Luna Display vs. Apple Sidecar

We’re Not for Everyone. But If You’re a Pro, We’ve Got You Covered

It’s no surprise that Apple has decided to dabble in the connected workspace domain that we know super well. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So what does this mean for you? If you just need the basics, Apple’s Sidecar will do the job. But if you want it done well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve dominated this space for over 5 years, and it all started with our mission to build a seamless workspace for creative professionals.

Welcome to Luna Display — the only wireless hardware that turns your iPad or extra Mac into a true second display for your Primary Mac. Here’s how we compare against Apple’s Sidecar, line by line:

We knew more could be done with the Mac and iPad than a simple second screen. That’s why our team has always doubled-down on providing workspace customizability and low-latency input. Why? Because that’s user-driven and that’s what we do.

Luna was built by creative pros for creative pros, so we understand that no two workflows are alike. While Apple merely scratches the surface, we’ve built Luna to adapt around your creative space, so you never have to compromise your unique professional workflow.

How Apple Got It Wrong

We knew there was a better solution than relying on just software to turn an iPad or Mac into a second display. That’s why we created Luna. Beyond the software connection, we developed a bright red gadget that launches your workflow to new levels.

Luna’s hardware connection delivers all the benefits of a true second monitor experience — like reliable connection, low-latency, and nearly lossless output — but with a wireless advantage.

Other competitors limit you to stay within range of your Primary Mac and start to falter when you move beyond 10 meters. With Luna Display and a solid WiFi connection, you are free to roam as far from your Mac as your heart desires.

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Unlike software, Luna is able to tap directly into your computer’s graphics card, much like an HDMI cord leading to your TV screen would. This allows the Primary Mac to truly recognize your iPad or Secondary Mac as an actual second display, giving you the full range of the screen (as well as keyboard and trackpad for Mac-to-Mac Mode).

Low Latency for a Faster Flow

We understand that pro users want the smoothest workflow possible, free of interruptions, lag, and glitches. To cater to this, we built our own proprietary technology called LIQUID, which sets us apart as leaders in low-latency output.

Our LIQUID platform guarantees crystal-clear image quality, reliable performance, and wireless flexibility. It also features Retina resolution, so what you see on your iPad or Secondary Mac is the same quality as your Primary Mac. Here’s a snapshot of our LIQUID technical specs and how they benefit you:

Highly-Optimized Code for Performance

Instead of going the easy route, we built LIQUID technology. With peak performance top-of-mind, we invested in this unconventional deep-tech that’s more typical of major corporations (with steep R&D budgets). We don’t settle. We know creative pros need the best — so we built it from the ground up.

Uncompromised Image Quality

LIQUID features a progressive rendering system, so your screen resolution continually improves in real time as Luna adapts to your network conditions. This translates to crystal-clear image quality on your iPad, no matter your workflow.

Lag-Free Lightning Fast Speeds

Traditional video systems only operate at 33 milliseconds (ms). But when the average human eye can detect lags as low as 50 ms, then 33 ms doesn’t leave much of a margin for screen delays. LIQUID targets at least 16 ms, so your workflow stays fast and seamless.

Velocity Control

Our LIQUID technology uses Velocity Control — the same tech used in auto-pilot systems — to analyze and adapt to your network conditions. Whether you’re working plugged in or wirelessly, your iPad or Secondary Mac will stay highly responsive. So you don’t have to worry about crashes when your productivity is soaring!

GPU-Accelerated Results

Our LIQUID video technology taps into GPU acceleration. We did this to cut down latency even further, and this is unique to us (none of our competitors utilize this highly-advanced technique). We put our foot on the gas, so you can work as fast as you want.

How You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

We know that creative pros have highly-individualized and unique ways of working productively. Luna offers the freedom and flexibility to build a connected workspace around your needs. Here are some ways that you can make the most of Luna’s seamless connection:

1001 Ways to Use Luna Display – Luna adapts to your workflow, so you can focus on getting things done— whether you’re at the office, in the studio, or on the go.

Office Mode for Multiple Users – Collaborate with others using Office Mode to switch between multiple Luna users.

iPad as the Main Display for Mac mini – Take advantage of the Mac mini’s portability by setting your iPad as the main display, so you can be productive anywhere.

“Foldable Mac Screen” Orientation – Seamlessly extend your Mac desktop to your iPad vertically to create a foldable-screen experience that’s even more brilliant, more powerful, and more magical!

Mac-to-Mac Mode: Using your Mac as a Second Screen – NEW! Turn your e-waste into extra screen space? Introducing Mac-to-Mac Mode in Luna Display 4.0: Our all-new Mac-to-Mac Mode allows you to use any Mac as a second display. Finally, you can give purpose to your old Macs lying around! No need to have any idle devices. The combinations are nearly endless.

The Secret Sauce to Launch Your Productivity

Make the most of your workspace with Luna’s software companion, Astropad — our award-winning drawing program that fully integrates with Luna to provide the ultimate creative pro experience.

This setup offers the best of both worlds by combining Luna’s high-resolution display performance with Astropad Studio’s customizable features.

If you’re a creative, combine Luna with Astropad to unlock a suite of rich features designed with you in mind: