Remote Desktop reviews by real, verified users. Find unbiased ratings on user satisfaction, features, and price based on the most reviews available anywhere.
Best Remote Desktop Software
Top 10 Remote Desktop Software
- TeamViewer
- ConnectWise Control
- AnyDesk
- Splashtop Business Access
- Zoho Assist
- VNC Connect
- BeyondTrust Remote Support
- LogMeIn Pro
- Remote Desktop
- GoToAssist
As a leading global provider of remote connectivity solutions, TeamViewer empowers users to connect anything, anywhere, anytime. The company offers secure remote access, support, control, and collaboration capabilities for online endpoints of any kind. By innovating with cutting-edge yet easy-to-deploy Augmented Reality (AR) and Internet of Things (IoT) implementations, the company enables businesses of all sizes to tap into their full digital potential. TeamViewer has been activated on more tha
ConnectWise Control, formerly ScreenConnect, is a fast, reliable and secure remote support, access and meeting solution. Connect instantly to provide on-demand remote support or establish unattended access to repair computers, provide updates, and manage machines. ConnectWise Control includes the same features as competing remote control solutions.
AnyDesk was founded in Germany in 2014, and its unique remote desktop access software has been downloaded by more than 300 million users worldwide, adding another 14 million every month. The software is based on our unique proprietary codec, DeskRT, that allows for virtually latency-free collaboration, whether you’re down the hall, or on the other side of the world and also for lower bandwith internet connections. We’re one of the 50 fastest-growing firms in Germany, combining great product perf
Splashtop Business Access is a remote desktop software solution for business professionals and teams. Centrally manage users remote access. Individuals and teams can remotely access their own computers and shared computers with any device using Splashtop Business Access. Remotely access your Windows and Mac computers from practically any device: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chrome browser/Chromebook. Just install Splashtop Streamer on all the target computers you want to remote to and Splas
Support remote customers quickly through web-based, on-demand remote support sessions. Setup and manage remote computers effortlessly with unattended remote access. Completely secure and reliable.
VNC® Connect is screen sharing software that lets you connect to a remote computer anywhere in the world, watch its screen in real-time, and take control as though sitting in front of it.
BeyondTrust Remote Support (formerly Bomgar Remote Support) is the #1 solution for organizations that need to securely access and support any device or system, anywhere in the world. Technicians using Remote Support can quickly connect to, view, and control remote systems and devices, chat and collaborate with end-users or other technicians, all while improving remote access security. Organizations in all vertical markets around the globe use Remote Support to deliver superior support services a
The freedom to be in two places at once
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, formally known as Terminal Services, is a desktop virtualization software for Microsoft Windows products.
GoToAssist Remote Support helps service and support professionals resolve technical issues to customers, remote employees, unattended computers and servers. It offers a desktop application and web-based application letting agents choose the application interface that best suits their needs and individual preference. Finally, agents have access to a fast and easy-to-use support tool for a lighter, faster remote support experience.
Provide remote IT support, automate your IT management, network and system admin tasks with the industry's most secure on-premises remote access software Goverlan Reach enables you to seamlessly support all your users and their machines, no matter where, and without the need for a VPN. With Goverlan you have: . Secure access to your users machines no matter where they are . Enterprise-class Remote Control . Active Directory administration and Password management . Behind-the-scenes systems re
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 computers as well as mobile devices to provide ad hoc technical support and remote management. Rich customization options allow you to rebrand the software to your own corporate identity and apply advanced security measures. ISL Online offers a cloud or on-premises service with a unique licensing mod
FixMe.IT is a fast and easy-to-use remote support application built for delivering on-demand and unattended technical assistance to clients located anywhere in the world. Starting at just $25 per month per seat, FixMe.IT allows you to provide unlimited on-demand support and manage up to 150 unattended machines. Other key features include branding, multi-session handling, multi-window control, drag-n-drop file transfer, multi-monitor navigation, whiteboard tools, session recording and reporting,
LogMeIn Rescue is a powerful, easy-to-use remote support solution for PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and more. Rescue is built to serve teams of all sizes, from small helpdesks to the world's largest support organizations, and everyone in between. Rescue helps you provide technical support to your employees, your customers, or both, with a solution that is fast, reliable, flexible, and easy to use.
Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) centralizes all remote connections on a single platform that is securely shared between users and across the entire team. With support for hundreds of integrated technologies — including multiple protocols and VPNs — along with built-in enterprise-grade password management tools, global and granular-level access controls, and robust mobile apps to complement desktop clients for Windows and Mac, RDM is a Swiss Army knife for remote access. RDM empowers IT departments
Parallels Desktop for Mac is a desktop virtualization software that enables your employees to use Windows applications on a Mac without rebooting. Parallels Desktop for Mac automatically detects what you need to get started so you're up and going within minutes.
VMware Workstation Player allows you to run a second, isolated operating system on a single PC. With many uses ranging from a personal educational tool, to a business tool for providing a simplified experience to run a corporate desktop on a BYO device, Workstation Player leverages the VMware vSphere hypervisor to provide a simple yet mature and stable, local virtualization solution.
Glance enables your enterprise service, sales, and training agents to see and show anything, on-screen, instantly, with customers or prospects. Glance lets your agent be seen by the customer or prospect -- on-screen, via 1-way video -- to build trust and humanize your brand. Glance is perfect for industries like financial services, insurance, healthcare, retail, travel, and technology, because our solutions are purpose-built to comply with the most rigorous privacy and security requirements.. Gl
MSP360™ Remote Desktop is a Windows software for remote control and desktop sharing. The solution is designed to quickly and securely access and control a remote desktop or server computer over the Internet.
Syncro is the modern MSP platform that makes you more money. We offer a combined RMM & PSA, plus Remote Access and more, into an all-in-one platform that is intuitive and easy to use. We took a long, hard look at how RMM & PSA platforms have traditionally been developed and asked ourselves, “Are the software options that exist today good enough for MSPs?” The answer was a resounding *no*. Instead of replicating the same stale implementations that exist everywhere today, we set out t
Dameware Mini Remote Control is an affordable remote control software for all your customer support and help desk needs. In addition to the remote control feature, Dameware Mini Remote Control enables you to: • Chat with the end user. • Share files, including hot fixes and executables, with the end user. • Lock the remote system so that only the technician has access to the machine. • Take screen shots of the end user's system. • Toggle between monitors if the end user has multiple monitors.
Apple Remote Desktop allows IT administrators to quickly distribute software and remotely access computers across a network.
Rocket Blue Zone Terminal Emulation solutions provide a cost-effective alternative to your aging emulator–including flexible licensing to meet the needs of today’s mobile workforce, comprehensive security, and significantly reduced total cost of ownership over time.
MobaXterm is your ultimate toolbox for remote computing. In a single Windows application, it provides loads of functions that are tailored for programmers, webmasters, IT administrators and pretty much all users who need to handle their remote jobs in a more simple fashion.
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. Connect to your remote computers to work from home or anywhere you choose. RemotePC lets you access your remote computers directly via the web, with no software installation required. Includes plans for consumers, small businesses, and large enterprises
Chrome Remote Desktop is a Google Chrome extension that allows users to remotely access other computers.
Wayk Now is a flexible, easy-to-use and lightweight remote desktop access solution that reduces implementation time while maintaining the latest industry security standards. When integrated with Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager, it enables easy management, scalability and increased efficiency through a single, unique platform for all remote sessions. Wayk Now is the ideal remote desktop access solution for both IT professionals and business users alike! Wayk Now comes in two editions: Free an
Citrix Gateway is a customer-managed solution that can be deployed on premises or on any public cloud, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
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’s like you’re sitting right in front of your computer.
Remote Control software.
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 use its functions. This type of software ensures easy, efficient, and secure access to one or many remote desktops. While this can be used for remote support, remote desktop tools are typically used by employees as a means to remotely access a machine instead of for technical problem resolution. Remote desktop connections can be used for both inside and outside a company’s internal network. Though the fine-tuned maintenance functions may not be as extensive as those of remote support software solutions, remote desktop software still opens the potential for companies to perform basic maintenance tasks on numerous devices from a single station. Typical use cases of remote desktop software includes granting employees access to use and manage distant computers anytime, from any device, which gives them the privilege to work from anywhere. Sometimes IT support professionals use remote desktop tools to troubleshoot and perform maintenance tasks remotely.
What are the Common Features of Remote Desktop Software?
The following are some core features within remote desktop software that can help users achieve greater flexibility and cost savings through remote work:
Remote access and control: Remote desktop software provides users with remote access to, and control over, other devices. The software facilitates the visibility of a specific window or the entire desktop as a whole.
Multi-monitor support: Many workplaces now opt for multiple monitors at a workstation to help improve productivity. As a result, remote desktop software 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 needs to be able to handle viewing and using any OS, independent of the OS the user is connecting from.
Mobile device access: Remote desktop software allows remote desktop administrators access to connected mobile devices and supports mobile OS like Android, iOS, etc.
Data encryption: When a user’s device is being used and managed remotely, it may leave the user feeling vulnerable. Remote desktop software offers data encryption so that the connection is secure and no data goes where it shouldn’t.
File management: Remote desktop tools also enable file sharing and transfer to quickly and effortlessly discuss work, collaborate with colleagues, and view relevant documents, when working remotely. The shared or transferred files are protected against unauthorized access through authentication with end-to-end encryption.
Always-ON remote access: The software helps configure a remote computer for access so that the user can take complete control of it over the internet anytime.
Chat: The chat functionality of this software allows users to send and receive chat messages between computers.
Application management: Remote desktop software centrally manages, configures, and oversees applications on employee devices.
Session transfer: Remote access and support sessions can be transferred between users using remote desktop tools.
Session recording: Remote desktop solutions provide the ability to record remote access and support sessions at a desired location on the local computer.
Security: All the data which is shared across a remote connection is encrypted. It also uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users can log in, and notifies suspicious activities if any.
Deployment models: Remote desktop tools are available in both on-premises and cloud versions.
What are the Benefits of Remote Desktop Software?
Efficiency: Remote desktop solutions offer the potential to maintain numerous devices from a single workstation. Users can access the systems they need, at the locations they need, without having to leave their own workstation.
Cost savings: Remote desktop software allows companies to use remote devices live without the need for a user at the other end. This reduces the workforce requirements at potentially remote areas like data centers. These solutions enable users to work from home with the most reliable and secure connection.
Flexibility: Employers are increasingly promoting flexible and remote work. The ability to work from anywhere, any time, and from multiple devices is increasing 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.
Who Uses Remote Desktop Software?
Support teams: Employees on support teams are the most likely to use remote desktop software. The software greatly improves the efficiency of most support teams’ day-to-day routines and tasks.
Administrators: Software and licensing administrators use this software, as remote desktop software can assist in scheduling and running maintenance on devices, regardless of the physical location of the device or the administrator.
Teams working on data archives: Teams that do heavy data archive work may also find benefits in using remote desktop software. Data archives tend to be optimized toward UNIX systems (which Windows is not) like Linux’s numerous variants, so being able to have a remote Linux build that can be tapped into from a Windows desktop can be incredibly valuable.
What are the Alternatives to Remote Desktop Software?
Remote support software: Remote support software and remote desktop software are so similar that many people use the two names interchangeably. There is a small, but notable difference between the two, though. Remote desktop software focuses more exclusively on access to and control over a remote device, and while remote support software does this as well, remote support solutions offer more expansive features to assist with things like maintenance and troubleshooting.
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software: Remote desktop software and VDI software have similar characteristics, but slightly different target functions. Remote desktop tends to focus on creating connections to physical devices, but VDI hones in on desktops that are entirely virtual, associated with servers, or even an OS being run within other OS. VDI 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.
Challenges with Remote Desktop Software
Software solutions can come with their own set of challenges.
Connectivity: Remote desktop usage occurs entirely via internet connectivity, so connectivity issues can end up slowing the experience. When implementing a remote desktop solution, users must ensure that network connectivity can be maintained at a high level.
Hardware dilemmas: Remote desktop software relies also in part on the end device’s hardware functioning normally. If there is an issue with the end device’s hardware, remote desktop software may not be able to access the device.
Privacy: The means to take control of other users’ computers remotely does come with a certain privacy risk. In the wrong hands, losing control of one’s computer means compromised data on the computer or on an entire network. It’s important, when implementing remote support software, for companies to use strong endpoint protection software to protect internal devices.
How to Buy Remote Desktop Software
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Remote Desktop Software
If a company is just starting out and looking to purchase the first remote desktop software, or maybe an organization needs to update a legacy system--wherever a business is in its buying process, g2.com can help select the best remote desktop software for the business.
The particular business pain points might be related to performing IT support and maintenance work smoothly or helping employees connect to their remote systems in real-time smoothly. Users should think about the pain points and jot them down; these should be used to help create a checklist of criteria. Additionally, the buyer must determine the number of employees who will need to use this software, as this drives the number of licenses they are likely to buy.
Taking a holistic overview of the business and identifying pain points can help the team springboard into creating a checklist of criteria. The checklist serves as a detailed guide that includes both necessary and nice-to-have features including budget, features, number of users, integrations, security requirements, cloud or on-premises solutions, and more.
Depending on the scope of the deployment, it might be helpful to produce a request for information (RFI), a one-page list with a few bullet points describing what is needed from a remote desktop software.
Compare Remote Desktop Software Products
Create a long list
The buyer can find remote desktop products through research on g2.com, which can then be saved to the “My List” section for future reference. From meeting the business functionality needs to implementation, vendor evaluations are an essential part of the software buying process. For ease of comparison after all demos are complete, it helps to prepare a consistent list of questions regarding specific needs and concerns to ask each vendor.
Create a short list
From the long list of vendors, buyers must read through user reviews, view ratings on the G2 GridⓇ report for the Remote Desktop Software category, read useability ratings, and cull the long list of vendors in the G2 “My List” down to a handful.
Conduct demos
The next step involves contacting the vendors for demos using the G2 “Get a quote” button. During each demo, buyers must ask the same questions, get clarifications on the same use cases to best evaluate like for like, and see how each vendor stacks up against the competition.
Selection of Remote Desktop Software
Choose a selection team
Before getting started, it's crucial to create a winning team that will work together throughout the entire process, from identifying pain points to implementation. The software selection team should consist of members of the organization who have the right interest, skills, and time to participate in this process. A good starting point is to aim for three to five people who fill roles such as the main decision maker, project manager, process owner, system owner, or staffing subject matter expert, as well as a technical lead, IT administrator, or security administrator. In smaller companies, the vendor selection team may be smaller, with fewer participants multitasking and taking on more responsibilities.
Users must make sure that the selection process uses productivity-driven data as well. The selection team should compare notes and facts and figures which they noted during the process, such as availability of advanced capabilities, usability, and security features.
Negotiation
It is imperative to open up a conversation regarding pricing and licensing. For example, the vendor may be willing to give a discount for multi-year contracts or for recommending the product to others.
Final decision
After this stage, and before going all in, it is recommended to roll out a test run or pilot program to test adoption with a small sample size of users. If the tool is well used and well received, the buyer can be confident that the selection was correct. If not, it might be time to go back to the drawing board.
What Does Remote Desktop Software Cost?
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 for cloud-based solutions, it is available on a subscription basis. Some remote desktop software can be downloaded for free private usage and are available as a three-tier license, often business, premium, or corporate.
Implementation of Remote Desktop Software
How is Remote Desktop Software Implemented?
There are generally two ways in which a remote desktop software is implemented:
Operating system (OS) based implementation: OS-based remote desktop solutions are built directly into the OS itself. No extra software is required to use OS-based remote desktop solutions as the tools are already installed and in place. 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
Remote work will continue to grow
The remote work trend is bound to grow each year. Employees within an organization have increasingly started preferring to work from home or from anywhere and flexible working schedules and employers are also providing the flexibility to do so. Remote desktop software and remote support software will be widely used when working remotely, as it provides seamless IT support.
