Remote desktop software solution tools have been in practice by IT professionals and help desk staff for years now. Many such tools with in built advanced features have been introduced by IT professionals to debug remotely and access connected computers at ease. With the increase in the use of smartphones and tablets, many corporate teams and individual users also look for tools that can help them access their home or office computers from a distance or when traveling. To resolve the issue, remote desktop tools with dozens of features were launched in the market. Currently, there are a plethora of software tools available in the market. Choosing the best out of so many options can be a daunting task. To lessen your burden, we have penned down some of the top Remote access software solutions for personal and business use.
Following is a curated list of free and paid Top Remote Access Software with enhanced features. We have further compared all the tools and shared their benefits and drawbacks. As a result, you can make a better decision for yourself and save your time, money, and energy. Zoho Assist, ManageEngine Remote Access Plus, ISL Light, GoToMyPC, RemotePC, Microsoft Remote Desktop, Anydesk, TeamViewer, Splashtop, RealVNC Connect are some of the top trending Remote Desktop Software (RDP) tools. These Remote desktop software tools will allow you to access and manage one or more computers from another device by creating a network connection. If you’re looking for affordable and best tools for improved workflow, follow our guide and take a look at our in depth features, pros, and cons of these Remote desktop software tools.
Zoho Assist is a cloud based remote software that provides on demand remote support sessions and is easy to set up. Establish a secure connection in minutes with Zoho Assist. Try a 15 day free trial today!
Zoho Assist Pros
The User Access Control (UAC) security setting helps with quick and easy remote troubleshooting and training.
It provides dual monitor support that makes it easier for the user to switch controls.
It is one of the easy to use software that doesn’t require additional time and money for installation or maintenance.
The Bidirectional File Sharing feature helps easy transferring of data files from one system to the other. You do not require third party software for file transfer.
One can easily initiate or schedule remote sessions
It is compatible with Mac, Raspberry Pi, Linux, iOS, Android, and Windows platforms.
Zoho Assist Cons
The integration process can be tricky and complicated.
The software requires a strong Internet connection.
Documentation and videos can be too technical for some users.
The AI assistant adds no extra value to the software.
2. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
Remote Access Plus is a secure remote support solution best suitable for Enterprises. The Remote access software helps reduce troubleshooting time for remote computers like Windows, Mac, and Linux from a central location.
Remote Access Plus Pros
It is easy to connect to remote computers from anywhere, anytime
It helps identify and troubleshoot multiple monitors simultaneously
It helps diagnose the actual cause without hindering productivity
Quick issue recovery
It provides full security and user privacy
It provides instant technical support via voice, video, and text chat
Remote Access Plus Cons
In a few cases, it is easy for professionals to hack the system
Access unattended remote computers and mobile devices securely with ISL Light. It is one of the easy, reliable, and simple to use remote desktop software with affordable pricing plans. The cloud based or on premise remote desktop software provides high performance and security options.
ISL Light Remote Desktop Pros
Establishing a connection with ISL Light is quite simple
It supports file transfer, Real time screen sharing, and automatic session recordings
Rich customization features are present
It is compatible with platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
It provides two factor authentication and AES 256 bit encryption
Chances to connect an unattended computer via RDP are present
ISL Light Remote Desktop Cons
It has an opaque configuration and customization interface
Chat function needs more improvement
4. Splashtop
Splashtop is a fast and secure remote work solution designed for help desk staff, managed service providers, and IT professionals. The tool is best suitable for people working from home or on the go as it is easy to use, implement and administer, scalable, and provides high performance support solutions.
Pros of Splashtop
Quick and easy to set up remote computer access
It is highly beneficial for IT, help desk, and MSPs
It provides two factor authentication and multilevel password security systems
You can easily connect from multiple devices with Splashtop
The GoToMyPC software makes it easy for anyone to access important files, data, and applications from anywhere, at any time. It enables you to instantly connect with your device remotely and work from home without any hassle.
It provides high level security, including 256 bit AES encryption
GoToMyPC is easy to install and supports file transferring, multi monitors
Copy and paste option between connected PCs is available
One can instantly work on files and applications from any location
Cons of GoToMyPC
Even with high speed internet, it can be slow and laggy
Too many popups display for additional services.
6. RemotePC
Remote PC is one of the best remote desktop software with affordable pricing plans, business oriented features, and security options. It is a trusted software that helps manage remote desktop connections securely.
RemotePC Pros
Chat options are available during the remote sessions
Remote PC is compatible with Windows platform and macOS
It allows users to record sessions to a video file and supports file transfers
It provides on demand remote support solutions
Remote PC comprises modern and easy to use interface
RemotePC Cons
It does not have an individual static public IP address which makes remote connections to servers difficult
Perimeter 81 is a VPN software ideal for people who frequently switch with multiple devices. It comprises an innovative hardware free cybersecurity system that helps users access the network with ease. Regardless of the work location, the tool provides a secure connection for employees to connect with devices. Also, there is no additional need for installing or getting expensive external hardware for the tool.
Pros of Perimeter 81
Automatic Integration with cloud providers
It requires no external hardware
It supports unlimited bandwidth and data
The tool provides audit reports and full customer support
It comprises an advanced configuration feature
Cons of Perimeter 81
It requires improvement in password management and synchronization
Occasional Connectivity issues
8. DameWare Remote Everywhere
DameWare Remote Everywhere is a cloud based remote support solution with good features and capabilities. This Remote software system is fast, simple, lightweight, and has two versions, Dameware Remote Support for On premises solution and Dameware Remote Everywhere for Cloud based solution.
SolarWinds Wake on LAN Tool is a free utility that keeps you connected to your remote devices whenever needed. It is one of the best applications that wake up powered off devices remotely via MAC addresses.
Pros of SolarWinds Wake on LAN Tool
The application uses MAC addresses to quickly turn on devices on your network
Save power without affecting productivity
It allows scheduled and manual wakeup up of computers and other devices
Cons of SolarWinds Wake on LAN Tool
Could benefit from a longer 30 day trial time
10. Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager helps create a secure remote connection between users and the entire team on a single platform. The tool is available for free and has an enterprise version to drive security, speed, and productivity within the organization.
Microsoft Remote Desktop helps you remotely connect with devices made available by your admin. The software is customized only for Windows users. It comprises a wide array of features suitable for both personal and business users.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Pros
It provides a secure connection between devices through a remote desktop gateway
It is compatible with Windows 8, Windows 10 or higher, and Xbox One
A user can install the tool on up to ten devices
It is easy to view and take a snapshot of the screen with Microsoft Remote Desktop
Microsoft Remote Desktop Cons
As the session begins in Microsoft Remote Desktop, the system locks the remote screen
Mikogo is a free screen sharing software ideal for individuals or groups to perform web conferences, facilitate online meetings, online sales demos, and more. It allows users to view, share a screen and transfer the access to another connected group. There are three versions available in the market for Mikogo Standard, Professional, and Team.
Pros of Mikogo
There is no cost for Mikogo’s free account
Any user can share their screen up to 25 meeting participants in real time
It allows users to view and collaborate similar information in real time
It provides multi monitor support solutions
You can disable specific features as per the need
Cons of Mikogo
You can set meetings in advance with the help of a scheduling tool. But, scheduling in Mikogo can be a tedious task
It is not compatible with all customer sites
It has a simple interface but at times gets difficult to go online with customers
LogMeIn is a trusted cloud based remote work tool for businesses that want to connect, collaborate and secure their workforces across the globe. Founded in 2003, it has become an ideal choice for businesses in search of power remote work and support employees and customers.
It provides remote access to retrieve and transfer files from multiple devices
It supports file storage options
Open screen sharing options are available to openly collaborate
It provides single click options to store, share and collaborate files
Cons of LogMeIn
User Interface needs more improvement
Not sufficient Tech Support reporting and features
14. Remote Utilities
Remote Utility is a free open source remote access program compatible with Windows operating systems. The tool does not require port forwarding changes to the router and can be used for unattended remote access. The free tool is suitable for both personal and business use.
Pros of Remote Utilities
It is a free tool for only up to 10 computers for both business and private users
The tool supports remote printing, text chat, Wake on LAN, and file transfers
The tool works best for restricted or isolated environments
Regular backup for the address book of remote connections is available
You do not have to install software to launch the Viewer and Host apps from a USB drive
Cons of Remote Utilities
It can be hard to configure the host software for some users
UltraVNC is a powerful remote pc access software that uses the VNC protocol to create a secure connection. You can use your mouse and keyboard to control the remote computer, transfer files, configure access with keys and passwords from anywhere.
UltraVNC Pros
It allows creating a secure network connection to a remote computer from a computer program, browser, or mobile app
UltraVNC, the remote pc access software is only compatible with Windows platforms
The software supports File transfer and text chat options
The software supports a dual installation feature
The user can configure access with keys and passwords from any location. Also, you have the authority to send custom keyboard commands
UltraVNC Cons
The software does not support Remote printing
There is no Wake on LAN (WOL) option available in UltraVNC
It is essential to have Router port forwarding on the server
16. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote desktop program that runs as Google’s extensions. It is easy to use, robust, quick, and one of the most popular remote desktop tools best suited for personal than business use.
Chrome Remote Desktop Pros
It is a free extension tool that supports multiple monitors
The extension supports unattended and on demand remote access
Chrome Remote Desktop is quick to set up
It does not require the user to login in remote into the computer
Chrome Remote Desktop Cons
Built in text chat is not available to avoid any miscommunication
It is a must to have a chrome browser to make this work
The drag and drop file transfer feature are not present
Chrome Remote Desktop does not support multi monitors
The tool finds it hard to handle multi session simultaneously
Launched in 2014, AnyDesk is another remote desktop software that can be run in Cloud or On Premises. It is a highly flexible and secure remote desktop connections ideal for transferring files faster.
Pros of AnyDesk
It navigates faster due to the low latency rate
The software has a responsive interface and enhances the productivity of its users
The software supports multiple languages
There is no session limit or pop up timers with Anydesk
It is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, macOS, iOS, and Android
It allows users to access remote computer systems from personal computers and mobile devices
Cons of AnyDesk
It is compulsory to install to access system files
Fluctuations are visible in the remote desktop’s resolution
Instances of Copy/paste issues are possible. However, the bug is reportedly fixed by the developers
18. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a cloud based platform that helps connect multiple devices, servers, and workstations remotely, anytime. It delivers world class services, offers high performance connections, easy desktop sharing, and file transfer solutions.
TeamViewer Pros
TeamViewer software is free for non commercial purposes
It supports desktop sharing and file transfer options
There is no requirement for router configurations
It provides the highest security standards and customer support
It supports the Wake on LAN feature
Users can take snapshots of the remote screen with TeamViewer
You can drag and drop files from one device to another at ease
ConnectWise Control, One of fast, flexible, and secure cloud based remote control software that offers a custom pricing approach to help build a package as per your requirement. Connectwise Control enables users to remotely view and control computers, servers, and workstations across the globe.
Pros of ConnectWise Control
The software tool provides world class security features, including AES 256 encryption and two factor authentication
The tool is highly compatible with Windows platforms, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux/Unix operating systems, and other browsers
It is simple to configure and customize as per your need
It provides instant connection and reliable remote endpoints
It provides high touch support services
It is a powerful and easy to implement tool
Cons of ConnectWise Control
To chat with the end user, the technician needs to find and click a box at the top of the interface. It would be better if the options were available at the bottom
Scalability issues are found when dealing with more than two monitors in a remote session
20. RealVNC Connect
RealVNC connect is a simple, fast, and fully encrypted remote desktop access and support service provider for businesses to grow and connect with a better world.
Pros of RealVNC Connect
It is better to share, support, collaborate, train the team members with RealVNC Connect
It provides an on demand helpdesk service
It is one of the best fully encrypted remote desktop software
It is one of the responsive and High speed streaming software with superior audio and image functionality
Quick and compatible with Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi, and Linux computers
It supports Responsive screen sharing solutions for users
Cons of RealVNC Connect
File transfer is complicated with RealVNC Connect
The drag and drop transfer feature are not available
It requires a server version to be installed on the remote device
Remote Desktop tools are highly beneficial for IT professionals and help desk staff. These tools allow access, debug and manipulation of systems remotely from any location, at any time. It has become much easier for users to transfer files, share screen, audio, video, and perform maintenance with the remote PC, servers, and workstation. In this post, we have listed some of the top Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) tools that you can connect to the Windows system for sharing files and other crucial data by establishing a remote connection. Zoho Assist, ManageEngine Remote Access Plus, ISL Light, GoToMyPC, RemotePC, Anydesk, TeamViewer, Splashtop, Remote Utilities, Perimeter 81, DameWare Remote Everywhere, SolarWinds Wake on LAN Tool are some of the popular Remote Desktop Software practiced by many small medium sized businesses and large corporations. Choose one as per your need and budget from the above listed software tools.
I am a fan of open source technology and have more than 10 years of experience working with Linux and Open Source technologies. I am one of the Linux technical writers for Cloud Infrastructure Services.