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The Best Remote Desktop Software Companies of 2021
How We Chose the Best Remote Desktop Software
Remote desktop software enables you to use your office computer, provide tech support, and solve work emergencies no matter where you are. Whether you’re buying remote access for personal use or a team of information technology (IT) technicians, the best remote desktop software should offer three key features that businesses need most, which are screen sharing, collaborative tools, and integrations.
Screen Sharing Features
Also called desktop sharing, screen sharing enables you to show what’s on your computer to colleagues or clients and then watch their navigation in real-time. Connected users can interact with the computer, open files, view media, and make changes. We prioritized software with the most robust screen-sharing features.
Collaboration Tools
Ideally, remote desktop software will come with a suite of collaboration tools, such as live video and voice chat, plus drag-and-drop file transfer between computers. Annotation tools let users draw and write on the screen, ideal for highlighting information or giving support instructions.
Integrations
The best remote desktop software supports integrations with the most popular business management tools, such as Acronis, Zendesk, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics. Remote support software should integrate seamlessly with your business website, allowing users to get help without leaving their browser.
The 14 Best Remote Desktop Software Programs of 2021
| Company | Price | Free Trial/Demo | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnyDesk | Professional: $20.99/month Power: $52.49/month | Free 14-day trial | Visit AnyDesk |
| ConnectWise Control | One: $24/month/user Standard: $42/month/user Premium: $54/month/user | Free trial | Visit ConnectWise Control |
| GoToMyPC | Personal: $44/month (1 user/1 computer) Pro: $83/month (up to 50 users/2 computers) Corporate: Custom quote/10+ users | Free 7-day trial | Visit GoToMyPC |
| Goverlan Reach | Standard: $29/month/user Professional: $69/month/user Enterprise: $129/month/user | Free 15-day trial | Visit Goverlan Reach |
| LogMeIn Pro | Individuals: $30/month for access to up to 2 computers Power Users: $70/month for access to up to 5 computers Small Businesses: $129/month for access to up to 10 computers | Free 7-day trial | Visit LogMeIn Pro |
| Parallels | Parallels Desktop: From $79.99 Parallels Desktop Pro Edition: From $99.99/year Parallels Desktop Business Edition: From $99.99/year | Free 14-day trial | Visit Parallels |
| Remote Desktop Manager | Single User: $199.99/one-time fee Site: $4,999/one-time fee Perpetual license: Custom quote | Free 30-day trial | Visit Remote Desktop Manager |
| Remote Utilities | Endpoint: $29 Starter: $99 Mini: $249 Pro: $499 Site: $12,000 | Free 30-day trial | Visit Remote Utilities |
| RemotePC | Consumer: $29.50/year SOHO: $69.50/year Team: $249.50/year Enterprise: $499.50/year | Free 7-day trial | Visit RemotePC |
| SolarWinds Dameware Mini Remote Control | Custom quote | Free 30-day trial | Visit SolarWinds Dameware Mini Remote Control |
| Splashtop Business Access | Business Access Solo: $60/year/user Business Access Pro: $99/year/user | Free 7-day trial | Visit Splashtop Business Access |
| TeamViewer Personal | Single User: $49/month Multi User: $99/month For Teams: $199/month | Free 14-day trial | Visit TeamViewer Personal |
| VNC Connect | Professional: From $3.34/month/user Enterprise: From $4.59/month/user | Free 30-day trial | Visit VNC Connect |
| Zoho Assist | Standard: $8/year/user Professional: $13/year/user Enterprise: $21/year/user | Free 15-day trial | Visit Zoho Assist |
AnyDesk
AnyDesk’s remote desktop software runs on the proprietary DeskRT codec, which ensures smooth frame rates and speedy data transmission even when bandwidth is poor. It works on any operating system and platform, including iOS and Android devices.
The software includes a remote support feature, which is rolled out to computers automatically in other locations through a Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI) package. AnyDesk runs on banking-standard transport layer security (TLS) 1.2 technology that guards connected computers against unauthorized access, so users can be assured sensitive files remain safe.
Users can access their work computer from their home office via Unattended Access. Teams can communicate remotely with the chat function or whiteboard tool, which allows users to draw and share simple instructions.
AnyDesk supports file transfers and remote printing. The Professional version allows users to log sessions and comes with an address book that lets them know who’s connected at a glance.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Professional: $20.99/month Power: $52.49/month | Free demo | >Screen sharing >Integrations >File transfer >More features at AnyDesk |
Pros & Cons of AnyDesk Remote Desktop Software
AnyDesk offers an inexpensive Lite version, but it lacks an address book and the ability to record sessions. The DeskRT codec keeps sessions running smoothly despite poor bandwidth, making it ideal for areas with poor internet connectivity. The software’s small file size means it can be deployed almost anywhere. Although screens can be shared, screen recording isn’t supported.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Budget-friendly Lite version >Stable performance >Small file size | >No free trial >No screen recording |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise the steady performance AnyDesk offers. One says, “The image quality is very good with few or no glitches or choppiness. I would say it’s the best quality screen sharing I’ve used to date, especially for situations where you need control of the other person’s screen.”
ConnectWise Control
Major brands, such as Dell, Panasonic, and CBS, use ConnectWise Control for their remote access needs. The company offers two versions of its Control software. Control Support is designed for help desk services and remote issue resolution while the Access version is ideal for remote workers, internal information technology (IT), and point-of-sale (POS) usage.
Control Access features endpoint management, allowing users to monitor multiple machines and fix issues behind the scenes. Users can create detailed reports of technician activity, session connections, file transfers, and other important data.
ConnectWise supports integration with popular platforms like Zendesk for help desk tickets and Acronis for remote backup management. The premium View extension allows technicians to access the camera of mobile devices remotely for improved troubleshooting functionality.
Both versions of ConnectWise are supported by robust security tools, including 256-bit advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption and server-level auditing.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| One: $24/month/user Standard: $42/month/user Premium: $54/month/user | Free trial | >Reports >Integrations >Real-time chat >More features at ConnectWise Control |
Pros & Cons of ConnectWise Control Remote Desktop Software
ConnectWise has plan levels for teams of any size, including individuals. All plans include remote meetings, file transfers, and remote printing, although the basic plan only allows users to make one remote connection at a time. A large selection of resources is available, including on-demand demos, webinars, and tool kits. However, the reporting dashboard and View remote camera access extension are only available with the Premium plan.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Plan options >Remote printing and meetings for all plans >Resource library | >Limited connections for basic One plan >Dashboard and View available with Premium only |
What Customers Are Saying
ConnectWise users feel that the software offers robust functionality for IT and support teams. One remarks, “ConnectWise Control was incredibly easy to implement, and is very powerful. It comes with so many tools and features that are invaluable and solve complex problems very simply.”
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC’s remote access software works on any device, and users can connect to their desktop from anywhere via the free mobile app. The Real Time Diagnostics dashboard supplies data for connectivity status and in-session performance, which lets users view download speed, available memory, and central processing unit (CPU) usage for connected computers.
With remote deployment, users can install GoToMyPC on any computer even without physical access to the machine. The software features file transfers and remote printing, as well as multi-monitor support.
Users can temporarily invite guests to join the connection, ideal for technical support or demos. The Corporate version has a Wake-On-Lan function, which enables users to wake up offline computers remotely.
Security features for GoToMyPC include end-to-end authentication, 256-bit AES encryption, and remote keyboard lock for privacy protection.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Personal: $44/month (1 user/1 computer) Pro: $83/month (up to 50 users/2 computers) Corporate: Custom quote/10+ users | Free 7-day trial | >Remote printing >Multiple monitor access >Integrations >More features at GoToMyPC |
Pros & Cons of GoToMyPC Remote Desktop Software
The Real Time Diagnostics dashboard is a time-saving tool for tech support users that lets them see vital system data at a glance. All plans come with 24/7 support, and subscribers get a 20% discount for billing annually. Remote deployment is only available for the Pro plan and above. The Wake-On-Lan feature is only for the Corporate plan, which has a minimum of 10 users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Real Time Diagnostics dashboard >24/7 free support >Annual billing discount | >No remote deployment for basic plan >Wake-On-Lan for Corporate only |
What Customers Are Saying
Overall, customers believe that GoToMyPC is a lightweight and flexible solution for remote desktop access. As one puts it, “It is very easy to access! … The software is user-friendly, quick, and doesn’t crash. I would highly recommend this to another employee or business if they needed an online PC connection!”
Goverlan Reach
Organizations such as Lockheed Martin, the Smithsonian Institution, and the United Nations use Goverlan Reach as their remote access software. Goverlan offers solutions for help desks, IT departments, systems administrators, and other tech support staff.
Goverlan Reach enables users to quickly find logged-in workstations and perform maintenance behind the scenes or take control of desktops as needed. From the main dashboard, users can transfer files between computers and get reports on connected devices that need attention.
The software features Citrix and Microsoft Technical Services session shadowing, multiple-monitor viewing, and guest invitations for collaborative support. Users can automate repetitive IT tasks like deployment of security patches and updates.
Goverlan’s Mobile Device Management solution allows administrators to enforce security compliance on employee tablets and phones. The software can be used to locate, wipe, and reset devices as well as recover lost or erased data.
Goverlan is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)- and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)-compliant. The software meets strict security protocols with encryption, two-factor authentication, and audit trails.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard: $29/month/user Professional: $69/month/user Enterprise: $129/month/user Incident Management: $184/month/user | Free 15-day trial | >Real-time chat >Screen sharing >File transfers >More features at Goverlan Reach |
Pros & Cons of Goverlan Reach Remote Desktop Software
Goverlan Reach is backed by stringent security standards and is ideal for users in the sensitive medical and financial industries. All plans receive unlimited endpoints, and there’s no cap on connections. The basic Standard plan doesn’t include IT automation or active directory management. Subscribers can purchase incident management as an add-on, but it’s only available for the Professional and Enterprise plans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Strong security >Unlimited endpoints >No connection cap | >IT automation only for Professional plan and above >No incident management for Standard |
What Customers Are Saying
IT professionals are impressed with the powerful features Goverlan Reach has to offer. One customer says, “We have over 100 storage locations across the [United States]. Managing desktops at these locations would be very difficult without Goverlan. The Automation scripts are great!”
LogMeIn Pro
LogMeIn Pro offers a suite of remote access tools for business owners and internal teams. The software is designed for day-to-day operations management and enables users to access their apps and files from any remote device. Pro comes with 1TB of cloud file storage, plus complimentary access to LastPass for secure password storage.
LogMeIn Pro features remote desktop access, remote printing, multi-monitor display, and unlimited users for instant collaboration.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals: $30/month for access to up to 2 computers Power Users: $70/month for access to up to 5 computers Small Businesses: $129/month for access to up to 10 computers | Free 7-day trial | >Online and 24/7 live rep support >Reports >Integrations>More features at LogMeIn Pro |
Pros & Cons of LogMeIn Remote Desktop Software
All Pro plan levels allow unlimited users as well as free cloud storage and access to LastPass Premium. LogMeIn Central offers a customizable plan so subscribers can purchase only the features they need, but there’s a minimum of 25 managed computers per plan. Some major features, such as reports and automation, are only available via paid add-on.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Unlimited users >Free LastPass and cloud storage for Pro >Customizable Central plan | >Minimum 25 computers for Central >Extra charge for some features |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers feel that LogMeIn is a powerful solution for remote desktop management. “LogMeIn Pro is one of the most amazing products I have ever tested and used. You literally can’t go wrong with it,” one says., “There is simply no other software like it. You have control over everything in a smart and simple way.”
Parallels
Parallels’ remote desktop solution is called Remote Application Server (RAS). With RAS, workers can access their computer and any Windows application from their mobile device. The software features seamless network switching, and users can print to local machines from any device.
RAS supports multicloud deployments to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. On-premises deployment is also supported. Technicians can automate repetitive tasks with PowerShell and REST-API commands.
Parallels RAS features a web-based help desk console for checking the status of remotely connected machines. Technicians can provide troubleshooting and infrastructure monitoring from any HTML5 browser.
RAS protects against data leaks with multiple encryption types as well as several third-party security tools, including SafeNet and Google Authenticator. The software supports creation of granular security policies and access levels for different groups or individual users.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Parallels Desktop: From $79.99 Parallels Desktop Pro Edition: From $99.99/year Parallels Desktop Business Edition: From $99.99/year | Free 14-day trial | >Integrations >Remote printing >More features at Parallels |
Pros & Cons of Parallels Remote Desktop Software
Parallels has a concurrent-user licensing model, which means that a license isn’t required for every user. All subscribers receive 24/7 phone and email support, plus access to a community forum where they can get help from other Parallels users. The software doesn’t support screen sharing or screen recording.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Concurrent-user licensing >24/7 support >Community forum | >No screen sharing >No screen recording |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers feel that Parallels is a simple but powerful solution as well as a good value for the money. One says, “It’s affordable but capable. If you are on a budget and can’t afford more expensive options, Parallels is great for hosting Windows applications and seamlessly integrating them on any platform.”
Remote Desktop Manager
Created by Devolutions, Remote Desktop Manager is used by major companies worldwide, with some of the biggest including Walt Disney, Sony, IBM, and Prada. Devolutions offers a free edition of Remote Desktop Manager for individual users as well as an enterprise edition for help desk technicians and managed service providers.
Remote Desktop Manager lets users organize and launch their connections from a single window in the dashboard. Passwords for each connection are stored securely in the vault, allowing for quick connection to remote applications and machines.
The software features integrated virtual private network (VPN) connection management with SonicWall, IPSecVPN, and Microsoft Cisco. More than 60 third-party add-ons are supported, including 2xClient and SecureCRT.
Remote Desktop Manager enables technicians to share sessions with other users via internet or private cloud. User access level can be controlled with credential injection for increased security.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Single User: $199.99/one-time fee Site: $4,999/one-time fee Perpetual license: Custom quote | Free 30-day trial | >Mac, Windows, iPhone/iPad, and Android deployment >Reports >Integrations >More features at Remote Desktop Manager |
Pros & Cons of Remote Desktop Manager Remote Desktop Software
The free version of Remote Desktop Manager has plenty of features, but it lacks advanced reporting and is designed for individuals only, not IT teams. Users who require strong security, such as two-factor authentication and granular role-based permissions, will need the Enterprise edition. Support options include video tutorials, guides, and community forum.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Free version >Good support | >No advanced reports for free version >Some security features for Enterprise only |
What Customers Are Saying
Remote Desktop Manager earns praise for its rich feature set and time-saving task automation. One says, “Because of its interface and capabilities, I have literally saved hours and hours of time every year since I started using it … It’s hard to find anything that you’d want RDM to be able to do that isn’t already in there!”
Remote Utilities
Brands like Procter & Gamble and Herbalife use Remote Utilities for their IT and help desk needs. The software supports full remote control and file transfers between connected devices. With the offline mode, users can connect to machines without internet through a local area network (LAN).
Remote Utilities includes sound capture, session video recording, and screen recorder, which takes screenshots automatically at regular intervals. Technicians can communicate with users during sessions through text, voice, and video chat.
The MSI Configuration tool enables users to build custom versions of both the host and agent remote modules. This lets users mass-deploy the software to multiple machines without needing to configure settings each time manually.
Technicians can use internet protocol (IP) filtering to allow connections only between trusted machines. All data transfers are encrypted, and remote connections are protected against brute-force password cracking attacks.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Endpoint: $29 Starter: $99 Mini: $249 Pro: $499 Site: $12,000 | Free 30-day trial | >Screen sharing and recording >Integrations >Real-time chat >More features at Remote Utilities |
Pros & Cons of Remote Utilities Remote Desktop Software
Users who need to connect to many remote machines will appreciate the time-saving MSI Configuration tool. Unlike some competitors, Remote Utilities is sold as a one-time purchase, so a subscription isn’t required, although there may be a charge for upgrading to a newer version. Full silent install is only available for the Pro and Site licenses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Free MSI Configuration tool >One-time purchase | >Paid upgrades >Full silent install for Pro and Site only |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers think that Remote Utilities does everything they need, even compared to higher-priced options. One business owner says, “I can still offer the features of the big guys for little to no additional cost to my business … Has a great feature set, and I love being able to package up the remote endpoint with my own white labeling.”
RemotePC
Created by IDrive, RemotePC has solutions for IT teams, schools, and individual work-from-home users. The features for all plans include file transfers, multiple monitor viewing, session recording, and unlimited concurrent access.
RemotePC HelpDesk is designed for support technicians and allows cross-platform access to any device and operating system. The software comes with the free Vision add-on, which enables video streaming, interactive annotations, and voice-over-IP (VoIP) two-way audio transmission.
RemotePC’s Enterprise version is suitable for users who need to connect to more than 100 computers. This version allows remote deployment and computer grouping for faster connections. Users can see activity reports for individual accounts as well as collaborate with team members by drawing on the remote whiteboard screen.
All versions of RemotePC come with the Meeting video conferencing tool. The tool supports unlimited one-on-one meetings and group meetings for up to 50 participants.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer: $29.50/year SOHO: $69.50/year Team: $249.50/year Enterprise: $499.50/year | Free 7-day trial | >File transfer >Integrations >Reports >More features at RemotePC |
Pros & Cons of RemotePC Remote Desktop Software
RemotePC has plan levels for individuals, teams, and companies of all sizes. Every plan gets the free Meeting and Vision add-ons, plus 24/7 email, chat, and phone support. Access permissions and computer grouping are only available to Enterprise subscribers. HelpDesk is the only plan that supports session recording.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Plan selection >Free add-ons >24/7 support | >Access permissions and computer grouping only for Enterprise >Session recording only for HelpDesk |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers like that RemotePC is an all-in-one solution that scales as their remote connection needs grow. One notes, “RemotePC is one of the fastest, most versatile, and easy to use remote desktop platforms … you can establish unlimited simultaneous connections, which have a considerable speed and uninterrupted connection.”
SolarWinds Dameware Mini Remote Control
Developed by SolarWinds, Dameware Mini Remote Control supports remote connections to both attended and unattended computers. The software lets users control any Windows, Mac OS, or Linux machine over local area network (LAN) and through a single console.
Dameware enables technicians to wake sleeping and powered-off computers as well as reboot crashed machines remotely. The software includes tools like file transfer, chat, messenger, and screenshot capture.
Users with many remote connections can deploy via custom MSI packages. In deployment mode, administrators can manage user permissions and share global host lists with IT technicians.
All connections are protected by Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 encryption and Smart Card authentication. Dameware adheres to HIPAA and Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards and is TLS 1.2 protocol-compliant for the highest level of security during data transfers.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom quote | Free 30-day trial | >Integrations >File transfers >Real-time chat >More features at SolarWinds Dameware Mini Remote Control |
Pros & Cons of SolarWinds Dameware Mini Remote Control Remote Desktop Software
Dameware is a one-time purchase with no monthly charges and includes all major upgrades and bug fixes for free. Users gain access to the instructor-led SolarWinds Academy for training as well as 24/7 support. The software is one of the more expensive options for remote access. Users who require connections to mobile devices must purchase a separate license key.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >One-time purchase >Major upgrades free >SolarWinds Academy and 24/7 support | >Expensive >Mobile connections require extra license |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciate Dameware’s responsive interface and the speed of remote connections. One systems administrator notes, “Love how easy it is to use. I’m able to get a session started in a few seconds of opening the application. I use this program daily and would not be able to get done what I need to do without it.”
Splashtop Business Access
Splashtop Business Access is trusted by organizations nationwide, including Harvard University, Toyota, and the NHL. Users can connect to any computer or mobile phone remotely by installing the Splashtop app on their device.
All plans support drag-and-drop file transfer between machines, remote printing, and deployment streamers. Connections, transfers, and administrator events are logged and encrypted with 256-bit AES security.
Business Access Pro lets users view multiple monitors, record sessions, and share their desktop with other users. Pro subscribers can also reboot or wake sleeping machines remotely as well as invite guests with custom permissions.
Other Splashtop solutions include SOS for remote help desk assistance and Remote Support for managed service providers and endpoint management. These packages include access to a free ticketing add-on like Zendesk or ServiceNow.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Business Access Solo: $60/year/user Business Access Pro: $99/year/user | Free 7-day trial | >Multiple monitor access >File transfers >Screen recording >More features at Splashtop Business Access |
Pros & Cons of Splashtop Business Access Remote Desktop Software
Both Business Access Solo and Pro versions allow users to log sessions and print remotely. Pro subscribers receive a 20% discount for four or more users. The Solo version doesn’t have remote wake and reboot, chat, or multi-monitor viewing. Unlike many competitors, Splashtop doesn’t offer 24/7 live support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Session logging and remote printing for Solo >Volume discount | >No chat, remote wake/reboot for Solo >No 24/7 live support |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say that Splashtop Business Access has helped provide a seamless transition for employees to work from home. One business owner remarks, “Not a single user had any connection issues. We are now all working from home as if we were in the office … This software is by far, the best remote access software I have ever seen.”
TeamViewer Personal
With more than 2 billion devices connected, TeamViewer is one of the biggest names in the remote desktop software business. TeamViewer is an all-in-one remote access, control, and support solution that works on any operating system or mobile device.
Remote access gives users a permanent connection to unattended devices and allows them to share files and print remotely. The software has a Wake-on-LAN function and provides the ability to reboot sleeping machines from anywhere.
The remote support tool enables technicians to service computers and mobile phones, as well as digital signs, kiosks, point-of-sale (POS) machines, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Users can take control of connected devices and see vital system data in the TeamViewer desktop app.
Administrators can ensure their data is secure during connections by whitelisting users and setting special access permissions. The software features session recordings, which can be saved to any local or network device, for extra security.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Single User: $49/month for one session Multi User: $99/month for multiple seats and 1 session For Teams: $199/month for multiple seats and up to 3 sessions | Free 14-day trial | >Remote printing >File transfers >Integrations >More features at TeamViewer Personal |
Pros & Cons of TeamViewer Personal Remote Desktop Software
TeamViewer offers phone support for all plans, plus in-person training sessions from TeamViewer Academy. The software has a free version for personal, noncommercial use. However, the Single User and Multi User plans only allow for one active session at a time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Phone support for all plans >TeamViewer Academy >Free version available | >Multi User plan only allows one active session at a time |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciate TeamViewer’s clean interface and robust support tools. One says, “It is well built with an enterprise-grade UI [user interface] … The value it brings to our organization is tremendous, and its easy portability between different systems is a great plus.”
VNC Connect
VNC Connect is screen-sharing software designed for remote workers, IT departments, and help desk technicians. Users can connect to both attended and unattended devices directly or through the cloud.
The software features remote printing, file transfers, and real-time chat capability. Users can install it directly or connect to any machine on demand with the Device Access add-on.
VNC Connect records remote sessions by all technicians automatically, including data like chat logs and elevation activity. Administrators can set individual permissions and prevent changes to the system by locking down deployments.
For direct connections on Linux machines, Virtual Mode enables users to create virtual desktops for multiple users.
Enterprise connections are protected by multifactor authentication and 256-bit AES session encryption. The software supports single sign-on (SSO) authentication via the Kerberos network security tool.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Professional: From $3.34/month/user Enterprise: From $4.59/month/user | Free 30-day trial | >Multiple monitor access >Screen sharing >Remote printing >More features at VNC Connect |
Pros & Cons of VNC Connect Remote Desktop Software
Both Professional and Enterprise subscriptions allow unlimited connecting users and team management capabilities. Plans are priced per remote computer, with a discount available for bulk subscriptions. With the Professional plan, technical support isn’t available, and connections only are secured by 128-bit AES encryption.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Unlimited connecting users >Team management for both plans >Bulk discount | >No tech support for Professional >128-bit AES encryption only for Professional |
What Customers Are Saying
VNC Connect users agree that the software is a lightweight, reliable solution for managing remote desktops. As one says, “VNC Connect is literally the only tool we found (and we tried loads) that works seamlessly for connecting to all of our estate. … I challenge anyone to find a better standalone remote support tool.”
Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist’s cloud-based software is a comprehensive solution for remote access and support. It comes with tools for outsourced IT and managed service providers as well as customer support teams and help desks.
Users can access unattended machines via the internet or LAN. The software allows navigation between multiple monitors, remote reboots, and file transfers protected by 256-bit AES encryption.
Voice and video chat are available. Technicians can schedule support sessions and invite users to join through email. Zoho Assist supports session recording and comes with diagnostic tools that let administrators see system health.
With the annotation tool, users can draw, type, and highlight specific areas on screens. Zoho Assist features screen swapping, which allows users to switch to the presenter role in meetings instantly.
Users who need to connect remotely on the go can use the free Zoho Assist app, available for iPhone and Android.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard: $8/year/user Professional: $13/year/user Enterprise: $21/year/user | Free 15-day trial | >Integrations >Reports >Screen sharing >More features at Zoho Assist |
Pros & Cons of Zoho Assist Remote Desktop Software
Zoho Assist comes with a variety of customization tools, such as email templates for session invites. The company offers a widget that can be installed on a business’s webpage, allowing users to get assistance without leaving the site. A free plan is available for individual use. Remote printing and session recording are only available for Professional and Enterprise plans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Customization >Website widget >Free plan available | >No remote printing for Standard >Session recording for Professional and Enterprise only |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers feel like they can rely on Zoho Assist to meet their remote support needs. “Our agents have found it to be reliable, easy to use, and supported clients have also found it easy to work with,” one says, adding, “Our technical support capabilities have been greatly amplified by using this tool.”
What Is Remote Desktop Software?
Remote desktop software enables users to connect to their computer, or someone else’s, without requiring physical access to the machine. The software can be used to work from home, perform maintenance remotely, and help customers, clients or employees with technical support.
Remote desktop software generally supports connections between any operating system and device, including mobile phones and tablets. Users can connect to machines through the internet or LAN. The best remote desktop software comes with a mobile app that provides access to a user’s desktop while on the go.
Most remote desktop software allows users to transfer files quickly between computers and send documents to a remote printer. Some offer a multiple-screen function, which can be used to monitor several computers at once.
Video and voice chat let connected users communicate in real-time. Many remote desktop programs include annotation tools for drawing, typing, or highlighting areas of the screen.
Sessions and transferred data are usually protected by 256-bit AES encryption, depending on the software. Administrators can adjust permission levels for individuals, record sessions, and view diagnostic metrics for connected machines.
Benefits of Remote Desktop Software
Remote desktop software puts any connected computer within reach, whether you’re at the office or on the go. It can also help you:
- Save time: With remote desktop software, you’ll spend less time traveling to use the office computer or helping others with tech support.
- Boost productivity: Tools like remote printing and instant data transfer let you get more work done faster.
- Collaborate better: Teams can use remote desktop software to work together on projects with screen sharing, video chat, and annotation features.
- Provide stronger support: You can fix problems and perform maintenance remotely and behind the scenes without interrupting the host.
- Keep data secure: When you’re working with sensitive data, remote desktop software helps keep it protected with powerful encryption and authentication tools. Record sessions in real-time so that you’ll know who accessed a machine and when.
Must-Have Features of Remote Desktop Software
Whether you’re connecting to a personal computer or providing tech support for multiple machines, look for remote desktop software that has features, such as:
- Integrations: The software should integrate with a variety of third-party tools and the add-ons your business uses most.
- Remote printing: With this feature, you can send documents from a computer for printing on any connected printer.
- Screen sharing: Look for software that lets you share screens with other users and supports multiple connections at once. The best software comes with a dashboard that allows you to view all connections at a glance and switch between them instantly.
- Screen recording: A screen recording function enables you to log sessions and review them as needed. This is useful for auditing help desks and IT support sessions.
- Reports: Diagnostic reports allow technicians and administrators to view vital system health metrics like memory usage and network connection quality.
- Real-time chat: Choose software that offers a variety of chat options, including text messenger, voice, and video. Ideally, the software should also have annotation tools for drawing or writing on the screen.
The Cost of Remote Desktop Software
In general, the price of remote desktop software can range from about $10 to $150 per month, depending on its features and the number of users. Many companies bill by the number of machines that will require remote connection. Some provide discounts for bulk subscriptions as well as for paying per year rather than by the month.
Several companies offer remote desktop software as a one-time purchase license, which ranges in cost from $99 to $199 per user. Minor updates to the software are typically free, but users usually have to pay for major upgrades.
Some companies bundle remote access, support, and control functions into one package. Others charge for each one separately, which can be useful for those who only need certain features.
Most companies provide a free trial or demo for their software. Some have a free version, but it’s often for individual use and can’t be used commercially. Free and basic subscriptions tend to lack certain features like remote printing and advanced reporting.