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Easy to Use Remote Desktop Software Free

Best remote desktop software of 2022: Paid and free choices for businesses

A laptop on a table - remote desktops
(Image credit: Pixabay)

We feature the best remote desktop software to make it easy to control and access PCs and deploy software remotely. If you're looking for more tools, be sure to check out  our guides to the best video conferencing software and the best online collaboration tools around today. Also take a look at our in-depth feature on everything else you need to set up your home office.

Choosing the best remote desktop software in 2021 will equip you with the tools needed to access and manage one or more computers from another device. Remote access is possible via both local networks and the internet, which means that, with the right software, anyone can access any device, anywhere in the world.

With one of the remote desktop access applications we've listed below, you will be able to do any one of a number of things.

For example, you could use your personal smartphone to access and manage files on your business PC or office laptop without having to leave your home. Having this versatility is great, especially during periods of sickness or difficulty when you're unable to physically go to the office as it is the case now.

No wonder that searches related to remote desktop have shot up significantly over the past few months as businesses scramble to find more about remote access.

Using remote access software is simple. They generally take no more than a few minutes to set up, and you will usually have to install the software on the computer or other device you want to access the remote computer with. Many programs also need to be installed on the remote PC, while others are connected via a weblink or access code.

Some versions of Windows come with built-in remote desktop software, but third-party tools often perform much better and come with significantly more features. This could be especially important if you're planning on using the software regularly.

There are a few other popular uses for the best remote desktop software. For example, you can handle complicated tasks from a laptop by connecting remotely to a more powerful computer. Also, IT support staff regularly use remote access programs to control a client's computer and deal with any issues.

In the this article, we've briefly covered our top ten best remote desktop applications to help you choose the right one for your needs.

We've also featured the best help desk software .


(Image credit: RemotePC)

1. RemotePC

Simply the best remote computer access for business users

Reasons to buy

+

Uses a versatile web app

+

Suited to a large number of connections

Reasons to avoid

-

Can take some time to set up

-

Web app doesn't include all features

RemotePC is a hugely-popular remote computer access application that's suitable for both home and—in particular—for business users. It uses cloud technology to deliver class-leading remote access solutions through an intuitive web application and native desktop and mobile apps. It also includes collaboration features such as voice chat.

On top of this, RemotePC is highly secure, scalable, and affordable. A 30-day free trial is available with all plans. It's a scalable program with the power to connect large numbers of devices.

Read our full RemotePC review .

(Image credit: Zoho Assist)

2. Zoho Assist

Great all-round remote desktop access software

Reasons to buy

+

 Very competitive prices

+

 Includes a selection of powerful tools

Reasons to avoid

-

 No general plan with all features

-

 Free tier is very limited

Cloud-based Zoho Assist is one of our favorite remote access tools because it enables you to access almost any device. It provides specialized remote support and unattended access plans designed to streamline workflow processes.

Zoho Assist's support plans include features such as remote printing and custom branding. They're great for people such as support technicians and IT managers. More advanced features can also be accessed, with higher-end plans.

Zoho Assist is protected by some of the best security integrations we've seen, which means it's a great choice for those working with sensitive data.

Read our full Zoho Assist review .

(Image credit: ISL Online)

3. ISL Online

A great solution for businesses both big and small

Reasons to buy

+

Competitive pricing

+

Cross-platform support

+

Great security features

+

Multiple ways to launch a remote session

+

An impressive assortment of remote access tools for both techs and clients

Reasons to avoid

-

Additional licensing fees can get expensive

-

Some users report slow response time when more than one session is active

ISL Online offers a number of powerful remote access tools, with multiple ways to support clients across a myriad of machines and platforms. On top of top-shelf security features and permissions tools for both techs and clients, it's clear just how much ISL values user data across the board.

While some of the Cloud-licensing fees can be a bit hefty (especially for smaller businesses), this is more than made up for by the massive bounty of tools, extensions, and add-ons that come with an ISL subscription.

For those new to the suite, there's also an excellent built-in support team to help both you and your clients successfully integrate with ISL Online.

Read our full ISL Online review (opens in new tab) .

(Image credit: Splashtop)

4. Splashtop

Powerful remote desktop with impressive features

Reasons to buy

+

Specialized plans

+

Multi-device compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-

Different features available on different devices

-

Can be expensive

Splashtop is a versatile remote computer access program with a range of impressive features, including a user-friendly interface and impressive security. It's compatible with most common operating systems, including Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Splashtop comes in a number of specialized forms. Prices for Splashtop Business Access enables remote access to a specified number of computers. Remote Support plans cater for up to 25 computers, and SOS on-demand support is the highest end plan.

Read our full Splashtop review.

(Image credit: Parallels)

5. Parallels Access

Best for remote desktop access from a mobile device

Reasons to buy

+

Very user-friendly remote access

+

Unique mobile user interface

Reasons to avoid

-

Some advanced features are absent

-

Not suitable for remote network control

Parallels Access is designed for remote computer access from mobile devices. It does support computer–computer connections, but the majority of its features are mobile-centered. Reasonable prices make it one of the more affordable options on this list.

One of our favorite things about Parallels Access is its tidy user interface. Rather than simply showing your desktop screen on a mobile device, like most of its competitors do, it presents a modified, mobile-friendly version. Overall, this program is a great choice for those who want to remotely access their computer from a mobile device.

Read our full Parallels Access review .

(Image credit: LogMeIn)

6. LogMeIn Pro

Powerful solutions for large businesses and enterprises

Reasons to buy

+

Powerful features

+

Cloud storage and LastPass Premium included

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

Could be overkill for many users

LogMeIn Pro is one of the most popular remote desktop access programs available, and it's a great choice for large businesses. It is a little expensive, but it comes with a great range of tools designed for enterprise users.

Plans cater for two remote connections and a 14-day free trial is available. If you need more connections, you can simply upgrade to a higher plan. Additionally, LogMeIn Pro is easy to set up, highly secure, and backed by 24/7 live support. Note, though, that its performance can be a little slow at times.

Read our full LogMeIn Pro review .

(Image credit: AnyDesk)

7. AnyDesk

Best remote desktop solution for small business users

Reasons to buy

+

Unattended access

+

Affordable single-user option

Reasons to avoid

-

Slender toolset

-

Support a mixed bag

AnyDesk (opens in new tab) software works by offering access to Windows and Mac computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. There's a built-in file manager for easy transfer of content between host ad remote machines, although there is no provision for the drag-and-drop processing of files.

Organizational duties are covered by an address book system to track all computers that are being accessed remotely. There are also plenty of tools for easy collaboration, with a text chat box, for example, that can assist with remote support duties. There's a virtual whiteboard and the ability to invite another users onto your network, which is similarly handy for support scenarios.

Read our full AnyDesk review.

(Image credit: Connectwise)

8. Connectwise Control

Highly specialized remote access for support and unattended access

Reasons to buy

+

Powerful software

+

Easy to deploy

+

Lots of features

Reasons to avoid

-

Can be expensive

ConnectWise Control provides highly specialized remote access solutions targeted at specific users. Its three Support plans come with some remote access features, and include powerful tools to help IT staff and support technicians solve problems remotely. The Access plan caters for 25 devices and is aimed at those who want to connect with numerous remote devices.

The main issue with ConnectWise Control is its sometimes poor performance. Even with a fast internet connection, the user interface is often slow and laggy, which isn't ideal at the best of times.

Read our full Connectwise Control review .

(Image credit: TeamViewer)

9. TeamViewer

Best remote PC software for cross-platform compatibility

Reasons to buy

+

Very easy to use

+

Great cross-platform compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-

On the expensive side

-

Can be laggy with slow connections

TeamViewer is a powerful remote access program that enables remote access to and from computers, mobile devices, network machines, and more. Unfortunately, though, it is quite expensive.

There is a free version of TeamViewer available for personal users, but businesses and other commercial users will have to upgrade to a paid subscription. The cost is quite expensive, however, TeamViewer offers impressive cross-platform compatibility, which includes remote mobile access and IoT device compatibility.

Read our full TeamViewer review.

(Image credit: Google)

10. Chrome Remote Desktop

Best free remote computer access program for business

Reasons to buy

+

100% free forever

+

Great cross-platform compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-

Lacks advanced features

-

Can only be used with Google Chrome

Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access program that's available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It's extremely limited when compared to some of the paid options on this list, but it's the best free software we've come across and is a great option for personal use.

Since Chrome Remote Desktop is available as a browser extension, it can be used on any device that supports the Chrome browser. It is a little limited on mobile devices, but it's easy to set up and is certainly worth considering.

Read our full Chrome Remote Desktop review .

(Image credit: Devolutions)

11. Remote Desktop Manager

Suited to businesses with large networks of connected devices

Reasons to buy

+

 Impressive security features

+

 Very easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-

Quite expensive

-

Can be a little slow

Remote Desktop Manager is a powerful remote computer access program offering scalable solutions for large businesses. It's compatible with both Android and iOS devices and comes with a selection of impressive security features.

Unfortunately, though, Remote Desktop Manager is slightly expensive. Custom enterprise-level solutions are also available.

Read our full Remote Desktop Manager review .

(Image credit: Microsoft)

12. Remote Utilities for Windows

Highly affordable remote Windows computer access

Reasons to buy

+

Very affordable

+

Comes with numerous advanced features

Reasons to avoid

-

Only compatible with Windows devices

-

Setting up a network can be time consuming

If you're looking for an affordable remote access program without ongoing fees, Remote Utilities for Windows could be for you. It comes with a range of impressive features, including file transfer, video calls, and session recording. A free technician license allows you to access up to 10 remote computers. An enterprise-level site-wide license supports unlimited users.

Read our full Remote Utilities for Windows review .


What are Remote Desktop Services (RDS)?

According to Vinod Jeyachandra, CTO of Anunta Tech (opens in new tab), in Microsoft Windows, Remote Desktop Services is a platform that lets users share desktop environments between one Windows computer and another over the Internet. By setting up RDS on a Windows server, then using a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) application like Microsoft Remote Desktop, you can log in from another computer to a Windows environment that is hosted via RDS.

Once you log into the RDS-hosted PC environment, you can usually access all of the same local resources - including storage, applications, the Windows desktop interface and so on - that you would be able to use if the RDS environment were an actual PC that was sitting in front of you. RDS can also be configured to make only certain applications available to remote users, if admins choose to set it up that way.

Typically, the machine that hosts RDS runs in the same physical location - such as the same office building - as the computers from which users access the remote desktop environments. It is also possible, however, to install RDS on a server running in the cloud and share desktops from the cloud.

He noted, for the record, RDS in this context should not be confused with Amazon RDS, a cloud-based database service that does not have anything to do with Windows RDS.

How we tested the best remote desktop software

Remote desktop software has developed rapidly since the pandemic began, making it easier for remote workers and hybrid teams to connect safely and securely with business networks. For this independent review, we've analyzed some of the best-known remote desktop software solutions on the market, evaluating them for their usability, features, and integration with other software. How they stand up to the new rigors enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic has also been considered. In terms of what you should look for in a remote desktop tool, scalability, reliability and security are also important. These are factors that we carefully assessed before choosing our best remote desktop software solutions.

See how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.

Which remote desktop software is best for you?

When deciding which remote desktop software to use, first consider what your actual needs are, as the range of remote desktop platforms also offer a varied range of tools, features, and utilities. Budget software options can sometimes provide everything you may need, but high-end remote desktop software can really cater for every possibility, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may need to save on the pain of changing to a different software platform later on.

Make your home workers secure and productive with a remote access VPN .

Daniel is a freelance copywriter with over six years experience writing for publications such as TechRadar, Tom's Guide, and Hosting Review. He specializes in B2B and B2C tech and finance, with a particular focus on VoIP, website building, web hosting, and other related fields.

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Source: https://www.techradar.com/news/best-remote-desktop-software