You can use an iPad as a second screen for a compatible Mac with Apple’s built-in Sidecar. On a Windows PC—or a Mac that does not meet Sidecar requirements—you’ll need a third-party app, and Luna Display also requires its hardware. Start by checking compatibility, then choose between extending the computer’s desktop and controlling separate Mac and iPad apps.
Choose the right method
| Option | Works with | Connection and requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Sidecar | Compatible Mac and iPad | Built into macOS and iPadOS; supports wireless or USB connections. Apple’s requirements are listed in its Sidecar guide. |
| Splashtop Wired XDisplay | Windows or Mac computer and iPad | Third-party app. The vendor lists Windows 7+ or macOS 10.13.6 and below, and iOS 7.0+ for iPad; recheck the current app and OS requirements on the vendor page. |
| Duet Display | Windows or Mac computer and iPad | Third-party app. The vendor lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 12.3 or later, plus an older Mac download for macOS 10.9–12.2; see Duet’s site. |
| Luna Display | Windows or Mac computer and iPad | Third-party app plus Luna hardware. The App Store listing specifies Windows 10 64-bit Build 1809 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, and iOS 12.1 or later for iPad; it describes same-network Wi-Fi or USB. Check the current App Store listing before buying. |
These are vendors’ stated compatibility details, not independent performance tests. The reviewed pages do not establish a universal best app, current comparative pricing, or a controlled latency ranking. Before choosing a Windows option, check its current app cost and licensing, connection method, supported models and operating systems, and whether you need keyboard, Pencil, or touch input.
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Use Sidecar with a compatible Mac
Check Mac and iPad compatibility
Apple’s Sidecar documentation, dated September 17, 2026, requires macOS Catalina 10.15 or later and lists these Mac models: MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later; iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015); and all other Mac models introduced in 2016 or later. The iPad must use iPadOS 13 or later and be an iPad Pro of any model, iPad (6th generation or later), iPad mini (5th generation or later), or iPad Air (3rd generation or later). Check Apple’s current compatibility list if your model is not covered by those descriptions.
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Prepare the devices
- Sign in to both devices with the same Apple Account and enable two-factor authentication.
- For wireless Sidecar, keep the devices within 10 metres (30 feet), turn on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff, and make sure neither device is sharing its internet connection.
- For USB Sidecar, connect the iPad to the Mac and approve the trust prompt if it appears. Apple recommends connecting the iPad directly with its USB charging cable to keep it charged during use. The connector you need depends on the ports on your particular devices.
Extend or mirror the Mac display
- To extend the desktop, use the window’s full-screen control to move that window to iPad, or drag the window onto the iPad display.
- To mirror the Mac instead, choose the iPad from Screen Mirroring in Control Centre or the menu bar.
- To find Sidecar display settings, open System Settings > Displays on macOS Ventura 13 or later; System Preferences > Displays > Display Settings on macOS Monterey 12; or System Preferences > Sidecar on earlier macOS releases.
Know how input works
Sidecar displays the Mac desktop on the iPad; it does not turn the iPad into a separate iPad workspace. Apple documents keyboard use from a keyboard connected to either device, Apple Pencil for pointing and drawing, and a sidebar with common Mac controls. For pointing, clicking, or selecting with a mouse or trackpad, Apple says to use one connected to the Mac. Expanded touch interaction begins with iPadOS 27 and macOS 27; earlier versions support a more limited set of gestures. See Apple’s Sidecar interaction guidance for details.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Use an iPad as a second screen with Windows
Sidecar is a Mac feature, so a Windows PC needs a third-party solution. Splashtop Wired XDisplay and Duet describe software options for extending a computer display to an iPad. Luna Display is another option, but its listing says Luna hardware is required. Their compatibility statements differ, so verify that the current computer software and iPad app support your specific devices and operating systems before installing or purchasing anything.
- Splashtop Wired XDisplay: The vendor lists Windows 7+ or macOS 10.13.6 and below for the computer, and iOS 7.0+ for iPad. These requirements may change; consult the Splashtop product page.
- Duet Display: The vendor lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 12.3 or later, with an older Mac download for macOS 10.9–12.2. See Duet’s current requirements.
- Luna Display: The listing specifies Windows 10 64-bit Build 1809 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, and iOS 12.1 or later for iPad. It describes same-network Wi-Fi and USB connections and says Luna hardware is available for purchase. Check the App Store listing and hardware requirements before buying.
The available vendor information does not support ranking these products by speed or declaring one best for every setup. Compare current cost and licensing, wired versus wireless use, hardware requirements, and the input methods you need.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Troubleshoot Sidecar
- Sidecar does not appear: Check the exact Mac and iPad models, OS versions, shared Apple Account, and two-factor authentication. For wireless use, verify Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Handoff, proximity, and that neither device is sharing its internet connection. For USB, check the trust authorization. Apple also advises installing current macOS and iPadOS updates.
- Wireless display performance is poor: Apple notes that wireless interference can affect Sidecar. Try a USB connection; it can also keep the iPad charged.
- You want each device to show its own apps: Sidecar extends or mirrors the Mac desktop. For separate Mac and iPad apps controlled with one keyboard and pointer, Apple directs users to Universal Control instead.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use your iPad as a second display for your Mac
- Splashtop Wired XDisplay
- Duet Display
- Luna Display App Store listing
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