Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

iDisplay VS Chrome Remote Desktop

Compare iDisplay VS Chrome Remote Desktop 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.

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.
  • iDisplay Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-01-21
  • Chrome Remote Desktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26

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.

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 iDisplay

Overall verdict

  • Overall, iDisplay is well-regarded for its straightforward installation process and reliable performance. However, some users report issues with lag or connection stability, which may vary depending on the hardware and network configuration. It is a practical solution for those in need of additional screen space without investing in more hardware.

Why this product is good

  • iDisplay is a software solution that allows users to extend their computer screen to multiple devices, usually tablets or smartphones. It provides flexibility and enhances productivity by turning these devices into additional monitors. The software is particularly useful for people who need multiple screens for multitasking but have space or hardware constraints.

Recommended for

    iDisplay is recommended for remote workers, graphic designers, developers, and anyone who benefits from increased screen real estate. It's especially useful for those who travel frequently or work in environments where setting up multiple traditional monitors is impractical.

iDisplay videos

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

More videos:

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 iDisplay and Chrome Remote Desktop)
Remote Desktop
26 26%
74% 74
Remote PC Access
27 27%
73% 73
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 iDisplay and Chrome Remote Desktop

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

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 iDisplay. While we know about 94 links to Chrome Remote Desktop, we've tracked only 1 mention of iDisplay. 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: about 2 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 iDisplay 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.

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

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.

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.

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