A Comparative Analysis of Sidecar and Astropad Studio: Latency Testing

In the pursuit of providing a seamless and efficient remote desktop experience, various software solutions have emerged to bridge the gap between devices. Among these are Sidecar and Astropad Studio, two prominent options that claim to deliver exceptional performance. In this article, we'll delve into a comparative analysis of their latency, examining the results through a series of tests.

Latency is a crucial aspect of any remote desktop setup, as it directly impacts the responsiveness and overall user experience. To better understand the latency of Sidecar and Astropad Studio, we conducted a comprehensive testing regimen, utilizing a 2017 MacBook Pro 13' (MacOS 10.14.2) paired with a 2018 iPad Pro 11' (iOS 12.1.1). Our goal was to provide a baseline for comparison against competitors like Duet Display and Air Display.

The testing process involved capturing raw data, taking an average of 50 samples per software, and calculating the latency estimate by subtracting the iPad's value from the MacBook's. We also employed the AnyDesk test page to assess the performance of each software. All tests were conducted with the highest quality setting available (60FPS) unless otherwise noted.

The results are highlighted for visibility in the attached Sheets document. The two columns on the left-hand side of each highlighted column represent the raw data, with the MacBook's values on the left and the iPad's on the right. Our findings indicate that Sidecar and Astropad Studio deliver relatively low latency, especially when compared to other solutions.

For instance, during our USB connection test, we observed a latency of 17ms, which translates to approximately one frame at 60FPS. This suggests that the end-to-end latency is remarkably low, making it suitable for demanding applications. We also performed a frame rate test to determine the maximum frame rate each product can achieve.

It's essential to note that our testing setup consisted of a standard home network, which may not be optimal for ideal performance. However, this represents real-world use cases and provides a more accurate representation of how these solutions perform in everyday scenarios.

In conclusion, our comparative analysis of Sidecar and Astropad Studio reveals promising latency results, making them viable options for those seeking a seamless remote desktop experience. By understanding the latency characteristics of these solutions, users can make informed decisions when choosing the best software for their needs.

Sidecar and astropad studio