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Astropad VS Air Display

Compare Astropad VS Air Display and see what are their differences

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  3. » Reviews
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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.

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.
  • Astropad Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-25
  • Air Display Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-29

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.

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.

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

Astropad videos

+ Add

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

Air Display videos

+ Add

Air Display App Review

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Astropad and Air Display)

Astropad

Air Display

Remote Desktop
44 44%
Remote Desktop
56% 56
Remote PC Access
45 45%
Remote PC Access
55% 55
Multi Monitor
47 47%
Multi Monitor
53% 53
Design Tools
100 100%
Design Tools
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 Astropad and Air Display

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

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.
Source: technicalustad.com
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...
Source: www.winosbite.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Astropad should be more popular than Air Display. 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.

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

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: about 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: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Astropad and Air Display, 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...

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.

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

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

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

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