Comparison

Macky vs Screens

Screens is a polished VNC-based remote desktop app for Mac. It gives you full GUI access to your desktop from any device. Macky takes a different approach: it's terminal-first, built for developers who want low-latency command-line access over WebRTC.

Macky
Screens
Connection
WebRTC (peer-to-peer)
VNC
Setup
Zero config — install and connect
VNC server config, Apple ID required
Focus
Terminal-first, screen viewing secondary
Full desktop GUI
Bandwidth
Low — text-based terminal stream
Higher — full screen pixel stream
AI Tools
Native support (Claude Code, Codex)
No built-in AI tool support
Screen Viewing
Yes, included
Yes, primary feature
Pricing
Free / $29 lifetime
Subscription (varies by platform)
01

WebRTC vs VNC

VNC streams your entire screen as pixels. WebRTC establishes a direct peer-to-peer connection that handles NAT automatically. For terminal use, WebRTC is faster and uses far less bandwidth.

02

Terminal-First

Screens is designed around viewing and controlling your full desktop. Macky is designed around the terminal, with a screen view available when you need it. If you live in the terminal, Macky fits better.

03

Zero Configuration

Screens requires enabling VNC on your Mac and often configuring your Apple ID for remote access. Macky requires installing two apps and signing in. No server setup, no network config.

When to Use Screens

Screens is a better fit if you need full GUI access to your Mac. Things like using a specific app, navigating Finder, managing files with drag and drop, or any task that doesn't work well in a terminal. It also works well for non-developers who just want to see and control their desktop.

If you mostly want to run terminal commands, check on builds, or use CLI tools from your iPhone, Macky is the more efficient option.

Try Macky

Free to start. No VNC configuration needed.