Lightspan vs Splashtop Wired XDisplay
Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a free app that makes an iPad an extra monitor over a cable. It works with Windows and with old Macs: Splashtop says macOS 10.15 and later is not supported. Lightspan is for current Macs, macOS 14.2 and later.
What is Splashtop Wired XDisplay?
Splashtop Wired XDisplay turns an iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or Kindle into an extra monitor for a computer, over a cable. It is made by Splashtop Inc., the remote-desktop company.
- What it costs
- Free. The iPad app is free in the App Store with no in-app purchases, and the program for the computer (the "XDisplay Agent") is a free download from splashtop.com.
- What it runs on
- On the computer: Windows 7 or later, or macOS 10.13.6 and below. The App Store listing says "macOS 10.15 onward is not supported". On the other side: iOS 7.0 or later, or Android 4.0 or later.
- How it connects
- By cable only. The App Store listing names a Lightning or 30-pin cable. There is no Wi-Fi mode.
- What it does
- Extends or mirrors the computer screen, at up to 1080p or Retina resolution and 60 frames a second according to Splashtop. The computer needs at least one unused video output.
- Is it still updated?
- The iPad app is at version 1.2.0.3, released on 14 August 2017. The Mac agent on splashtop.com is version 1.3.1.5; the download file is dated 30 December 2019.
Checked on the App Store and splashtop.com on 8 October 2026. Prices in detail.
The honest comparison.
Cyan = clear winner on that row. Plain text = roughly tied.
| Feature | Lightspan | Splashtop Wired XDisplay |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €9.99 one-time | Free |
| Pricing model | Pay once, owned forever | Free app and free desktop agent |
| Connection | Wi-Fi + USB-C cable | Cable only |
| Latency | 40–60 ms (cable / clean Wi-Fi) | Not measured by us |
| Direct download | Mac app (.dmg) | Agent for Mac (.dmg) and Windows (.exe) |
| iPadOS minimum | iPadOS 16+ | iOS 7.0+ |
| macOS minimum | macOS 14.2 Sonoma+ | macOS 10.13.6 and below only; 10.15 and later not supported |
| Status | Active, indie support | iPad app last updated 14 August 2017 |
| Windows PC as the computer | No — Mac only | Yes — Windows 7 or later |
What Lightspan does better.
- Runs on current Macs. Splashtop states that Wired XDisplay does not support macOS 10.15 or later; Lightspan needs macOS 14.2 or later.
- Wi-Fi as well as cable. Wired XDisplay is cable only.
- Still developed. The Wired XDisplay iPad app was last updated in August 2017.
Where it’s the better pick.
- Free.
- Works with a Windows PC (Windows 7 or later). Lightspan is Mac only.
- Works with Android tablets, Kindle and phones as the display, not only an iPad.
- Runs on old hardware: macOS 10.13.6 and below, iOS 7.0 and later.
- Wired only, so nothing depends on the Wi-Fi network.
Which one's right for you?
If your computer is a Windows PC, or a Mac still on macOS 10.13 or older, Splashtop Wired XDisplay is free and worth trying first. If your Mac runs a current macOS, Splashtop says Wired XDisplay does not support it; use Sidecar if both devices share an Apple Account, and Lightspan if they do not.
Is Splashtop Wired XDisplay free?
Yes. The iPad app is listed as free in the App Store, with no in-app purchases, and the agent for the computer is a free download.
- Splashtop Wired XDisplay HD (iPad) Free
- The iPad app. The listing still calls the price a "limited time launch special" and names a regular price of $19.99.
- XDisplay Agent (Mac, Windows) Free
- The program on the computer. Mac version 1.3.1.5 and Windows version 1.5.8.3, from splashtop.com.
Splashtop also lists a separate iPhone app and an Android app; we did not check their prices. Free does not help if it will not run: Splashtop lists macOS 10.13.6 and below for the Mac agent and says macOS 10.15 onward is not supported. Lightspan is €9.99 once and needs macOS 14.2 or later.
Checked on the App Store and splashtop.com on 8 October 2026. Source: Splashtop Wired XDisplay HD in the App Store.
See also:
Lightspan still right for you?
€9.99 once on the App Store.