The Problem With Sidecar
Apple's Sidecar is great — if you own a Mac from 2016 or later and an iPad running iPadOS 13+. But what if you're on Windows? What if your Mac is too old? What about using your iPad with a Linux workstation?
Here are five ways to use your iPad as a second monitor, ranked by quality.
1. Bavua (Best Overall)
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux → iPad
Latency: <16ms
Resolution: Up to 4K @ 60Hz
Price: Free (Lite) / $4.99/mo (Pro)
Bavua works across all platforms with the lowest latency of any wireless solution. It uses your iPad's hardware decoder for smooth 60fps streaming and supports Apple Pencil with full pressure sensitivity.
Setup: Install Bavua on both devices. Open the app. Connect. That's it.
Why it's best: Cross-platform, lowest latency, stylus support, and it works over USB for zero-lag when you need it.
2. Apple Sidecar (Best for Mac Users)
Platforms: Mac → iPad only
Latency: ~30ms
Resolution: iPad native
Price: Free (built-in)
If you're entirely in the Apple ecosystem, Sidecar is solid. It's built into macOS and requires zero setup. But it's limited to Mac-to-iPad only, and the latency is noticeably higher than Bavua.
Limitation: Mac-only. If you ever need to connect from a Windows or Linux machine, you'll need a separate solution.
3. Duet Display
Platforms: macOS, Windows → iPad, Android
Latency: ~40-80ms (wireless)
Resolution: Up to 1080p
Price: $3.99/mo
Duet was one of the first apps to solve this problem. It works well over USB but the wireless experience has noticeable lag, especially at higher resolutions.
Limitation: Wireless latency is significant. USB connection is much better but requires a cable.
4. Spacedesk
Platforms: Windows → iPad, Android
Latency: ~60-120ms
Resolution: Up to 1080p
Price: Free
Spacedesk is a free option for Windows users. It gets the job done for basic tasks like Slack or documentation, but the latency makes it unsuitable for design work or video.
Limitation: Windows-only source. Higher latency. No stylus support.
5. Luna Display
Platforms: Mac, Windows → iPad, Mac
Latency: ~30-50ms
Resolution: Up to 5K
Price: $129.99 (hardware dongle)
Luna Display requires a hardware dongle (USB-C or Thunderbolt) plugged into your computer. It delivers good quality but the upfront cost is steep and you need a physical device.
Limitation: Requires hardware purchase. Not truly wireless — needs the dongle.
The Verdict
For most people, Bavua offers the best combination of cross-platform support, low latency, and value. If you're Mac-only and don't need the absolute lowest latency, Sidecar is a great free option.