Compare
Duotop and Apple's built-in options.
Apple includes three features that sound similar: Sidecar, iPhone Mirroring and Screen Sharing. Each does a different job. This page says what each one is for, using Apple's own support pages, so you can pick the right one.
Checked against Apple's support pages on 13 November 2026. Apple may change these features; the links below go to the current pages.
| Duotop | Sidecar | iPhone Mirroring | Screen Sharing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is for | Using your Mac from an iPhone Duo, iPhone or iPad | Using an iPad as a display that extends or mirrors your Mac desktop | Using your iPhone from your Mac | Viewing and controlling another Mac from your Mac |
| Which screen you look at | The iPhone or iPad | The iPad | The Mac | The Mac you are sitting at |
| Devices | iPhone Duo, iPhone and iPad with iOS 26 or iPadOS 26; a Mac with macOS 26 | Supported iPad and Mac models; Apple's list names iPads only | An iPhone with iOS 18 or later and a supported Mac | Two Macs |
| Apple Account | Not used. You pair with a six-digit code | Both devices signed in to the same Apple Account | Both devices signed in to the same Apple Account | A user name and password, or an Apple Account |
| Where it works | Same Wi-Fi for free; any connection with Pro | Within 10 metres wirelessly, or over USB | iPhone locked and near the Mac | Another Mac on your network |
| Shape of the Mac's picture | A display made in the shape of the device, rebuilt when it folds or turns | The iPad as a display | Not applicable: it shows the iPhone | The other Mac's screen in a window |
| Cost | Free on your Wi-Fi; Pro from $3.99 a month | Included with macOS and iPadOS | Included with macOS and iOS | Included with macOS |
When Apple's option is the better choice
- You have an iPad beside your Mac and want a second screen. Sidecar is built in, costs nothing, can connect over a USB cable and supports Apple Pencil. If that is all you need, use it.
- You want your iPhone's apps and notifications on your Mac. That is iPhone Mirroring. Duotop goes the other way: it puts the Mac on the phone.
- You want to control one Mac from another Mac. That is Screen Sharing. Duotop has no Mac-to-Mac mode.
When Duotop is the better choice
- You want your Mac on an iPhone or an iPhone Duo. Apple's list of Sidecar devices names iPads only.
- You want the Mac to fit the screen you are holding. Duotop has a layout for each Duo posture, with a Mac keyboard, app keys and a trackpad below the fold when it is half open.
- You are not next to your Mac. With Pro, Duotop opens your Mac from any connection. Sidecar works within 10 metres or over a cable.
- The devices do not share an Apple Account. Duotop pairs with a code shown on the Mac.
- You want to watch an AI agent use your Mac and pause it from your phone.
What Duotop does not do
- It does not copy images or files between devices yet. The shared clipboard carries text.
- It is two apps to install, not a feature that is already on your devices.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac (Sidecar)
- Apple Support: iPhone Mirroring: Use your iPhone from your Mac
- Apple Support: Share the screen of another Mac (Screen Sharing)
Duotop is an independent app and is not affiliated with Apple. Sidecar, iPhone Mirroring and Screen Sharing are Apple features.