Best Remote Desktop Software
Jason Ramgel
Using remote access software, despite what you might think, is actually quite simple. They generally take but just a few minutes to get up and running. The usual start is to install the software on the computer or other device you want to access the remote computer with. In some cases, programs also need an installation on the remote PC, while in other cases, the devices form a connection via a weblink or access code.
Some versions of Windows, such as Windows 11 Pro, do come with built-in remote desktop software that is known as Remote Desktop. While this is ok for occasional use, realize that dedicated third-party software will generally be easier to use, and come with significantly more features. This will be especially important for those planning on regular use of this type of software.
There are a handful of popular uses for the best remote desktop software. One popular use case scenario is to handle complicated tasks from a laptop remotely by connecting to a more powerful computer. Therefore, the less powerful laptop then can gain access to the better computing resources of the desktop system so it can take on more complicated tasks then it could handle locally.
Additionally, remote desktop software can be used by IT teams to roll out important software updates and upgrades across a network. This isn't just handy for working outside of the office, but is also essential if the business has multiple premises that require working on.
The best remote desktop software is no longer just a command prompt for commands - these days they often come with a GUI, with inbuilt tools for collaboration, not just for documents and spreadsheets, but also come with voice chat and video options.
Plans start at two remote connections at the lowest of the three tiers, with up to ten connections on the highest plan. There is also a middle tier of plan with five remote connections. While there previously was a 14-day free trial available, this is no longer the case, and it is down to a shorter 7 days, and required some searching to find it. Additionally, LogMeIn Pro is easy to set up, highly secure, and backed by 24/7 live support. Note, though, that its performance can be a little slow at times.
One of the most appealing aspects of LogMeIn Pro has to be the great level of customer support on offer. However, we were disappointed to see that most of it was self help, via a search bar, and a community forum, and were unsuccessful in finding a number to call, a direct email or a support portal for direct contact. If you're a beleaguered IT manager, this may not be the kind of help that you need.
However, LogMeIn Pro does continue to have a fine set of features and functions, all of which makes it universally appealing, especially with the fairly bulletproof security features that also come as part of the package. Overall, we would say that the pricing on the packages is expensive, so this is more for someone that needs frequent and reliable remote PC access, and not for a more casual user.
Even on the entry plan, support options are more than reasonable. We found a search box to access Knowledge Base information, a community forum, and multiple articles that covered specific topics. Beyond the self help, we also appreciate the support portal to submit a request, the chat box, and a direct phone number, with hours of operation listed at 8 AM to 6 PM weekdays.
Overall, Splashtop is a powerful remote desktop connection manager backed by highly targeted plans and great security. New users will benefit from a seven-day trial with the software package of their choice, but be aware that payments are only available on an annual basis.
TeamViewer is a powerful remote access program that enables remote access to and from computers, mobile devices, network machines, and more. It is also quite popular, boasting over 2.5 billion connected devices, and the ability to host up to 45 million simultaneous users.
In fact, this company states that it supports 130 different devices, which is more than twice its closest competitor. Unfortunately, though, this level of compatibility with the investment to get this to all work increases the cost, and it is quite expensive.
There are two versions of TeamViewer available for personal users, but businesses and other commercial users will have to upgrade to an enterprise subscription plan. The cost is quite expensive, however, TeamViewer offers impressive cross-platform compatibility, which includes remote mobile access and IoT device compatibility.
TeamViewer has lots to offer, especially for larger organizations that need the extra muscle for their remote desktop software needs. The pricing structure is certainly geared more towards big firms and those with IT departments. This is made even more of a positive aspect thanks to the way the software can be deployed across multiple machines so easily.
There is a limited free tier available, but it lacks nice extras such as integration with a password manager, role based access control, and two factor authentication. These missing features are sure to have users look at the paid plan, but unfortunately, Remote Desktop Manager gets slightly expensive, with only a single choice of the Team Plan, which has a 30-day trial. Custom enterprise-level solutions are also available.
Generally, though, Remote Desktop Manager is one of the best network management solutions available for medium- to large-sized businesses. Role-based access controls are a major plus for IT administrators managing multiple teams across departments. Users also appreciate the offline mode to keep access to the database when offline, the audit trail to capture all access events, and the ability to track who is connected via the real-time connection status.
Help is available via numerous methods, including a knowledge base and community forum. We also like that there is both an email, and a direct phone number to communicate directly, although the hours of operation are limited to 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM EDT on weekdays.
Business users looking for a very easy to use yet powerful package will find RemotePC one of the best there is. Larger corporate customers may wish to go their own way, but there are plenty of features and functions here that will be useful to larger concerns looking for value.
Cloud-based Zoho Assist is one of our favorite remote access tools because it enables you to access almost any device. It provides specialized remote support and unattended access plans designed to streamline workflow processes.
This is a remote desktop software solution that continues to improve and get better with age. Zoho Assist might lack the real muscle that very large concerns will need, but there is plenty here that will appeal to mid-size businesses that require a simple to use but potent solution.
We also take note of the free trial, which is longer than some others at 15 days. There is also a choice of plans, and like the flexibility in payments from monthly, to annually with a discount to serve different financial situations.
Zoho continues to make improvements to its Zoho Assist software too, with better options now available for people who want to make file transfers using the iOS and Android mobile editions. The same goes for the way you can work closely with Slack too. And, this being Zoho, there is solid support and integration if you use other products in the portfolio, such as Zoho CRM.
While some of the Cloud-licensing fees can be a bit hefty (especially for smaller businesses), this is more than made up for by the massive bounty of tools, extensions, and add-ons that come with an ISL subscription. We like the choice of four tiers of plans, including up to Enterprise for larger organizations, and also the 15-day free trial on the lower plans.
One of our favorite things about Parallels Access is its tidy user interface. Rather than simply showing your desktop screen on a mobile device, like most of its competitors do, it presents an optimized, mobile-friendly version. Overall, this program is a great choice for those who want to remotely access their computer particularly from a mobile device.
Remote Utilities for Windows is an extremely affordable remote desktop connection manager for Windows computers. Licenses are a one-time cost rather than a subscription, which can ultimately save a significant amount of money for businesses small and large. We also note the offer of the 30-day fully functional trial, which is enough time to determine if it meets your needs.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect, formerly known as ConnectWise Control, provides highly specialized remote access solutions targeted at specific users. Its three Support plans come with some remote access features, and include powerful tools to help IT staff and support technicians solve problems remotely. The Access plan allows for 25 devices and is aimed at those who want to connect with numerous remote devices.
GoToMyPC makes it really easy to access a remote desktop from another device. You can download the app on your desktop (Windows and macOS) or mobile device (Android and iOS). Once installed, you can initiate a remote PC connection and access your files and applications as if you were sitting in front of the remote PC.
Other notable features include usage reports to keep track of your sessions, remote printing, and the ability to invite a person to temporarily connect to your PC. The major drawback of GoToMyPC is that its pricing is much higher than most competitors.
Dameware Remote Everywhere is one of the most sophisticated remote desktop access tools you can get your hands on. It has reputation for providing very fast connections to remote devices to use them as if they were in front of you. It uses advanced encryption protocols to keep user data safe and secure from malicious actors. It also supports two-factor authentication and multi-level permissions to prevent intruders from breaking into a corporate network and accessing their computers.
This platform has multi-monitor support, meaning you can work with different monitors simultaneously and switch between them with a single click. But, we observed customer complaints about the multi-monitor feature being unreliable and needing improvement.
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