VirtualBench vs Horizontal PCB
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VirtualBench
This app transforms your iPad into a versatile all-in-one instrument, combining an oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, and power supply. Interact with instruments using multi-touch gestures and share data instantly. It offers hands-free operation for common tasks.
- All instruments viewable together
- Multi-touch gesture control
- Screenshot and data sharing
- Hands-free operation via iPad bump
- Demo mode with simulated signals
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NI VirtualBench is an all-in-one instrument that works with your iPad. It integrates a mixed-signal oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, and programmable DC power supply into a single device that takes up less space on your bench. Connect VirtualBench wirelessly to your iPad to interact with instruments like never before. No knobs or buttons required. SEE All Instruments Together View and interact with all instruments at once with a consolidated and consistent experience for each instrument. INTERACT with Multi-Touch Gestures Pinch horizontally or vertically to change the Time/Div or Volts/Div. Tap and drag to pan or position a waveform. SHARE Screenshots and Data in Seconds Capture screenshots or data in a .CSV file and instantly email, AirDrop, save to the camera roll, or share directly to other apps like Dropbox, Skitch, and Numbers. BUMP to Perform Actions Hands-Free Holding two probes and need an extra hand? Configure Hands-Free and simply bump your iPad to take a screenshot, start an acquisition, or enable another instrument without dropping your probes. GETTING STARTED • To use this app with a VirtualBench device, first connect your iPad to the same WiFi network as the VirtualBench device or to the WiFi network hosted by the VirtualBench device. • This app may also be used in “Demo Mode” with simulated signals. The function generator is “virtually” connected to the oscilloscope and the DC power supply is “virtually” connected to the digital multimeter. For purchasing information on the VirtualBench all-in-one instrument, visit ni.com/virtualbench. Need help? Get support at ni.com/support.
Horizontal PCB
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Read the hprj PCB design format. Export to Gerber, DXF, PDF, etc.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Horizontal PCB at every 5 days against VirtualBench's every 3 months. Horizontal PCB also leads on device support (3 vs 1). VirtualBench's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 26.0). On price, 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.
VirtualBench ships an update every 3 months, Horizontal PCB every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | VirtualBench | Horizontal PCB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 236 MB | 33 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | National Instruments | Twarge LLC |
In-app purchases
VirtualBench
No in-app purchases
Horizontal PCB
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is VirtualBench free?
Is Horizontal PCB free?
Do VirtualBench or Horizontal PCB have ads?
Which is updated more often, VirtualBench or Horizontal PCB?
Other comparisons
