10 Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows / Linux
10 Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows / Linux. The days when IT technicians needed to physically access a computer to fix or set it up seem like a distant memory. Therefore, Remote desktop tools have made it easier for IT to access multiple devices and manage them through a single application.
Remember, Remote desktop managers are not equal. While there are plenty of great options, the reality is that not every tool will work for you. In this article, we’ll go over the best remote desktop connection managers available for both Windows and Linux.
Let’s proceed with 10 Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows / Linux.
Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers
1. SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support
Firstly, we have SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support. Well, is a remote desktop utility that allows you to establish remote connections with Linux, Windows and macOS devices. With this cloud based tool, you can create an active remote session in under a minute. As a result, you spend less time configuring remote connections with workstations. Therefore, SolarWinds comes with two factor authentication, multi-level permissions, and Transport Layer Security 1.2 (TLS) to keep your remote connections secure.
SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support Pros
- Available via a SaaS model and on-premise deployment.
- Supports Windows, Linux, and Mac.
- No limits on the number of devices.
- User friendly admin panel.
- Mobile app for iOS and Android.
SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support Cons
- The features can be overwhelming if you’re looking for a simple tool.
- The trial period is too short.
- Doesn’t come with a screen recording feature.
2. VNC Connect
Next tool is VNC Connect. Another remote desktop software for Linux and Windows provided by Real VNC. Powered by 256-bit AES encryption, VNC Connect is a solid and secure solution that’s easy to use once you get the hang of it.
For only a few dollars a month, you get fast connection speeds, portal-based management, and granular control over your setup. Plans start at $3.39, and you can get a free trial for 30 days.
VNC Connect Pros
- Excellent access control features.
- Multi factor authentication.
- Seamless file transfer.
- Rich session permissions.
VNC Connect Cons
- Installation can be difficult due to separate server and viewer apps.
- No drag and drop feature when transferring files.
3. Zoho Assist
Next tool on our list of 10 Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows / Linux is Zoho Assist. Basically, one of the best remote desktop connection managers for small businesses. This cloud based tool comes with a comprehensive list of features and affordable plans.
Zoho Assist Pros
- Provides exceptional security.
- Supports unattended remote access.
- Cloud based, so it’s accessible from anywhere.
- Affordable plans.
- Supports up to six simultaneous remote connections.
- Voice, chat, and video communications.
Zoho Assist Cons
- Only suitable for smaller organizations.
- Free plan only offers basic features.
- You need internet access even when connecting from the same network.
4. mRemoteNG
Alternative tool is mRemoteNG. With this remote desktop connection manager, it allows you to manage multiple devices from a single window. Designed for Windows, mRemoteNG is an open-source fork of mRemote, that you can customize to suit your organization’s needs. The tool supports:
- PowerShell remoting.
- VNC (Virtual Network Computing).
- Telnet (TELecommunication NETwork).
- Raw Socket Connections.
- RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).
- SSH (Secure Shell).
- HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
- rlogin (Remote Login).
mRemoteNG Pros
- Access remote devices via tabbed views.
- Supports a large number of remote access protocols.
- You can use third party tools for unsupported protocols.
- You can organize connections into folders with icons.
mRemoteNG Cons
- Basic user interface.
- mRemoteNG is integrated with PuTTY, so you have to configure all private keys on PuTTY.
5. AnyDesk
Besides, the next tool to introduce is AnyDesk. Basically, a remote desktop connection manager that works for both Linux and Windows devices. Users have an option between a paid package and a free version. For the paid plans, prices range from US$9.90 to $29.90.
Moreover, the service is mediated on the AnyDesk cloud server with a console installed on premises and on remote devices.
AnyDesk Pros
- Cross platform.
- Affordable.
- Unattended access.
- Supports wake on LAN.
- Devices can be identified through custom aliases.
- Cloud based and can be accessed from anywhere via a website.
AnyDesk Cons
- File transfers don’t resume after a connection failure.
- Sensitive to network speeds.
- Not adequate for large businesses.
6. NoMachine
Further, there is NoMachine. Indeed a multi-OS remote desktop tool that works on Linux, Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. The software has a range of powerful features that allow for screen sharing and remote access. Whether you need a remote desktop client for personal use or a large business, NoMachine is an excellent option. You can use the free version of the software for most tasks as long as they aren’t commercial.
NoMachine Pros
- Can work on most devices.
- Free for individual use.
- Fast connectivity with almost no lag.
- You can record remote sessions.
- Allows for video and audio streaming from a remote desktop.
NoMachine Cons
- It’s often confusing for beginners.
- Customer support is limited.
- Compatibility with mobile devices is limited.
7. RoyalTS
Secondly, RoyalTS has a tabbed user interface that allows you to manage multiple connections simultaneously. Perhaps one of the stand out features of this tool is the centralized credential management system. Importantly, you don’t need to remember the passwords of each device you log into.
Overall, Royal TS is feature rich, has an intuitive user interface, and comes with excellent sharing capabilities.
RoyalTS Pros
- Supports multiple protocols (VNC ,SFTP, SSH).
- Integrates with third-party platforms such as Hyper-V and TeamViewer.
- Macro support to facilitate auto-remediation.
RoyalTS Cons
- Features can be overwhelming, especially for enterprise level networks.
- Initial setup can be problematic.
8. Devolutions
Likewise, Devolutions is a comprehensive remote desktop connection manager for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. With Devolutions, you can access any desktop, server, cloud resource, and IoT device remotely.
In addition, Devolutions comes with a free and paid version. The paid version, referred to as Enterprise, comes with team management functions ideal for a large organization. Featuring secure password management and an audit trail, Devolutions is secure and protects against malicious technician actions.
Devolutions Pros
- Has a free version.
- Simple user interface.
- Comes with a selection of internal collaboration tools.
- Plenty of integrations.
Devolutions Cons
- Can be slow and clunky for large organizations.
- The features can be overwhelming.
9. ManageEngine
Next alternative is ManageEngine. Another desktop connection manager is available as an on-premise and cloud based solution. Hence, it gives IT technicians access to Linux, Windows, and macOS remote endpoints. The software comes with three plans – Free, Standard, and Professional. With the free version, you’re restricted to 10 devices.
Other than the rich set of remote access tools, ManageEngine also comes with an integrated chat facility to help with collaboration.
ManageEngine Pros
- Offers automated monitoring and diagnostic tools.
- Free version.
- Event logging for extra security.
ManageEngine Cons
- Outdated user interface.
10. TeamViewer
Last choice on this list of 10 Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows / Linux is TeamViewer. Last but not least, one of the most popular remote desktop managers, with over 2 billion installations. Moreover, the tool is well designed and works with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. Also, TeamViewer has excellent security features and is perfect for medium and large businesses.
Nevertheless, TeamViewer is free for personal use and ticks all the right boxes when it comes to team collaboration tools and file transfer. You get access to meeting tools and remote video help when you pay for a subscription.
TeamViewer Pros
- Easy to use.
- Isn’t affected too much by internet speeds.
- Two factor authentication when initiating sessions makes it secure.
TeamViewer Cons
- Can be complex for new users.
- Free version can be problematic.
Thank you for reading 10 Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows / Linux (Pros and Cons). We shall conclude.
10 Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows / Linux- Conclusion
To summarize, with the list of ten best remote desktop connection managers for Windows/Linux, you’re probably wondering how you can choose the best. The right tool for your business depends on the company size and the unique challenges you face day to day.
For instance, a free tool might come in handy if you’re running a small business. However, for large teams, you want to invest in a premium tool that comes with all the features needed for success. Hopefully, this list has helped you narrow down your options and select the right tool for the job when working remotely on systems.
