2 Sidecar Alternatives to Use iPad as Second Screen for Mac
To use the iPad as a second screen on Mac, there is anative feature called Sidecar on both iPad and Mac. Though it works seamlessly, it only works if both iPad and Mac are logged in with the same Apple ID. But there is no touch support. Moreover, it does not work on some older iPads and Macs. Nonetheless, there are alternatives to Sidecar that will work on any iPad and also offer more features like touch support, gestures, and customization. So let’s begin with the first app.
1. Duet Display
Of all the third-party Sidecar alternatives we have tested, Duet Display not only had the most reliable connection but also supported both wired and wireless connections. However, Duet Display is a paid app that costs a monthly subscription of $3/month for a wired connection, and $4/month for a wireless connection.
Apart from these, the app offers higher-tier plans that cost $6 and $7 per month and offer better gesture support and pixel-perfect rendering.
1.To get started, download theDuet Display app on your iPadandMac. Once downloaded and installed, grant the required permissions on both platforms during the setup process.
3.After the subscription, open the Duet Display app on your Mac and iPad. Now open theConnect Devicesoption from the sidebar on the Mac’s app.
4.If you have a Duet Air subscription, tap on thewireless iconon the left sidebar of the Duet iPad app. Here you should see your Mac. Tap on the Extend option to start using the iPad as a second screen.
5.Or else, you can also click on theConnectbutton on the Mac to connect them. Both the devices either have to be nearby or should be connected to the internet.
6.If you prefer to connect via USB cable, tap on theUSB optionon the iPad Duet app, then connect both devices using the USB cable.
7.That’s it, you have connected your iPad as a second display using Duet Display.
8.Now you can openSystem Settings > Displayand click onArrange.
9.Here you may adjust the iPad and Mac positions.
10.Settings such as framerate, resolution, etc can be controlled directly from the Duet app.
11.Once connected, you will also see a Duet icon on your iPad screen. Tap on it and select theGesturesoption to check out the touch gestures you can perform on your iPad screen while multi-screening.
12.To disconnect, you’re able to tap on theDisconnectoption in the iPad sidebar or click on the Disconnect button on the Duet app on the Mac. If you are using USB cable to connect, then simply disconnect the cable to disconnect.
Advantages
Limitations
Must Read:If you have an Android, you can useAndroid phone as a second monitor on both Windows and Mac. Learn how here.
2. Splashtop Wired XDisplay
Alternatively, you can also try the Spalshtop Wired XDisplay app which offers a multi-screen feature for free. Unlike the app name suggests, Splashtop is a good Sidecar alternative that offers wireless and remote access, which are under the paid subscription. So if all you need to do is use your iPad as a second display with cables, then the free version should suffice.
1.First, Download theSplashtop XDisplay Agent on the Macand then download theSplashtop Wired XDisplay HD app on your iPad.
2.Now on your Mac, complete the installation process by clicking onInstalland selecting the Install Location. Once the installation is done, you need to restart the app for it to start working.
3.After the restart, open theSplashtop XDisplay appusing Spotlight or from the Applications folder. This should give you the Splashtop icon in the top menubar.
4.Now open the app on your iPad, and connect both iPad and Mac using a USB cable. In the pop-up on your iPad, tap on theTrustoption to trust the connected Macbook and then enter the iPad passcode.
5.The process can take a couple of seconds for the app to connect both devices. In the meantime, click on theSplashtop iconin the menubar on Mac, and selectPreferences > Arrangement.
6.This should open Display Settings on the System Settings app. Here tap on theArrangebutton and then adjust the iPad position according to your need.
Pro Tip:Don’t have an iPad right now but you do use an iPhone too? you may useiPhone as second monitor with both macOS and Windows.
iPad Is Your External Display
While no third-party app comes close to the functionality and seamlessness of Sidecar, if you are not using an iPad that’s logged in with the same Apple ID, then Duet Display and Splashtop are the best Sidecar alternatives. Irrespective of which method you choose from above, you can use the keyboard and mouse connected to your Mac or even iPad.
Just like the iPad, you can alsouse Chromebook as a Second Display for your Mac and PC.
Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
