Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Input Director VS spacedesk

Compare Input Director VS spacedesk and see what are their differences

Input Director logo Input Director

Control multiple windows systems with one keyboard/mouse. Share a keyboard and mouse across multiple windows system.

spacedesk logo spacedesk

spacedesk expands the Windows desktop computer screen to other computers over the local area...
  • Input Director Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-22
  • spacedesk Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09

Input Director features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Input Director offers a user-friendly interface and is relatively easy to set up and configure, making it accessible even for users who are not very tech-savvy.
  • Multiple Operating Systems
    The system allows seamless control of multiple computers running on different versions of the Windows operating system, supporting versatile use cases.
  • Clipboard Sharing
    It allows users to share the clipboard between the connected computers, making it easy to copy and paste text, files, and other data across different systems.
  • Customizable Hotkeys
    Users can set up custom hotkeys to switch control between different computers, enhancing workflow efficiency and convenience.
  • Secure Connections
    Input Director uses encrypted network traffic, ensuring secure communication between connected computers and protecting sensitive data.

Possible disadvantages of Input Director

  • Windows Only
    Input Director is only available for Windows operating systems, limiting its usability for those who need cross-platform support, like integration with macOS or Linux.
  • Network Dependency
    The software requires a stable network connection between the computers. Without a reliable network, the performance can be compromised.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to some other commercial solutions, Input Director may lack advanced features like support for touchscreen gestures or more intricate keyboard mappings.
  • No Mobile Support
    Input Director does not offer support for controlling mobile devices, which can be a limitation for users who require integrated control over their smartphones or tablets.
  • Performance Issues
    Under certain circumstances, some users may experience latency or lag, particularly when dealing with graphics-intensive applications or large file transfers.

spacedesk features and specs

  • Multi-Monitor Support
    spacedesk allows you to extend or duplicate your desktop across multiple devices, providing more screen real estate for multitasking and productivity.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    spacedesk supports a variety of operating systems including Windows, iOS, and Android, making it versatile for different users.
  • Wireless Connectivity
    The software supports wireless display connections, eliminating the need for physical cables and allowing for more flexible setups.
  • Easy Setup
    Installation and configuration are straightforward, requiring minimal technical knowledge to get started.
  • Cost-Effective
    spacedesk offers a free version that provides robust features, making it a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing additional monitors.

Possible disadvantages of spacedesk

  • Latency Issues
    Depending on network conditions, users may experience latency, which can be a drawback for activities requiring real-time response, such as gaming.
  • Quality Degradation
    Video quality may degrade over wireless connections, particularly on slower networks or with high-resolution displays.
  • Limited Features in Free Version
    While the free version is robust, it offers limited features compared to the paid version, which may not meet all user needs.
  • Network Dependency
    spacedesk relies on a stable network connection. Any disruption in the network can affect the performance and usability of the extended display.
  • Security Concerns
    Using a wireless connection introduces potential security risks, as data being transmitted over the network could be susceptible to interception.

Input Director videos

How to use one Mouse & Keyboard with two Computers - Input Director Tutorial

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Control Multiple Computers at Once! | Input Director Showcase and Tutorial
  • Review - Control Multiple Machines with Input Director

spacedesk videos

SpaceDesk - Free second monitor app

More videos:

  • Review - Use ANY Computer or Tablet as a Second Monitor! | Spacedesk
  • Review - SPACEDESK :: THE ULTIMATE ANDROID MONITOR

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Input Director and spacedesk)
Remote Desktop
37 37%
63% 63
Remote PC Access
34 34%
66% 66
Mouse Tools
69 69%
31% 31
Multi Monitor
30 30%
70% 70

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Input Director and spacedesk

Input Director Reviews

Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
Input Director, like Spacedesk helps you gain control over multiple computers while having to use just a single mouse or keyboard. You’ll just have to install the software on all the computers you wish to work on simultaneously. The computer that has the keyboard and the mouse attached to it is the master computer that controls the others. Once you’ve made the necessary...

spacedesk Reviews

Top 10 Duet Display Alternatives (Free and Paid) Reviewed | 2022
Like Duet Display, SpaceDesk is one of the most popular multi-monitor applications on the market. The main difference is that SpaceDesk is specifically designed to run smoothly on Windows devices. This means you’ll be able to wirelessly display your Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, and other windows based laptops as a second monitor.
Source: mediapeanut.com
Top 6 Best Spacedesk Alternatives for Duet Display
These are some of the top Spacedesk alternatives recommended by us. You can check them out and decide which one suits you the best. Each of these alternatives has their unique set of features. If we have missed out on any such useful Spacedesk alternative, then do let us know about it in the comments section below.
Source: itechhacks.com
8 Best SpaceDesk Alternatives for Duet Display (2022)
It is a well-known software operating since the time of SpaceDesk. Duet Display has advanced features that make it a perfect alternative for SpaceDesk. Previously the software was only compatible with iPads and MacBooks. But now, Duet Display is also available for Windows.
Source: techdator.net
7 Of The Best Spacedesk Alternatives For Multi-Monitor Work
Spacedesk is a software that provides the user with an extra display screen. Similarly, Spacedesk alternatives have somewhat the same functions.
Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
Accessing your computer desktop when you’re on the move has been an issue for long. Well, not anymore! With Spacedesk, you can have your computer desktop extended or duplicated on your smartphone. We give you a few Spacedesk Alternatives that’ll make the process really smooth and convenient for you. But first, here’s a bit more about Spacedesk.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, spacedesk should be more popular than Input Director. It has been mentiond 19 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.

Input Director mentions (6)

  • Dual Computer Battlestations? Good idea? Bad idea?
    For the win8 tablet, I wanted to use it as an extra monitor but none of the normal options for doing it was working, so what I use now is Input Director. If you want to use multiple computers with dedicated screens per computer, this is the way! It allows you to control any of the running machines with the same mouse and keyboard by simply moving your mouse over to the corresponding screen. There are quite a few... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Any ideas on good ways to be able to switching between my pc and laptop on these 2 monitors + M&K USBs?
    If you are looking for a software solution, https://inputdirector.com/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Easily switch between work and personal PC?
    There are various software solutions (eg.: Input Directorbut using a proper hardware switch is most likely the better option. And there are always the remote desktop options…. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • WFH Gamers that use KVM/USB Switch, what do you use?
    I have a 3 PC home setup, so, like you, I didn't need to worry about monitors for my switching solution. First off, I HIGHLY recommend Input Director (Windows only) or other software KVM for the keyboard and mouse. No hitting a button and waiting a couple of seconds, and you can even copy/paste text between the machines. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Not exactly a cyberDeck, but this is what I have. VAIO VGN-P21ZR.
    A friend recently gave me a box of their old hardware. It included an old Toshiba Encore 2 tablet running Windows 8.1. It's the first time I've used Windows on a ARM device, and it's been pretty amazingly usable. Not enough RAM or storage, but it has a single microSD card slot, at least. It works well for low-demand things. It's now mounted on a wall, running Media Monkey, Spotify, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Pocket... Source: over 3 years ago
View more

spacedesk mentions (19)

  • Just the basics
    Spacedesk but you have to change the settings on the tablet app to what resolution you want it to be. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Deskreen Turn any device into a secondary screen for your computer
    See also https://spacedesk.net/. Sadly Windows-host-only, but works pretty well, and anything with a browser in the same LAN can be a screen. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • Using spacedesk.net to use the car screen as an external monitor
    Spacedesk.net is a small application running on Windows allowing you to create virtual screens accessible on mobile devices or in a browser over the local network or wifi. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Lenovo just announced the next Duet: 13.3" OLED FHD screen, Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 CPU, 4/8GB RAM, 64/128/256GB eMMC
    You can use either an USB HDMI capture device (I have this one and it works great with my Duet) or try something like SpaceDesk, that will depend on how good is your network connection on both ends. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Virtual second monitor / PIP? [WIN 10]
    The easiest way is to use the Spacedesk utility: https://spacedesk.net/. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Input Director and spacedesk, you can also consider the following products

Synergy - Cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers

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.

DisplayFusion - DisplayFusion will make your multi-monitor life much easier.

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.

Barrier - Barrier is a cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers...

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.