Best Remote Desktop Software
Remote desktop software, also known as remote access software, allows a user to seamlessly connect to and interact with a computer in another location via an internal network or the internet. The best remote desktop software enables the user to see and control a connected PC or laptop as though they were sitting directly in front of it. Remote access solutions are helpful for collaborative work, technical support, and demonstrations.
Remote desktop solutions are ideal for remote employees accessing corporate networks and servers using bring-your-own devices (BYOD). Remote desktop systems also enable IT professionals to access and monitor employee devices for troubleshooting technical issues. User support specialists and sales teams use remote access systems to guide users through complex processes and provide tech support and product demonstrations.
The best remote desktop software provides organizations with easy access to remote devices, resulting in policy-compliant device management. These solutions also deploy data encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security fixes to prevent data leakage and ensure secure data transmission. Overall, Windows or Mac remote desktop applications foster greater collaboration, improve productivity, and help businesses save money by eliminating the need for in-person technical support.
There are two major categories of remote desktop software: operating system or OS-based and third-party solutions. The OS-based solution is provided by the same company that provides the business OS, which is baked right into the system. Third-party solutions equal ease of use, where users download the program and have the program run, troubleshoot, and support the software for users.
The main difference between remote desktop and screen sharing software is that screen sharing allows users to share their screens for the purpose of presentations or web conferencing. On the other hand, remote desktop software offers a full set of features for actual remote use, which is handy in the case of tech support calls or away-from-the-office computer use.
Screen and video capture software lets users digitally record or take snapshots of their desktop screens. These tools are essential for users who want to share what they see on their screens. Businesses use screen and video capture systems to explain complex processes, record meetings, and create troubleshooting training sessions and tutorials.
Remote desktop software is less comprehensive and simply replicates the desktop experience. Remote access is used by support technicians and professionals who remotely configure data centers and other industrial applications.
To qualify for inclusion in the Remote Desktop category, a product must:
Featured Remote Desktop Software At A Glance
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TeamViewer is a leading provider of remote connectivity software for individuals and businesses of all sizes. Our remote software enables companies across various industries to enhance their efficienc
TeamViewer is a system for remote communications, designed to facilitate the management and organization of professional projects. Users frequently mention the ease of implementation, versatility with different operating systems, and the responsiveness of the customer support team. Users reported issues with high pricing for small businesses or individual users, dependency on internet quality for connection speed, and limitations in the free version.
48,203 Twitter followers
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based remote support and unattended access solution designed to help businesses deliver seamless IT support and manage remote devices effortlessly. Whether you're assisting
Zoho Assist Unattended Access is a control panel that allows users to create connections to remote devices and deploy to new machines. Users frequently mention the ease of use, the ability to customize the UI, the support for multiple platforms, and the convenience of not having to host the platform on their own server. Users experienced issues with the video quality, difficulty in finding chat after the session has ended, and confusion with the number of instructions when sending invites.
137,102 Twitter followers
Action1 is an autonomous endpoint management platform trusted by many Fortune 500 companies. Cloud-native, infinitely scalable, highly secure, and configurable in 5 minutes—it just works and is always
Action1 is a software tool used for managing updates, vulnerabilities, and remote control of endpoints in a network. Reviewers frequently mention the ease of use, the ability to manage updates and vulnerabilities efficiently, and the free access for up to 200 endpoints. Users reported issues with the remote control feature being slow, the lack of a mobile application, and difficulties in adding custom software.
589 Twitter followers
Splashtop Remote Access provides secure, high-performance remote desktop connections for business professionals and teams to work from anywhere, using any device. With security and advanced productivi
Splashtop Remote Access is a tool that provides features like file transfer, chat, and multi-monitor support for remote work. Reviewers frequently mention the ease of use, the ability to see the last time a user has logged in, the speed and simplicity of the tool, and the high level of security as positive aspects of Splashtop Remote Access. Reviewers noted issues with inconsistent connection stability, limited advanced features, a less modern user interface, and difficulties in managing large teams that need fine access to various groups.
5,219 Twitter followers
RemotePC is a fast and secure remote access solution that allows consumers, businesses and IT professionals to access and control their PCs & Macs remotely from any device including iOS/Android. C
RemotePC is a remote access software that allows users to access their computers from different locations. Reviewers like the ease of use, intuitive interface, and the ability to access their computers from different locations, highlighting the software's reliability, affordability, and the smooth initial setup process. Reviewers noted some issues with the software, such as occasional lags, difficulty enabling certain features, and a lack of clear instructions during the setup process.
17,862 Twitter followers
The easy way to remotely connect with your home or work computer, or share your screen with others.
31,798,732 Twitter followers
Syncro is a unified IT and security operations platform that acts as a force multiplier for IT departments. By bringing endpoint management, service desk automation, and Microsoft 365 security into a
Syncro is an IT management tool that provides functionalities such as PSA, Endpoint management, scripting, PowerShell, ticketing, and automation for IT companies. Reviewers appreciate Syncro's all-in-one nature, its robust automation capabilities, the convenience of having several different softwares integrated into one space, and the strong support from the Syncro team. Users reported issues with the user interface for remote desktop, limitations in the mobile app, difficulties with the initial setup, and a desire for more advanced features in automation and scripting.
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a Microsoft technology that enables users to access and control Windows-based applications and desktops remotely over a network connection. This service allows multipl
13,090,136 Twitter followers
Quick Assist is a new app in Windows 10 that enables you to receive or provide assistance over a remote connection. We encourage you to try Quick Assist for a more streamlined, easy-to-use experience.
13,090,136 Twitter followers
Azure Bastion is a fully managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) that provides secure and seamless Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Secure Shell (SSH) access to virtual machines (VMs) without exposing t
13,090,136 Twitter followers
BeyondTrust Remote Support (formerly Bomgar Remote Support) is the #1 solution for leading enterprises to accelerate and secure your service desk with centralized, efficient, and secure access for ser
BeyondTrust Remote Support is a software that provides remote access and support capabilities, with features such as chat functionality, command line feature, file sharing, and cross-platform support. Users frequently mention the software's strong security, ease of use, reliable remote access, and the ability to work together within a team, as well as the helpfulness of the support team. Reviewers noted some issues such as an outdated interface, too many pop-up windows, occasional slow performance, and a high cost compared to other tools.
14,336 Twitter followers
ScreenConnect delivers fast, flexible, and secure remote desktop and mobile support solutions for every industry and need. With ScreenConnect, IT teams can raise the bar for remote support and re
ConnectWise Control is a software that provides remote access capabilities, allowing users to connect to various devices and perform tasks remotely. Reviewers appreciate the software's fast and reliable remote access, its ability to work smoothly on low bandwidth, and its strong security features that provide confidence during sensitive remote work. Users experienced occasional session drops that can disrupt workflow, a complex setup process for non-technical users, and limitations on advanced features unless upgraded to a higher plan.
14,940 Twitter followers
ISL Online is remote support and remote access tool with a rich set of features and very high-security standards. ISL Online allows users to securely access and control remote Windows, Mac and Linux c
ISL Online is a remote access tool that allows users to connect to and control remote devices for support purposes. Reviewers frequently mention the ease of use, the ability to group customers into lists for effective management, the quick and reliable connection, and the seamless support for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Users mentioned issues such as stability problems requiring the tool to be closed down or reopened, difficulty in accessing the backend, complex configuration settings, and occasional glitches when connecting to Mac systems.
980 Twitter followers
AnyDesk is a trailblazing and innovative provider of Remote Desktop Software and offers a fast, easy, and secure solution for Remote Support, Remote Access, and Remote Work. Our customers range from l
AnyDesk is a remote access tool that provides support and system maintenance, particularly useful for troubleshooting and accessing other systems in real time. Reviewers like the speed and stability of AnyDesk, even on slower or less reliable internet connections, and appreciate features such as file transfer, session recording, and permission controls, which help keep remote sessions both secure and efficient. Reviewers noted that the free and lower-tier versions of AnyDesk come with limitations, particularly around session management features, and connectivity can be an issue when network restrictions are in place, requiring users to disconnect and re-establish the connection.
7,878 Twitter followers
GoToMyPC is the fast, easy, secure way to instantly access your office Mac or PC from any Internet connection. With GoToMyPC it just takes a click to instantly work on your computer in real time — it’
41,310 Twitter followers
Learn More About Remote Desktop Software
What is remote desktop software?
Remote desktop software, also known as remote access software, allows users to access another computer or system remotely in real time and work on it like their local device. It ensures easy, efficient, and secure access to one or many remote desktops.
While the software can also be used for remote support, a remote desktop tool is typically used by employees to access a machine remotely rather than to resolve a technical problem. Though the maintenance functions may not be as extensive as those of remote support solutions, remote desktop tools aid support teams in performing basic maintenance tasks on numerous devices from a single station.
Typical use cases of a remote desktop tool include granting employees access to and managing distant computers anytime, from any device, which gives them the privilege to work from anywhere. Sometimes IT support professionals use remote desktop software to troubleshoot and perform maintenance tasks remotely.
What are the common features of remote desktop software?
The following are some core features of a remote desktop tool that can help users achieve greater flexibility and cost savings through remote work:
- Remote access and control: Remote desktop software provides end users access to and control over other devices not in their physical vicinity. The software facilitates the visibility of a specific window or the entire desktop.
- Multi-monitor support: Many workplaces now opt for multiple monitors at their workstations to help improve productivity. As a result, the remote desktop tool supports the capability to view multiple monitors at a time.
- Multiple operating system (OS) support: Businesses today use Windows, macOS, Linux, or other OS, and sometimes multiple OS within the same company. Remote desktop software has features to handle viewing and functioning on any OS, independent of the OS the end user is connecting from.
- Mobile device access: Remote desktop tools allow administrators to access connected mobile devices and support mobile OS like Android, iOS, and more.
- Data encryption: When a user’s device is being used and managed remotely, it may leave the user feeling vulnerable. The remote desktop tool offers a data encryption feature to secure the connection and protect data.
- File management: Remote desktop software facilitates file sharing and transfers to enable quick and effortless work discussion, collaboration among colleagues, and viewing of relevant documents when working remotely. The shared or transferred files are highly secure as permission to access them is granted only to authenticated user accounts.
- Remote configuration: The software helps configure a remote PC for access so that the end user can take complete control of the device over the internet anytime.
- Chat: The chat functionality of the remote desktop software allows users to send and receive messages between computers.
- Application management: Remote desktop tool centrally manages, configures, and monitors applications on employee devices.
- Session transfer: Access to remote sessions for IT support can be transferred between users using a remote desktop application.
- Session recording: A remote desktop tool provides the ability to record remote sessions at a desired location on the local computer.
- Security: All the data shared across a remote connection is encrypted. It also uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users can log in and notify suspicious activities.
- Deployment flexibility: Remote desktop tools can be deployed on the cloud and on-premises, depending on the organization’s requirements.
- Remote printing: Some remote desktop solutions provide remote printing capabilities to help users print documents using a locally plugged or network printer.
- Session usage reporting: Activity log tracking and session analytics is essential for IT managers and chief information officers (CIOs) looking to track, manage, and optimize helpdesk activities.
- Branding: Remote desktop systems may let businesses customize client applications to match their websites.
What are the benefits of remote desktop software?
There are several benefits that a business can reap from a remote desktop tool. Below is a list of advantages that the tool offers:
- Efficiency: Remote desktop tools offer the potential to maintain numerous devices from a single workstation. Users can access the systems they need from wherever they are located.
- Cost savings: Remote desktop tools may require the installation of remote client software on user devices. However, some web-based remote desktop software provides remote access with zero endpoint installation or configuration. Clientless, centrally-managed solutions do not require installation, management, and software maintenance on individual devices, thereby cutting down IT support costs. Additionally, these solutions enable users to work from home with the most reliable and secure connection resulting in reduced overhead expenditure for office space, computing equipment, software, utilities, etc.
- Flexibility: Employers are increasingly promoting flexible and remote work. The ability to work from anywhere, at any time, and on multiple devices increases employee productivity and turnover. These tools enable employees to work remotely with a seamless remote desktop connection to one or many desktops at the workplace.
- Business continuity: Remote desktop platform ensures business continuity in times of crisis, such as pandemic outbreaks, harsh weather, and transportation strikes. It provides access to business applications and data from home, enabling organizations to meet their business objectives.
Who uses remote desktop software?
- Customer support teams: Employees on support teams are most likely to use the remote desktop tool. The software greatly improves the efficiency of most support teams’ day-to-day routines and tasks.
- IT departments: Software and licensing administrators in the IT department can use remote desktop tools for scheduling and running maintenance on devices, regardless of the device's physical location or the administrator.
- Data archive teams: Teams that do heavy data archive work may also benefit from using a remote desktop tool. Data archives tend to be optimized toward UNIX systems like Linux’s numerous variants, so having a remote Linux build that can be tapped into from a Windows desktop can be incredibly valuable.
- Software engineers: Remote desktop solutions enable developers and engineers to share a single workstation, use integrated development environments (IDEs), access remote servers, and investigate bugs remotely.
- Educational institutions: Teachers, professors, educators, and administrators use remote access solutions for conducting classes and accessing tools and files from remote locations.
- Remote users: Remote employees rely on these solutions to access company files and servers and complete tasks without being in the office.
What are the Alternatives to Remote Desktop Software?
- Remote support software: Remote support and remote desktop tools are so similar that many use the two names interchangeably. There is a slight but notable difference between the two. Remote desktop software focuses more exclusively on access to and control over a remote device. While remote support software does this as well, these solutions offer more expansive features to assist with maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software: Remote desktop and VDI software have similar characteristics but slightly different target functions. A remote desktop tool tends to focus on creating connections to physical devices. In contrast, a VDI tool hones in on entirely virtual desktops associated with servers or even an OS being run within another OS. VDI software allows for centralized hosting and viewership of numerous desktops, whereas remote desktop focuses on the ability to access numerous physical desktops from a single location.
- Screen sharing software: These systems partially match the functionality of remote desktop solutions by allowing users to share screens and demonstrate processes to viewers. Sales, marketing, and support teams use screen sharing tools to provide demos, brainstorm, and resolve technical issues.
Challenges with remote desktop software
Remote desktop tools can come with their own set of challenges.
- Connectivity: Remote desktop usage occurs entirely via the internet, so connectivity issues can end up disrupting the experience. When implementing a remote desktop tool, users must ensure high internet connectivity.
- Hardware dilemmas: Remote desktop software relies partly on the end device’s hardware functioning optimally. If there is an issue with the end device’s hardware, the software may not be able to access the remote device.
- Privacy: The means to take control of other users’ computers remotely does come with a certain degree of privacy risk. In the wrong hands, losing control of one’s computer means compromised data on the computer or an entire network. Companies need to use strong endpoint protection software when implementing remote support software to protect internal devices.
- Operating system compatibility: Some remote desktop systems may not efficiently support different operating systems such as Linux, macOS. or their outdated versions. This Os non-compatibility makes it challenging for remote users to receive timely solutions.
- High-performance tasks: Network speed and bandwidth variation may impact remote desktop tools' ability to to complete tasks demanding high computational resources, including video rendering, data analysis, and graphic design.
- User experience: Complex remote desktop applications make it difficult for users to log in, establish connections with remote devices, and share files.
How to choose remote desktop software
Organizations buying remote desktop software must consider business-specific needs and the following factors to maximize the return on their investment.
- Device whitelisting and authentication: Choosing a remote desktop platform with device or endpoint authentication is crucial for preventing unauthorized systems from connecting with remote devices and gaining unattended access.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Remote desktop solutions with 2FA capabilities verify user identity to protect devices and data from brute-force attacks, social engineering, and phishing.
- Security compliance: Buyers must ensure that the remote access tool of their choice meets different security standards, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), System and Organization Controls (SOC 2), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Also, consider choosing solutions that update security protocols regularly.
- Ease of use: Selecting a user-friendly remote desktop tool is essential for ensuring that even non-technical users have a seamless experience while using the system. Moreover, users should be able to install the application without any difficulty.
- File transfer: Remote desktop tools with file sharing features allow users to share presentations, documents, and data, enabling them to send or receive files immediately. Also, consider looking for systems with remote printing, chat, multi-monitor support, and remote wake-on-LAN functionalities.
- Available on mobile devices: Choosing a system that users can access from a phone or tablet helps technical support specialists resolve issues on the go.
- Price and customer support: Consider thoroughly evaluating customer support availability and features against price to find the best solution.
Depending on their organizations’ sizes, needs, and preferences, buyers must try different tools to find the one that best fits their compatibility, security, usability requirements, and budget.
Remote desktop software pricing
Remote desktop software is available in two deployment models: on-premises and cloud. Based on the models, the software can also be purchased as a perpetual license or as annual or monthly subscriptions. Remote desktop tools are priced as a perpetual license for on-premises software, whereas cloud-based solutions are available on a subscription basis. Some remote desktop tools can be downloaded for free private usage and are available as a three-tier license, often business, premium, or corporate.
Remote desktop software pricing varies depending on the number of seats, devices, and features organizations require. Below is a general overview of pricing based on tiers buyers choose.
- Entry-level plans range from $10 to $15 monthly and include basic features. These plans suit individual users and small businesses.
- Mid-range plans can cost businesses up to $35 per month. They provide more features suitable for larger business teams.
- Advanced plans cost around $75 monthly and offer advanced support and user management features. These are ideal for larger enterprises with extensive business requirements.
Implementation of remote desktop software
How is remote desktop software implemented?
There are generally two ways in which a remote desktop software is implemented:
- OS-based implementation: OS-based remote desktop solutions are built directly into the OS. No extra software is required to use OS-based remote desktop solutions as the tools are already installed. For example, some versions of Windows come with built-in remote desktop software.
- Third-party-based implementation: Third-party-based implementation is needed when remote desktop software has to be licensed by the user. Once the buyer has decided on the software that fits their particular needs and installed it, it should be ready for use.
Remote desktop software trends
- Companies will adopt a hybrid workplace model: Companies are now looking at providing the choice of working from the office only for a few days a week. The remote working element in a hybrid workplace is a trend that is expected to grow. Employees within an organization have increasingly started preferring to work from home or anywhere else with flexible working schedules. Employers are also providing the flexibility to do so. Remote desktop and remote support software will be widely used when working remotely, as they provide seamless IT support without letting external factors hinder business processes from running smoothly.
- Organizations will opt for consolidation of remote work tools: Organizations use multiple software solutions such as video conferencing, remote support, and remote desktop to enable effective collaboration across employees, clients, and partners. It is essential to consolidate these tools and provide the organization with better visibility to enhance operational productivity, thereby reducing the need to monitor each device individually. The adoption of centralized solutions is expected to rise, considering it would help companies ensure compliance and tackle software management issues.
- BYOD trends continue gaining popularity: Many organizations encourage employees to use BYOD devices to control capital expenditure costs rising from hardware purchase and maintenance. Employees using their devices often rely on remote desktop solutions to connect with peers or access server files. Remote workers using their devices for office work are more likely to experience cybersecurity threats. Businesses must continue investing in cybersecurity, cloud security, and vulnerability management tools to prevent data leaks and unauthorized access and mitigate remote work tech vulnerability.
Researched and Written by Anindita Sengupta
Reviewed and Edited by Sinchana Mistry
