newer OS versions
In-app purchases
Windows App Mobile
No in-app purchases
GlobalProtect™
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Windows App Mobile free?
Is GlobalProtect™ free?
Which has better reviews, Windows App Mobile or GlobalProtect™?
Do Windows App Mobile or GlobalProtect™ have ads?
Which is updated more often, Windows App Mobile or GlobalProtect™?
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