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GoToMyPC is a remote access solution that enables businesses to access and share data across multiple devices such as desktops and mobile phones. Professionals can invite guests to work on specific projects and track sessions based on time taken, type or o...Read more about GoToMyPC
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based remote support software designed for organizations of all sizes. The solution allows IT technicians to remotely support customers all across the globe. Key features of Zoho Assist include file transfer, concurrent sessions, r...Read more about Zoho Assist
ISL Online is a remote support solution for virtually all industry verticals including healthcare, information technology, universities, government, and banks. The solution supports Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. It allows users to access and co...Read more about ISL Light
Splashtop is a software solution for both remote access and remote support. Boasting 30+ million customers worldwide and users among both large and small organizations across the globe, Splashtop is a secure, high-performing solution to fit specific use-ca...Read more about Splashtop
RemotePC is a cloud-based and on-premise remote access management solution designed to help businesses communicate with clients, transfer files and manage applications across various remote devices. The platform offers one-time access, which enables organi...Read more about RemotePC
ConnectWise ScreenConnect (formerly ConnectWise Control) is a cloud-based operations management solution that allows technicians to perform remote support, gain remote access and run remote meetings. It acts as a meeting point for technicians and customers...Read more about ConnectWise ScreenConnect
Supremo is a remote desktop software for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Using placed servers throughout the world, it allows connection to any machine worldwide. There are lots of things that help set it apart from the competitors: Ease of use - ...Read more about Supremo Remote Desktop
Endpoint Central MSP is an on-premise desktop and mobile device management (MDM) solution designed for managed service providers (MSPs) across various industries such as security, infrastructure, information technology and more. Key features include patch ...Read more about ManageEngine Endpoint Central MSP
Remote Desktop Manager is an on-premise help desk solution that allows users to centralize their connections, passwords and credentials in a single platform which can be shared with multiple team members. Key features include remote connection and screen s...Read more about Remote Desktop Manager
MobaXterm is a remote desktop solution which provides businesses with networking tools such as VNC, RDP or FTP and various Unix commands to manage jobs on remote Windows desktop. Features include X11-forwarding, session sharing, password management, networ...Read more about MobaXTerm
LogMeIn Rescue by GoTo is a cloud-based remote support tool that helps organizations provide technical support to their customers. The product caters to businesses of all sizes. Key features include remote support, mobile support, video support, security, ...Read more about LogMeIn Rescue
Remote Utilities is an advanced remote desktop solution designed to empower IT professionals. It enables the monitoring of screens, control of mouse pointers, sending of keystrokes, and execution of applications on remote systems. With the inclusion of hos...Read more about Remote Utilities
EV Reach is an on-premise IT remote system management solution. Key features include advanced remote control, background system management, ad integration and management, global IT process automation, IT compliance and smart-card support. The remote contr...Read more about EV Reach
As a leading global technology company, TeamViewer offers a comprehensive suite of digital solutions, anchored by its industry-leading secure remote connectivity platform—enabling users to access, control, manage, monitor, and support any device, across pl...Read more about TeamViewer Remote
AnyDesk is a remote support solution that helps users access files and documents on any device across multiple locations. Key features of this platform include online collaboration, file sharing, access control and personalized user interface. Designe...Read more about AnyDesk
Amazon WorkSpaces is a cloud-based solution which enables businesses to provision virtual Microsoft Windows or Amazon Linux desktops, allowing end-users to remotely access documents, applications and resources via multiple devices. Employees can also perso...Read more about Amazon WorkSpaces
VNC Connect allows businesses to download and share files instantly using the cloud or through direct line (LAN) activity. VNC Connect’s key features include intuitive remote control, cross-platform support, attended and unattended access, file tran...Read more about RealVNC Connect
Built with today's SMBs in mind, LogMeIn Resolve is an all-in-one IT support software that offers everything you need to run your business, from anywhere - all in one place. LogMeIn Resolve enables IT professionals to streamline their help desk by bringin...Read more about LogMeIn Resolve
GotoHTTP is a cross-platform remote control software. Users only need to install the software to the remote device that is going to be controlled and then the device can be accessed in a web browser from anywhere. The remote device can be Windows, L...Read more about GotoHTTP
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dualmon is a remote support solution designed for small and midsize companies. It offers file transfer, remote printing, user management, screen blanking, computer diagnostics and usage reporting functionalities within a suite. The product is available bot...Read more about dualmon
FixMe.IT is a remote support software that enables users to connect to any remote computer. It caters to users from sole proprietors to global corporations across multiple sectors and industries. Its features include multi-session handling, two-way desktop...Read more about FixMe.IT
Getscreen.me is a cloud-based SaaS platform for remote access to computers, servers and mobile devices right from the browser. Cutting-edge web technology has enabled us to develop a unique product making almost instant technical support a reality. No more...Read more about Getscreen.me
GoodAccess is a cybersecurity platform (SASE/SSE) that empowers medium-sized enterprises to easily implement Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in their infrastructure, regardless of its complexity or scale. By leveraging a Low-Code/No-Code approach, GoodAcce...Read more about GoodAccess
Admin By Request is a cybersecurity solution designed to make comprehensive security simple. Our main goal is to enable enterprises to lock down administrative privileges across all endpoints by revoking local admin rights - while still providing means for...Read more about Admin By Request
Need a remote access infrastructure to get your team to work remotely? Discover TSplus Remote Access, the best value-for-money remote access software. Try the best value-for-money remote desktop alternative to Citrix and Microsoft RDS. Get your team to s...Read more about TSPlus
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Your Guide to Top Remote Desktop Software, May 2024
Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Remote Desktop products in North America.
Learn how products are chosenExplore FrontRunners
“Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use.
“Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money.
Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication.
Buyers Guide
This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right remote desktop software for you and your business.
Last Updated on January 27, 2025Most professionals working in a corporate environment are familiar with contacting IT support for technical glitches in their systems. In such scenarios, they usually begin with the tedious task of explaining the issue they are facing, which at times they themselves don’t fully understand.
This poses a challenge to the person seeking help as well as the person providing help, as offering assistance remotely can be tricky when the problem is unclear. Additionally, remotely instructing the complainant on how to fix the issue can be taxing and time-consuming for the IT support staff.
This is where remote desktop software comes in. Using this software, an IT support person can request access and control of a remote computer system. It allows them to operate the system remotely to find and troubleshoot the issue, after which they can transfer the control back to the original user.
While this is a classic use case of remote desktop software, it is not the only one. The tool can be used by technology vendors, software developers, independent professionals, and almost anyone who needs remote access to systems.
The tool has many uses and benefits such as reduced hardware costs and faster query resolution. We will discuss these and other essential details about the tool in this buyers guide.
Here's what we'll cover:
What is remote desktop software?
Remote desktop software is a tool that provides access to one or more computer systems that are not physically present on-site. This helps with activities such as accessing files, fixing technical glitches, or printing documents on remotely located systems.
The tool is provided either by the respective operating system vendor, such as Microsoft or Apple, or by a third-party vendor in the form of an app.
Remote desktop view in ConnectWise Control (Source)
Common features of remote desktop software
In this section, we’ll look at some of the common features of remote desktop software. These features will help you understand the basic capabilities a solution must offer for effective access to remote systems.
Access control | Take control of a computer system to operate it remotely by requesting access from the user. The control can be transferred back to the user later on. |
Real-time chat | Chat with the original user of the remote computer for queries or information such as passwords or query resolution status. |
Screen sharing | View and control a remote system’s screen and interact with it as you would with a local system. |
Screen recording | Record on-screen activity while sharing the screen. This helps audit activity and maintain screen recordings for future reference. |
Remote printing | Get access to files stored on a remote computer and print them using a local printer. This feature is particularly helpful for on-the-go employees as they can remotely access the files in their original system. |
What type of buyer are you?
There are two key types of buyers of remote desktop software. They differ based on their requirements and primary concerns.
Buyers looking for a commercial tool: Commercial remote access software is usually purchased by, but not limited to, business organizations. These tools are available for a fee and offer advanced features commonly required by businesses and enterprises.
Buyers looking for a free tool: Free remote access solutions are great for independent professionals or users that need the tool for personal use. These buyers usually have limited feature requirements and lack the budget needed for premium subscriptions.
Benefits of remote desktop software
The following are the key benefits of remote desktop software. These benefits enlist the business functions that are positively impacted by the tool and how they may improve.
Faster issue resolution: Ability to access computer systems remotely allows IT support teams to provide tech assistance as they would do in person. Being able to view and control computers remotely allows them to make changes to resolve technical issues.
Improved productivity: With this tool, employees can work from anywhere by accessing their computer systems remotely. This is particularly useful for software developers who may not be able to access or run code stored on their system without remote access.
Increased savings: Investing in additional hardware and servers to provide systems to geographically-scattered or on-the-move employees can put a strain on the IT budget. Businesses can avoid these costs by providing remote system access to employees while they use their personal systems to access the work computers.
Key considerations for selecting remote desktop software
As the last step to selecting a tool, keep a few additional factors in mind. These will help select a tool that is best suited to your business goals.
Usability: Before purchasing the tool, it’s essential to check if the tool can be operated without advanced IT knowledge or skills. For users without extensive technical know-how, the tool should provide remote access within a few simple steps and not after a complex and elaborate procedure.
Data security: It is essential to check if the vendor has been a victim of any data breach or hacking in the past as this can put your sensitive business or personal data at risk. A vendor with a clean record is always a safer option. Also, go through their data security features and check if they comply with the latest industry standards.
Connectivity speed: The more geographically-dispersed servers a vendor has, the better will be the connectivity. So check with the vendor about the count and location of servers.
Note: The applications selected in this article are examples to show a feature in context and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations. They have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.