Best Software for Remote Access

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If you’re looking for one of the best software to access your computer remotely, your search is over. GoRemote is the easiest way to access your computer remotely. This software requires no installation and no special setup. It connects directly with your computer’s mouse & keyboard, allowing you to control it remotely. Available on Mac, Windows or Linux operating systems, this remote access software impresses by combining simplicity and functionality.

Who Needs Remote Access Software?

Ever been in a meeting in another company’s office and realized that the PowerPoint presentation you were planning to dazzle them with is back at home on your computer? Or tried to help your parents, who live halfway across the country, figure out why their computer just won’t open a file? These are exactly the scenarios that remote access utilities are made to handle.

Remote access apps let you either access your home or office computer from another location, or allow others to have access to some or all of your files, as if they were actually sitting in front of your PC instead of somewhere else entirely. Some are tailor-made for personal use, while others, with their complex security protocols and granular menus, are better suited for a more corporate environment. Many even let you access a remote PC from your phone or handheld device. Here, we break down exactly what a remote access app does, and why one may make a lot of sense for your increasingly mobile life.

What Is Remote Access Software?

Remote access software lets one computer view or control another computer, not merely across a network, but from anywhere in the world. You might use it to log into your customers’ computers and show them how to run a program, or sort out their technical troubles. Or you can even use it to invite friends or clients to view your desktop while you run a demo for them. You can use the screen as a temporary whiteboard, drawing lines and circles that help friends or clients understand what you’re doing on your machine or theirs.

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Remote access apps also let you transfer files between two machines without using email or file-sharing services. You can use remote access to print a file stored on someone else’s machine on a printer connected to your own machine. Your tech-challenged relatives can use remote access software to give you access to their machine so you can repair their mistakes or clear out malware. It’s far, far easier to grab the wheel yourself than it is to try and talk someone through the process of troubleshooting their PC. And your high-tech colleagues can use it to collaborate on complex projects in real-time, complete with chat via text or, with some apps, voice.https://f4d58693bdbe61f105e5da221d980971.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Not Just for Help Desks

Corporate help desks are major users of remote access software, but these apps can be useful for anyone. I personally use it for three reasons: First, I can give tech support to friends by logging in to their machine, without going out to make a house call. Second, while on the road, I can connect to my home or office machine and find and view an ancient file that I haven’t stored on a file-sharing service like Dropbox or Google Drive. Third, I can invite friends or colleagues to join me in editing documents in a more straightforward way, with easier communication than other online collaboration methods, such as the real-time editing features in Office 365 or Google Docs. You may have very different reasons for wanting a remote access than I do, but there’s no doubt that they are quite handy.

I looked at five remote access apps that work easily between any machines running either Windows or macOS anywhere in the world. In addition to these third-party apps, Microsoft provides its free Microsoft Remote Desktop software that lets you access Windows PCs from other Windows machines, mobile devices, or a Mac, but not from Windows to a Mac. Microsoft’s app lets you access any Windows version going back to Windows 7, except for “Starter” and “Home” versions, for which you’ll need a third-party app. Apple offers its $79.99 Apple Remote Desktop app for accessing other Macs only—but that only connects to Macs running OS X versions 10.8 Mountain Lion or later.

I use Microsoft Remote Desktop from my Mac laptop when I want to run a program on a Windows desktop in another room in the same house, but only a full-fledged third-party remote access app lets me take full control of any machine anywhere—if the machine’s owner wants to let me in.

Security Concerns

One of the first questions you may ask yourself when considering using remote access software is whether or not this is secure. If you’ve been using a PC for a while, you may remember pcAnywhere, which used to be the remote access software that was almost everyone’s first choice. Symantec bought pcAnywhere from its original developer and eventually, after some major security breaches, stopped supporting it in 2014 and recommended that customers stop using it.

Some other remote access vendors have reported security breaches, but these seem to have been triggered by users who chose the same passwords for their remote access software that they used at hack websites—always a bad idea. Some remote access apps let you use relatively weak security if you choose, but they all encourage you to choose strong security, and our Editors’ Choice products, GoToMyPC and TeamViewer, won’t let you make an end-run around their security precautions.

What Remote Access Software Offers

We tested remote access software by installing each app or service on four machines: desktops running Windows 10 and Windows 7, a laptop running Windows 7, and a Mac laptop running macOS. We also installed each vendor’s iOS-based mobile-access app for connecting to a Windows or Mac machine, though I wouldn’t want to try running my desktop machine from a phone or small-screen tablet unless I were desperate.

All the remote access apps we tested provide the same basic features. They offer remote access to another machine that has the app’s server software already installed; remote access can take the form of full control over the other system or mere passive viewing. All feature a shared clipboard (in some cases optional), so that text or images that you copy to the clipboard on one machine can be pasted into the other. All have a text-based chat feature. Each app provides file-transfer features via a standard two-pane file manager interface.

GoToMyPC and LogMeIn add the ability to drag and drop files between the local desktop and the viewer window that displays the desktop of the remote machine, but this feature works only when connecting to and from Windows computers. TeamViewer has a FileBox window into which you can drag files that will be accessible to both machines. LogMeIn, TeamViewer, and VNC Connect include whiteboard features for drawing lines in the viewer. For more on each remote access apps individual features, see the individual reviews, which are linked to below.https://f4d58693bdbe61f105e5da221d980971.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Which Remote Access App Fits You Best?

We focused on remote access software designed mostly for one-to-one connections, though it’s possible with all these apps for more than one user to log in to a remote machine. If you’re looking for advanced conferencing features like a whiteboard, you should probably look elsewhere, though LogMeIn includes a whiteboard feature that makes it work well as a basic collaboration app.

The vendors of some of the remote access apps we tested also offer a specialized video conferencing app that uses an interface similar to the remote access versions. For example, GoToMeeting is a conferencing version of GoToMyPC; Splashtop Business Access offers Splashtop Classroom; and TeamViewer offers Blizz.

Security features differ markedly among these apps. Some make it possible to provide access in a straightforward way if you choose to do so. Others require you type in passwords more than once and provide email verification before you can do anything useful. All let you customize security to varying degrees, and you should take a close look at the options that you’ll feel comfortable using.

If you’re a complete hermit who never leaves the room, you don’t need remote access software. But if you often find yourself as the de facto IT tech for family and colleagues, or if you need to connect to other computers for your business, or if you need to connect to your own computers while you’re on the road, then you’ll need remote access software. Check out our reviews to find the one that best suits your needs.

Best Remote Desktop Software

Remote desktop software allows a user to seamlessly connect to and interact with a computer in another location via an internal network or the internet. 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 desktop software is helpful for things like collaborative work, technical support, and demonstrations.

The main difference between remote desktop and screen sharing software is that screen sharing allows users to literally share their screens for the purpose of presentations or web conferencing. Remote desktop, on the other hand, 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.

The main difference between remote desktop and VDI software is that with VDI, the user can actually access their company’s network, verified by user identification and authentication. VDI allows the user’s computer to access network resources and servers from another, remote location. Remote desktop software is less comprehensive and simply replicates the desktop experience. Remote desktops are used by support technicians and professionals who remotely configure data centers and other industrial applications. There are two major categories of remote desktop software: operating-system-based and third-party solutions. The OS-based solution is provided by the same company that provides your business’ OS, which means that it is baked right into the system. Third-party solutions equals ease of use: you just download the program and have the program run, troubleshoot, and support the software for you.

To qualify for inclusion in the Remote Desktop category, a product must:Display the remote computer screen on your own screen in real-timeUse own keyboard and mouse to control the remote screenAllow user complete access to and control over the remote desktopAllow connection either via an internal network or IP addressSupport differing operating systemsShow More

Top 10 Remote Desktop Software

  • TeamViewer
  • AnyDesk
  • Splashtop Business Access
  • Zoho Assist
  • ConnectWise Control
  • VNC Connect
  • BeyondTrust Remote Support
  • LogMeIn Pro
  • Remote Desktop
  • GoToAssist

Compare Remote Desktop Software

G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.Sort By:AlphabeticalSatisfactionPopularityG2 ScoreResults: 117TeamViewer(2,333)4.5 out of 5Optimized for quick responseEntry Level Price:$99/mo 50 users, up to 300 manged devicesFavorite

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 th… Show MoreRead TeamViewer ReviewsCompareTry for freeAnyDesk(653)4.5 out of 5Entry Level Price:$10.99 per monthFavorite

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 per… Show MoreRead AnyDesk ReviewsCompareTry for freeSplashtop Business Access(301)4.9 out of 5Entry Level Price:$5 per month per userFavorite

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 Spla… Show MoreRead Splashtop Business Access ReviewsCompareZoho Assist(306)4.6 out of 5Entry Level Price:$0 1 Remote Support Technician and 5 Unattended ComputersFavorite

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.Read Zoho Assist ReviewsCompareGet a quoteConnectWise Control(432)4.7 out of 5Favorite

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.Read ConnectWise Control ReviewsCompareGet a quoteVNC Connect(399)4.7 out of 5Optimized for quick responseEntry Level Price:$ 3.39 per remote computer per month (excl. taxes)Favorite

VNC® Connect is screen sharing software developed by RealVNC, the original inventors of VNC remote access technology. VNC Connect 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. From enabling remote working, to managing vital systems remotely, to providing IT support for your organization, VNC® Connect has the features you need to stay connected. Millions of businesses around the world choose VNC Co… Show MoreRead VNC Connect ReviewsCompareTry for freeBeyondTrust Remote Support(225)4.7 out of 5Favorite

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 … Show MoreRead BeyondTrust Remote Support ReviewsCompareLogMeIn Pro(72)4.3 out of 5Favorite

The freedom to be in two places at onceRead LogMeIn Pro ReviewsCompareGet a quoteRemote Desktop Services(110)4.4 out of 5Favorite

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, formally known as Terminal Services, is a desktop virtualization software for Microsoft Windows products.Read Remote Desktop Services ReviewsCompareGoToAssist(258)4.3 out of 5Entry Level Price:$55/month (billed annually)Favorite

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.Read GoToAssist ReviewsCompareGet a quoteRemotePC(81)4.7 out of 5Entry Level Price:$3.29Favorite

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 enterprisesRead RemotePC ReviewsCompareGet a quoteLogMeIn Rescue(127)4.6 out of 5Favorite

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.Read LogMeIn Rescue ReviewsCompareTry for freeISL Light(88)4.8 out of 5Entry Level Price:$145.00Favorite

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 mo… Show MoreRead ISL Light ReviewsGet a quoteCitrix Virtual Apps and Desktops(132)4.1 out of 5Favorite

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops provides the most comprehensive desktop as a service (DaaS) and VDI options, optimized to provide today’s flexible workforce with secure, high-performance experiences. IT can deliver Windows, Linux, and web business applications, or full virtual desktops, to scale their environments quickly and easily. Deploy from any cloud or datacenter to meet global business needs.Read Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops ReviewsGet a quoteDevolutions Remote Desktop Manager(73)4.7 out of 5Favorite

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 departmentsRead Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager ReviewsGet a quoteFixMe.IT(174)4.7 out of 5Entry Level Price:$30 per seat/monthFavorite

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,Read FixMe.IT ReviewsGet a quoteGoverlan Reach(237)4.4 out of 5Optimized for quick responseEntry Level Price:$150 per concurrent operator license/ per monthFavorite

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 reRead Goverlan Reach ReviewsTry for freeParallels Desktop for Mac(38)4.4 out of 5Favorite

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.Read Parallels Desktop for Mac ReviewsSolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control(26)4.6 out of 5Favorite

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.Read SolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control ReviewsGet a quoteWorkstation Player(25)4.5 out of 5Favorite

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.Read Workstation Player ReviewsGlance Networks(22)4.5 out of 5Favorite

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.. GlRead Glance Networks ReviewsGet a quoteApple Remote Desktop(44)4.3 out of 5Favorite

Apple Remote Desktop allows IT administrators to quickly distribute software and remotely access computers across a network.Read Apple Remote Desktop ReviewsV2 Cloud(84)4.8 out of 5Entry Level Price:Start at 40$ per monthFavorite

Desktop virtualization doesn’t have to be complicated. V2 Cloud is the IT nerd you need. We work closely with Independent Software Vendors, Business owners, Managed Service Providers, IT managers and many others to grow their businesses with the Cloud. As a fully integrated Desktop-as-a-Service solution (DaaS), we focus on speed and simplicity—so you can work faster from anywhere. You can also use V2 Cloud to publish any Windows applications and use it as a Software as a Service (SaaS) Let ourRead V2 Cloud ReviewsGet a quoteChrome Remote Desktop(26)4.3 out of 5Favorite

Chrome Remote Desktop is a Google Chrome extension that allows users to remotely access other computers.Read Chrome Remote Desktop ReviewsGet a quoteMobaXTerm(68)4.6 out of 5Favorite

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.Read MobaXTerm ReviewsParallels Remote Application Server (RAS)(62)4.2 out of 5Entry Level Price:$79.99 Favorite

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) product portfolio helps consumers, businesses and service providers to fully experience and optimize computing.Read Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) ReviewsMSP360 Remote Desktop(45)4.3 out of 5Favorite

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.Read MSP360 Remote Desktop ReviewsGet a quoteSyncro(45)4.9 out of 5Entry Level Price:$99 USD Per User/month on annual subscriptionFavorite

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 tRead Syncro ReviewsGet a quoteRocket BlueZoneTerminal Emulation(46)4.4 out of 5Optimized for quick responseFavorite

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.Read Rocket BlueZoneTerminal Emulation ReviewsGet a quoteWebex Support Center(19)4.4 out of 5Favorite

Provide real-time support and customer service to customers anywhere in the world. Decrease call times, get faster resolutions, and reduce overall costs. With Cisco Webex Support, you meet and exceed expectations.Read Webex Support Center Reviews

Conclusion

If you are looking for remote access software, your choices are endless. An unlimited amount of software solutions are available for remote access, whether it is screen sharing with multiple users, online assistance for technical assistance or video conferencing. Remote access is no longer an unnecessary luxury for business or companies that have employees who have to work from home or be on the road.).)

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