Compare
Kite and the other ways to use an iPad as a Mac display.
Every option here is good at something. This page says where each one is ahead, including the places Kite isn't.
| Feature | Kite | Sidecar | Duet Display | Luna Display | OpenDisplay | Lightspan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 once Mac app free | Free, built into macOS | $39.99–$79.99 a year | $89.99 adapter | Free, open source | €9.99 once |
| Use it away from home | Yes, with Tailscale | No. Within 10 m | Duet Air plan | No. Same network | No. Same network | No. Same network |
| iPad on a different Apple Account | Yes | No. Same account required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sign-up needed | None for Kite Wi-Fi uses a free Tailscale account | Same Apple Account, two-factor | Duet account | ? | None | None |
| Ways to connect | USB-C · Wi-Fi · Tailscale | Wi-Fi · USB | Wi-Fi · USB | Wi-Fi · USB · Ethernet · Thunderbolt | Wi-Fi · USB | Wi-Fi · USB-C |
| Apple Pencil pressure | Yes, included | Yes | Pro plan | With Astropad Studio (subscription) | No | No |
| iPad camera as Mac webcam | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Encrypted on your Wi-Fi | Yes, new key every session | ? | Yes, per Duet | ? | Not yet, per its privacy page | Yes (TLS) |
From each product's own website, support pages and App Store listing, checked October 10, 2026. “?” means the product doesn't say. Prices change; check before you buy.
One by one
Kite vs SidecarFree and built in, but needs the same Apple Account and stays within 10 meters.Kite vs Duet DisplayWorks everywhere, including Windows and Android, on a yearly plan.Kite vs Luna DisplayA $89.99 adapter that makes a hardware-grade display.Kite vs OpenDisplayFree and open source. Several screens at once, no Pencil, local network only.Kite vs LightspanA one-time purchase like Kite. Plays Mac audio, but no Pencil and same network only.