Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

iDisplay VS Astropad

Compare iDisplay VS Astropad and see what are their differences

iDisplay logo iDisplay

iDisplay is an app that turns a mobile device into a secondary desktop monitor. The app currently supports iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS, and it lets users connect a desktop computer to a mobile device over WiFi. Read more about iDisplay.

Astropad logo Astropad

Astropad is a free form drawing tool designed from the ground up to take advantages of the features offered by an iPad.
  • iDisplay Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-01-21
  • Astropad Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-25

iDisplay features and specs

  • Extended Display
    iDisplay allows users to extend their primary screen to secondary devices, such as tablets or smartphones, providing more real estate for multitasking.
  • Compatibility
    The application is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems, making it versatile for different users.
  • Portability
    By turning a tablet or smartphone into an extra monitor, users can have a portable multi-screen setup, useful for presentations and on-the-go tasks.
  • Touch Input Support
    iDisplay allows the secondary device to utilize touch input, enabling interactive tasks that can be more intuitive on touch-enabled devices.
  • Ease of Use
    The application offers a simple setup process and user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Possible disadvantages of iDisplay

  • Performance
    Some users have reported performance issues such as lag and latency, especially when using the software over Wi-Fi connections.
  • Stability
    The application may sometimes crash or disconnect, leading to interruptions in workflow and requiring frequent reconnections.
  • Battery Drain
    Using a smartphone or tablet as an extended display can drain its battery quickly, necessitating frequent recharging.
  • Cost
    While iDisplay offers a range of useful features, it is not a free app. Users have to purchase it, which can be a con for those looking for a no-cost solution.
  • Limited Platform Compatibility
    The application predominantly supports iOS and Android devices for the extended display, potentially excluding users on other platforms.

Astropad features and specs

  • High-Quality Display
    Astropad offers high-quality display mirroring, which gives users sharp and clear visuals when using their iPads as drawing tablets with their Mac.
  • Low Latency
    The app is designed to provide a seamless experience with minimal lag, which is crucial for real-time drawing and design work.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Astropad allows users to set up custom shortcuts, which can significantly enhance productivity by providing quick access to frequently used functions.
  • Apple Pencil Support
    With full support for the Apple Pencil, users benefit from pressure sensitivity and precision, making it ideal for professional artists.
  • Wireless Capability
    Astropad can be used wirelessly, providing greater flexibility and comfort as users are not tethered to their devices.

Possible disadvantages of Astropad

  • Mac-Only Compatibility
    Astropad is limited to macOS for the host computer, which restricts its usage for Windows users.
  • Requires Paid Subscription
    For access to all features and optimal performance, users may need to subscribe to Astropad Studio, which involves a recurring cost.
  • Potential Performance Issues
    Depending on the Wi-Fi connection, users may face occasional performance issues such as lag or connectivity problems.
  • Complex Setup for New Users
    Initial setup might be challenging for users who are not tech-savvy, as it requires pairing and sometimes troubleshooting connectivity.
  • Limited to Apple Ecosystem
    The software is predominantly designed for use within the Apple ecosystem, limiting its integration and interoperability with non-Apple devices.

iDisplay videos

iDisplay App Review - Sweetwater's iOS Update, Vol. 102

More videos:

Astropad videos

AstroPad Review - 1 year later

More videos:

  • Review - Apple SIDECAR VS. ASTROPAD - Which is better?
  • Review - Using the iPad Pro as a Cintiq Graphics Tablet | ASTROPAD Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to iDisplay and Astropad)
Remote Desktop
60 60%
40% 40
Remote PC Access
61 61%
39% 39
Multi Monitor
60 60%
40% 40
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare iDisplay and Astropad

iDisplay Reviews

Top 10 Duet Display Alternatives (Free and Paid) Reviewed | 2022
As with most of the apps on our list, iDisplay streams video at 60 frames per second. Another feature of iDisplay is that it supports multitouch on all devices. Also, iDisplay lets you connect more than one device to your computer.
Source: mediapeanut.com
Top 6 Best Spacedesk Alternatives for Duet Display
Using iDisplay, you can convert your Android device or your iPad into an extended screen for your primary PC. It supports wired as well as a wireless connection for up to three screens at once.
Source: itechhacks.com
7 Of The Best Spacedesk Alternatives For Multi-Monitor Work
Looking for a touch screen display window than iDisplay is your tool. It converts the iPad and iPhone to a second touch screen display. It can instantly turn your iPad device for the multi-screen show, which is compatible with the android phone as well as a laptop.
Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
iDisplay works on both Mac and Windows turning your iPad or iPhone into another touch-screen display. It also lets you mirror your desktop on your iPad or iPhone. You have all MS-Office apps like Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Photoshop right on your iPad or iPhone which shall work on just a touch. Working with almost 0 latency, it is compatible to both lightning and 30-pin...
6 Ways to Use Your Android as Second Monitor For Your Computer
iDisplay is another display mirroring app on this list. iDisplay started with the macOS and iOS but quickly expanded to other Operating systems. You have apps for Windows and Android which makes it a good cross-platform solution. It supports 60 fps and plus offers multi-touch on the device you are using it on.
Source: techwiser.com

Astropad Reviews

Top 10 Duet Display Alternatives (Free and Paid) Reviewed | 2022
AstroPad Standard is an alternative to Luna Display. The main difference between the two is that with AstroPad Standard you do not have to use a dongle. That said, AstroPad Standard only works as a multipurpose mirror of your Mac on your iPad and does not include the other 2 modes.
Source: mediapeanut.com
8 Best SpaceDesk Alternatives for Duet Display (2022)
It is a lightweight tool that helps you multitask using more than one monitor. The main USP of Astropad is the straightforward user interface that makes it perfect for non-technical users. However, despite its sleek design, the software is powerful enough to do all your tasks.
Source: techdator.net

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Astropad should be more popular than iDisplay. It has been mentiond 7 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

iDisplay mentions (1)

  • Can I use my ipad as a third screen over a USB cable?
    I have done some research and found iDisplay. However that only works for windows, macOS and android and I dont think it would work over wine. Source: over 1 year ago

Astropad mentions (7)

  • Conflicted between Ipad Pro and Wacom Tablet for Cartoon Animations
    I would like to use the adobe suite to create my animations, starting in Illustrator and then moving to adobe animate and then adobe after effects if needed (I have used after effects for 10 years now). I would prefer to hand draw my characters in illustrator, then make their entire body into a vector (facial expressions, joint bends and more) in illustrator, then take it to adobe animate for character rigging. I... Source: over 1 year ago
  • How to sculpt comfortably from my couch: looking for lightweight/desktop-less setups recommendations
    My team used https://astropad.com/ to set up animators to work in adobe programs directly. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • blender on ipad
    But if you really want to try using your iPad with Blender the app to get is Astropad. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How to make extended display on illustrator from IPAD to MACBOOK?
    I've done this with Astropad. You might also be able to do this with Continuity if your Mac and iPads are new enough, my iPad is too old. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Pixel Dog Spring Wallpaper
    Made by myself with Aseprite and Astropad. Part of my project Wallace.dog. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing iDisplay and Astropad, you can also consider the following products

Duet Display - With Duet Display, you can transform your iPhone or iPad into a second display to expand the screen space of your PC or Mac system.

spacedesk - spacedesk expands the Windows desktop computer screen to other computers over the local area...

Air Display - Air Display allows extra screens to extend the display size of a Mac desktop. The company behind the product is Avatron Software, which was founded in 2008. Read more about Air Display.

Superbrush - Superbrush clones the screen of your Windows computer on your Android tablet and relays pen input back to your PC.

Splashtop Wired XDisplay - Use Splashtop Wired XDisplay to turn your iPad, Android tablet, Kindle or smartphone into a high-performance extra monitor for your computer.

Duet Pro - Turn your iPad Pro Into a high performance drawing tablet