Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Air Display VS Chrome Remote Desktop

Compare Air Display VS Chrome Remote Desktop and see what are their differences

Air Display logo 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.

Chrome Remote Desktop logo Chrome Remote Desktop

The easy way to remotely connect with your home or work computer, or share your screen with others.
  • Air Display Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-29
  • Chrome Remote Desktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26

Air Display features and specs

  • Multi-platform Support
    Air Display supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, including macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. This makes it versatile for users with multiple devices.
  • Touchscreen Functionality
    When using a tablet as a secondary display, Air Display allows users to utilize touchscreen capabilities, adding an extra layer of interaction and control.
  • Wireless Convenience
    The application enables wireless connection between devices, eliminating the need for cables and allowing more flexibility in setup arrangements.
  • Extended Desktop Mode
    Air Display allows users to extend their desktop space, providing more screen real estate for multitasking and productivity.
  • Ease of Setup
    The application offers a straightforward setup process, making it user-friendly even for those who may not be very tech-savvy.

Possible disadvantages of Air Display

  • Performance Issues
    Some users may experience latency or lag, particularly over less stable wireless connections, which can disrupt the user experience.
  • Battery Drain
    Using a mobile device as an extended display can significantly drain its battery, limiting the duration for which it can be used effectively without recharging.
  • Cost
    Air Display is a paid application, which may be a deterrent for users looking for a free alternative.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Occasionally, users may face compatibility issues between different hardware configurations or operating system versions, affecting performance and usability.
  • Limited Features
    While it provides basic extended desktop functionalities, advanced features available in some competitor applications might be missing.

Chrome Remote Desktop features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Chrome Remote Desktop offers a straightforward setup and user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for individuals with minimal technical expertise.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The service supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, allowing for convenient access regardless of the device being used.
  • Cost
    It is a free service, making it an economical choice for users requiring remote desktop access without investing in premium software.
  • Security
    The service uses Google's robust security protocols, including SSH and SSL, ensuring that connections are encrypted and secure.
  • Integration with Google Services
    Seamless integration with other Google services such as Gmail and Google Drive can enhance productivity and user experience.

Possible disadvantages of Chrome Remote Desktop

  • Limited Features
    Compared to other remote desktop solutions, Chrome Remote Desktop lacks advanced features such as file transfer, remote printing, and screen sharing with annotations.
  • Internet Dependency
    A stable internet connection is essential for effective use. Performance may degrade with slower connections, making it less reliable in areas with poor internet service.
  • No Multi-Monitor Support
    The service does not natively support multiple monitors, which can be a significant limitation for users who rely on multi-screen setups.
  • Limited Customization
    The application has limited customization options, making it less adaptable to specific user or business requirements compared to more flexible solutions.
  • Google Account Requirement
    A Google account is mandatory for using the service, which may be a drawback for individuals or organizations that prefer not to use Google services.

Analysis of Air Display

Overall verdict

  • Air Display is generally considered a good application for those who need additional screens and prefer wireless solutions. It offers a reliable and easy-to-use experience, making it a valuable tool for improving productivity.

Why this product is good

  • Air Display, developed by Avatron, allows users to extend or mirror their computer screen to a tablet or another computer wirelessly. The software is praised for its seamless connectivity, ease of setup, and the convenience it provides for multitasking and increased productivity. It's particularly beneficial for graphic designers, programmers, or anyone who requires additional screen real estate.

Recommended for

  • Graphic Designers
  • Software Developers
  • Video Editors
  • Remote Workers
  • Anyone who needs additional screen space

Air Display videos

Air Display App Review

More videos:

  • Review - Air Display Review
  • Review - Air Display for iPhone and iPad Review

Chrome Remote Desktop videos

How To Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop to WFH

More videos:

  • Review - Review - Free Chrome Remote Desktop - It is amazing!
  • Review - Access Your Desktop Remotely With Google Chrome Remote Desktop

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Air Display and Chrome Remote Desktop)
Remote Desktop
22 22%
78% 78
Remote PC Access
21 21%
79% 79
Multi Monitor
100 100%
0% 0
Remote Control
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Air Display and Chrome Remote Desktop

Air Display Reviews

Top 10 Duet Display Alternatives (Free and Paid) Reviewed | 2022
Air Display vs Duet Display: Similar to Duet Display, AirDisplay is another ideal method of making your iOS device behave as a second monitor. Using AirDisplay, you will be able to quickly view documents,, web pages, photos, videos, certain PC games, and other content without having a hyper CPU-intensive application ran in the background.
Source: mediapeanut.com
Top 6 Best Spacedesk Alternatives for Duet Display
As many as four devices can be connected at once over Air Display software and it works for both PC and laptop. You can remotely access your PC or laptop over the internet from anywhere in the world!
Source: itechhacks.com
8 Best SpaceDesk Alternatives for Duet Display (2022)
If you want to turn your Tablet into an extra screen for multitasking, Air Display must be your option. Several useful features in the software make it a suitable option to choose. For instance, you can set up customizable hotkeys to control the subsidiary screen.
Source: techdator.net
7 Of The Best Spacedesk Alternatives For Multi-Monitor Work
Looking for a spare screen for your Mac then Air Display does that for you. They provide an extra filter in the primary Mac device. The software is easy to use without any hassle, not like the others that are quite complicated.
Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
You can use multiple devices, iOS devices, Windows PCs, Macs and Android tablets as an added screen for your Mac computer. While earlier Windows PCs were used as Air Display hosts, now only Mac computers are supported as hosts. With the latest version, Air Display 3, you can use four devices to act as interactive screens for your Mac computer. It allows use with USB cables...

Chrome Remote Desktop Reviews

Top 10 Android Remote Access Tools
Microsoft Remote Desktop is very similar to Chrome Remote Desktop and provides the functionality necessary to access remote Windows computers. Since this software was developed by Microsoft, it is compatible with all of the companyโ€™s applications and versions of the Windows OS. Users who need to simply connect to distant Windows systems may find this to be the best free...
14 Best TeamViewer Alternatives of 2022
Chrome Remote Desktop is not really a proper remote access terminal. It is just a browser extension enabling remote connection. This means that it is a browser-based tool, making it platform-independent.
25 Best TeamViewer Alternative Software (Free/Paid) in 2021
Remote desktop software needs to be installed on both the client as well as server-side. It uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to Windows systems. Once installed, it captures inputs like mouse and keyboard from the clientโ€™s computer and sends them to the server computer. This way, the client can use and manage the server-side computer from a remote location. It...
Source: www.guru99.com
Best remote desktop software of 2021: Paid and free choices for businesses
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access program thatโ€™s available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It's extremely limited when compared to some of the paid options on this list, but itโ€™s the best free software weโ€™ve come across and is a great option for personal use.
10 Best Free Remote Desktop Tools You Should Know
Remote desktop tools and features have been around for years. Most such tools and features were built with IT administrators and managers in mind โ€“ they make it easy for IT support personnel to access connected computers via a โ€˜masterโ€™ computer. But with the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets, the average user also feels the need to access their home or work PC...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Chrome Remote Desktop seems to be a lot more popular than Air Display. While we know about 94 links to Chrome Remote Desktop, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Air Display. 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.

Air Display mentions (3)

  • Duplicate monitor to wireless display or iPad
    Https://avatron.com/applications/air-display/ Not sure, if it does screen mirroring. Source: over 3 years ago
  • MacBook Pro 2018 to iMac 2017 connection for external display?
    If you're talking about Target Display Mode, I'm afraid your iMac does not support it. You can still use something like Air Display, although I'm not sure if it will help you achieve what you want. Source: over 3 years ago
  • MacBook As Display
    The other option is via software like AirDisplay, but that does cost money as well! Source: over 4 years ago

Chrome Remote Desktop mentions (94)

  • Has anyone successfully used your Chromebook just to remote to your regular pc when traveling?
    This works pretty well with Chrome Remote Desktop. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Show HN: Another way to use an old tablet as an extra screen
    When I had to work on my desktop but had to watch some educational videos on the side I just used https://remotedesktop.google.com/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • ChromeOS is Linux with Googleโ€™s desktop environment
    They do, but for the googlers I know it's just as a thin client for their remote desktop software (https://remotedesktop.google.com/). - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Is it possible to run remote Access sofrwares via steamdeck?
    I use ipvanish on steamdeck for pirating movies and shows. I also use google https://remotedesktop.google.com/ to control my work computer without having to to go through windows l2tp vpn or cisco anyconnect. You just need a a browser plugin on the pc you want to control called Chrome Remote Desktop. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Remote control of a Chromebook to give someone support?
    I help my mom all the time. She just bring up https://remotedesktop.google.com/ and then select the option to get help to generate a code. You just need to use chrome browser on another machine and enter the code. You should get a pop up asking for permission. Once approved you should be able to remotely control the Chromebook. Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Air Display and Chrome Remote Desktop, 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.

TeamViewer - TeamViewer lets you establish a connection to any PC or server within just a few seconds.

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.

AnyDesk - AnyDesk is the world's most comfortable remote desktop application. Access all your programs, documents and files from anywhere, without having to entrust your data to a cloud service.

Luna Display - Hardware that turns the iPad into a wireless second display

TightVNC - TightVNC - VNC-Compatible Remote Control / Remote Desktop Software. Download TightVNCDownload TightVNC 1. 3. 10ย - TightVNC Serverย - F. A. Read more about TightVNC.