COMPARISON

Mac remote control apps for iPhone,
compared

Two kinds of apps control a Mac from an iPhone: mouse and keyboard apps, and remote desktop programs. MacSway sits between them: the trackpad, keyboard and volume are free, and with Pro you also see the Mac screen, with no account and no cloud. This page shows when each type fits.

Free to start · iOS 17+ · macOS 14+ · Both apps required
Signed and notarized by Apple · macOS 14+ · Apple silicon and Intel
MacSway Favorites screen
✦
Trackpad for freeScreen with Pro
No accountNo cloud
NO ACCOUNT · NO CLOUD RELAYSee features
01

Two kinds of Mac remote apps

The choice depends on whether you need to see the Mac screen.

  • Mouse and keyboard apps: give you a trackpad, keyboard and media control. Remote Mouse and Unified Remote are examples.
  • Remote desktop programs: show the Mac screen and typically ask for their own account or setup. Jump Desktop, Screens, AnyDesk, TeamViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop are examples.
  • MacSway: the trackpad, keyboard and volume are free, with the screen in Pro, in one app.
MacSway
MacSway
02

When to pick which

Always check each vendor's own page for current features and prices, because they change.

  • You only need a cursor and typing: a mouse app or the free part of MacSway is enough.
  • You need to see the Mac screen: a remote desktop program, or MacSway Pro.
  • You do not want an account or a cloud: MacSway connects directly, with no server.
  • You want everything in one app: MacSway gives you the trackpad, keyboard and screen together.
MacSway
MacSway

MacSway at a glance

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What you need

The iPhone app (iOS 17 or later) and the Mac app (macOS 14 or later), which runs in the menu bar. It works with any Mac running macOS 14 or later: MacBook Air and Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro, with Apple silicon or Intel.

02↗

What it costs

The trackpad, keyboard and volume are free. The screen, widgets and access from away are Pro: $3.99 a month, $24.99 a year or $49 once (US prices).

03↗

How private it is

There is no account and no cloud: the connection is direct, encrypted with TLS 1.3, and pairing is a six-digit code.

04✓
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What it does not do

It works only between an iPhone and a Mac: there is no Windows, Android or iPad version. It shows the Mac's main display.

AWAY FROM HOME

Reach your Mac
when you are away.

At home MacSway works over your Wi-Fi. Away from home, set up Tailscale on both devices and MacSway reaches your Mac across networks. Leave the Mac on and plugged in, with the companion app running. No MacSway account required.

DownloadBoth devices need Tailscale and internet. The Mac must stay on and reachable: plugged in, with a long auto-lock or in Rest mode.
PRICING

Free to start.
Pro when you need more.

Trackpad, keyboard and volume are free. Pro adds the screen sharing, widgets and remote access.

FREE
$0forever

Everyday control at no cost.

  • Local trackpad and gestures
  • Keyboard input
  • Volume controls
Try it
MOST POPULAR
PRO
$3.99/ month

Screen sharing, widgets and remote access.

  • Screen sharing and control
  • Widgets and favorite shortcuts
  • Remote access with Tailscale
  • All additional control tools
7-day trial for eligible subscriptions · annual option available
Try it
LIFETIME PRO
$49one time

Every Pro feature, paid once.

  • All Pro tools included
  • Non-renewing purchase
  • No recurring subscription
Try it

Build for community. Build from anywhere. 💙

FAQ

Common
questions.

Quick answers before you install.

What is the best app to control a Mac from an iPhone?

It depends on what you need: if you only need a cursor and keyboard, a mouse app or MacSway's free trackpad is enough, and if you also need to see the Mac screen, a remote desktop program or MacSway Pro. MacSway gives you both in one app, with no account and no cloud.

How is MacSway different from a mouse and keyboard app?

Besides the trackpad and keyboard, MacSway with Pro gives you the Mac screen, widgets, music control and file transfer, so you do not need to switch apps. Mouse apps typically do not show the Mac screen.

How is MacSway different from a remote desktop program?

MacSway is a remote: there is no account and no cloud, pairing is a six-digit code, and the trackpad is free. Remote desktop programs are mainly for sharing the screen and typically ask for their own account or setup.

What is free in MacSway?

The MacSway trackpad, keyboard and volume control are free, on the same Wi-Fi. Screen sharing, widgets, music control, file transfer and access from away are part of MacSway Pro.

How much does MacSway Pro cost?

MacSway Pro costs $3.99 a month, $24.99 a year or $49 once in the US, and the price in the App Store may differ. Eligible new subscribers get a 7-day free trial on the monthly and yearly plans.

Do I need an account to use MacSway?

No, MacSway uses no account and no cloud service. Your iPhone connects directly to your Mac, encrypted with TLS 1.3, and pairing uses a six-digit code.

Does MacSway work away from home?

Yes, MacSway Pro reaches the Mac over your own Tailscale network from another network. Install Tailscale on both devices, and keep the Mac on and plugged in.

What does MacSway not do?

MacSway works only between an iPhone and a Mac: there is no Windows, Android or iPad version. Screen sharing shows only the Mac's main display, does not promise a specific delay, and cannot reliably wake a sleeping Mac.

Control your Mac
from your iPhone.

Install the Mac app and the iPhone app, pair with a six-digit code, and start.

Download on theApp StoreDownload for Mac:MacSway.DMG

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