# Duet Display vs simREF

The clearest difference is review sentiment: simREF at 100% against Duet Display's 45%. simREF also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.4) and ads (none vs shown). Duet Display's advantage is ratings volume (49K vs 3) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Duet Display sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simREF holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Duet Display has 49K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of Duet Display's written reviews are positive against 100% of simREF's.

Duet Display ships an update every 3 weeks, simREF every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Duet Display | simREF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duet-display/id935754064/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 45.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 59 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Vision Pro** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Duet, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/935754063) | [Chris-Luca Fischer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843257076) |

## What reviewers say

### Duet Display

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duet-display/id935754064)

Transform your iPad or iPhone into an advanced, lag-free extra display for your Mac or PC. Interact with your computer using touch and gestures, and unlock professional drawing capabilities with Apple Pencil support.

**Highlights:** Extra display for Mac & PC, Lag-free performance, Touch and gesture support, Apple Pencil integration, Professional drawing tools, Portable productivity

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Duet Starter (Monthly) | $3.99 | per month |
| Duet Air (Monthly) | $5.99 | per month |
| Duet Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| Duet Starter (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| Duet Air (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |
| Duet Pro (Annual) | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works seamlessly as a second screen
- 👍 Useful for productivity and multitasking
- 🎨 Great for artists and designers
- 💻 Extends desktop to iPad
- ⭐ Excellent customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues and crashes
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Subscription model for full functionality
- 🔍 Confusing setup process
- 💸 Expensive for the features provided

**Reported bugs**

- Incompatibility with certain software and drivers
- Laggy performance and input delays
- Unreliable connection and frequent disconnects

**Requested features**

- Improved resolution and scaling options
- Better support for older devices and Windows
- More customization and control over settings
- Wireless connectivity without subscription


### simREF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206)

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

**Highlights:** Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists, Operational Data at a glance, CG/Trim calculator, Offline functionality, Dark UI for cockpit environments, iPad landscape optimized

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IndiGo Virtual Integration | $2.99 | one-time |
| simREF Full Access | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Duet Display free?

Duet Display is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is simREF free?

simREF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Duet Display or simREF?

simREF is rated higher. Duet Display averages 4.4 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while simREF averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Duet Display or simREF have ads?

Duet Display shows ads; simREF does not.

### Which is updated more often, Duet Display or simREF?

Duet Display ships an update every 3 weeks, and simREF every 10 days. Most recently, Duet Display was updated on October 24, 2026 and simREF on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*