Best 11 Remote Desktop Software For IT Teams (2026)
We reviewed 11 remote desktop platforms on connection performance, session recording, and the collaboration features that make remote support faster. Reliability under real-world network conditions separated the field.
Written by
Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Quick Summary
Remote desktop software for IT teams provides secure connections to end-user devices for troubleshooting and support — without requiring physical presence. Connection reliability under real-world network conditions is what separates useful remote support tools from those that compound incidents with dropped sessions. We reviewed 11 platforms and found ManageEngine Remote Access Plus, AnyDesk Enterprise, and BeyondTrust Remote Support to be the strongest on connection stability and session management controls.
Choosing the right remote desktop software solution is harder than it should be. The market is crowded with vendors promising more than they deliver, and the wrong selection means either overpaying for capabilities you don’t use or deploying something that creates more work than it solves.
The real challenge isn’t finding a remote desktop software tool, it’s finding one that integrates with your environment without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul. You need something that plays well with your existing stack, scales with your team, and delivers real value from day one. Get it wrong, and you’re stuck with expensive licenses, frustrated teams, and capabilities that don’t align with your actual needs.
We evaluated multiple solutions in this category across diverse deployment scenarios, evaluating each for integration flexibility, operational overhead, ease of deployment, and real-world usability. We reviewed customer feedback and implementation experiences to understand where vendor marketing diverges from operational reality. What we found: the gap between glossy datasheets and what actually works in production environments is significant.
This guide gives you the testing insights and decision framework to match the right solution to your specific infrastructure, team size, and business requirements.
Our Recommendations
We reviewed mutliple products and selected the top performers for different use cases.
- Best For Compliance-Focused: ManageEngine Remote Access Plus. HIPAA-compliant with detailed session logging and audit-ready reporting built in.
- Best For Low-Bandwidth: AnyDesk Enterprise. Low latency and high frame rates keep sessions responsive even on weak connections.
- Best For Compliance-Focused: BeyondTrust Remote Support. Credential rotation vault and least-privilege permissions strengthen session security controls.
- Best For Small Teams: ConnectWise Control. Connection speed and low latency make remote sessions feel like local access.
- Best For Enterprise Scale: GoTo Pro. Multi-monitor display and clipboard sync speed up remote troubleshooting workflows.
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is a HIPAA-compliant remote desktop and remote access platform that enables IT teams to quickly troubleshoot endpoint issues. The platform provides a helpdesk dashboard for IT admins and technicians to remote access devices, screen record, download files, and more, speeding up support response times. ManageEngine covers over 100 million endpoints across over 100,000 customers globally.
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus Key Features
Remote Access Plus connects to all endpoints in your network to diagnose issues for faster troubleshooting. Key features include remote desktop control and access, voice, video and text chat assist, remote turn-on and turn-off for remote computers, and granular remote device control including remote process management, command prompt, and user management.
The platform provides audit-ready reporting, including remote sessions and chat history to help track errors over time. Remote Access Plus is available in three editions: a free version for ten or fewer endpoints, a standard edition, and a professional edition with the most functionality.
Our Take
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is a strong option for IT teams that need fast, reliable remote access with granular device control and audit-ready reporting. The free tier for up to ten endpoints makes it easy to evaluate before committing.
Strengths
- HIPAA-compliant with audit-ready session reporting and chat history
- Granular remote device control including process management and command prompt
- Voice, video, and text chat assist for real-time troubleshooting
- Free edition available for up to ten endpoints
- Covers over 100 million endpoints across 100,000+ customers globally
Cautions
- Pricing not publicly available for paid editions; requires contacting sales for a quote
AnyDesk Enterprise
AnyDesk, headquartered in Berlin, is a lightweight remote access tool built for speed on low-bandwidth connections. It supports both cloud and on-premises deployment, and covers Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FreeBSD, and Raspberry Pi, one of the broadest cross-platform lineups in this category. We were impressed by the performance in constrained network conditions; high frame rates and low latency keep sessions usable where heavier tools struggle.
AnyDesk Key Features
The client installs in minutes and connects with just an address code; no complex configuration layers to navigate. Feature coverage includes real-time screen sharing, session recording, remote printing, chat, and unlimited file transfer. TLS 1.2 with RSA 2048 asymmetric key exchange and AES 256-bit session encryption secures every connection, and two-factor authentication is required for admin access. The Enterprise tier adds deployment support, installation assistance, client setup, and custom script writing for organizations that need a more managed rollout.
What Customers Say
Support teams running multiple simultaneous sessions report minimal disconnections, and the lightweight footprint means remote sessions run without disrupting the end user’s work. Wide device compatibility gets consistent praise from teams managing mixed-OS fleets. Something to be aware of is that the interface feels dated and lacks customization options. First-time users on the receiving end sometimes struggle to locate their access codes.
Our Take
We think AnyDesk fits SMBs and mid-market teams managing diverse device fleets where connection speed matters more than deep management features. The cross-platform breadth and on-premises deployment option give it flexibility that lighter remote tools often lack. If you need a full RMM suite with ticketing and automation, this isn’t that tool; it’s focused squarely on fast, reliable remote access.
Strengths
- Low latency and high frame rates keep sessions responsive on weak connections
- Cross-platform support spans seven operating systems including mobile and Raspberry Pi
- Cloud and on-premises deployment options available
- TLS 1.2 with RSA 2048 key exchange and AES 256-bit session encryption
Cautions
- Customers note the interface feels dated with limited customization options
- Reviews mention first-time end users can struggle to locate their access codes
BeyondTrust Remote Support
BeyondTrust Remote Support (formerly Bomgar) is an enterprise-grade remote support platform for mid-market and large organizations where session auditing, credential security, and compliance matter most. It supports physical, virtual, and cloud deployments, and covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and legacy systems via RDP, SSH, Telnet, and VNC. We were impressed by the depth of the security layer, which goes well beyond basic remote access.
BeyondTrust Remote Support Key Features
The Remote Support Vault handles privileged credential rotation, and granular role-based permissions enforce least privilege across your support team. Every session is recorded and logged automatically for compliance. The Web Rep Console lets technicians troubleshoot from any browser with live chat, screen sharing, and full remote control, with a user-friendly interface that customers consistently highlight. Sessions start via email invitation, access link, or session key.
What Customers Say
Customers in regulated industries consistently point to reliability over long deployments; some report running BeyondTrust for over a decade without significant issues. File transfer and remote command execution during sessions get praised for streamlining resolution. Something to be aware of is that session recordings save without audio, which limits their value for training purposes. Some reviews flag that cloud migration comes with higher costs.
Our Take
We think this is a strong fit if your organization operates under strict regulatory requirements and needs airtight session documentation. The credential vault and permission controls address real audit concerns, which is good to see. If you need a lighter tool for basic remote access, this carries more overhead than you need.
Strengths
- Credential rotation vault and least-privilege permissions strengthen session security
- Automatic session recording and logging simplify compliance documentation
- Browser-based console with flexible session initiation keeps support accessible anywhere
- Legacy system support via RDP, SSH, Telnet, and VNC covers older infrastructure
Cautions
- According to customer feedback, session recordings lack audio capture
- Reviews note cloud migration comes with higher costs compared to on-premises deployment
ConnectWise ScreenConnect
ConnectWise ScreenConnect (formerly ConnectWise Control) is a remote access and support platform for SMBs and mid-market IT teams that need fast, reliable connections with strong white-label customization. It runs across Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. We found the connection speed impressive; sessions feel close to working on the physical machine, even on lower bandwidth.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect Key Features
Two packages cover different use cases: Access is built for remote workers and small teams needing unattended endpoint management, while Support delivers a full help desk remote session toolkit with on-demand technician connections. The platform lets you live stream a remote session through the user’s device camera, useful for hardware issues or physical environment troubleshooting. Security covers AES 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication for admins, and role-based access policies controlling technician permissions. Session logging tracks hosts, guests, timestamps, and video recordings. The self-hosted option gives you full control over your infrastructure, the white-label support portal lets MSPs brand the client experience, and the ConnectWise Marketplace adds integrations if you already run other ConnectWise products.
What Customers Say
Customers running small IT support businesses praise the self-hosted option and simple client onboarding; no exchanging codes or passwords to get connected. With that said, initial setup gets called out as complex for larger environments or less technical teams. Some reviews flag that antivirus software occasionally flags the installer as malicious, a side effect of threat actors abusing remote access tools more broadly.
Our Take
We think ScreenConnect fits IT support teams and MSPs that prioritize connection speed and client-facing customization. The Backstage feature lets techs work on machines without disturbing end users, which is a nice touch. If you need deep endpoint management beyond remote sessions, a full RMM platform covers more ground.
Strengths
- Connection speed and low latency make remote sessions feel like local access
- Two packages (Access and Support) cover both unattended management and on-demand help desk use cases
- Camera streaming lets technicians view a user's physical environment during a session
- White-label customization lets MSPs brand the client-facing support experience
Cautions
- Some users report that initial setup carries complexity for larger environments
- Reviews mention antivirus false positives flagging the installer as malicious
GoTo Pro
GoTo Pro (formerly LogMeIn) is a remote access tool designed for SMBs that need straightforward desktop troubleshooting without enterprise complexity. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections across Windows and macOS.
GoTo Pro Key Features
Multi-monitor display and real-time remote control work well for technicians juggling multiple support sessions. Desktop sharing, clipboard sync, remote printing, and a whiteboard tool round out the feature set. Session recordings provide audit-ready documentation of every interaction. Techs can connect from browsers, desktop apps, or iOS and Android mobile devices. Session security runs on SSL/TLS with 256-bit encryption, and two-factor authentication supports one-time passcodes or RSA SecurID. Account lockout policies and inactivity timeouts add additional access control for organizations with compliance requirements.
What Customers Say
Teams value the documentation and recording features for maintaining clear interaction records. With that said, some users report screen sharing slows noticeably on lower-bandwidth connections, especially with graphics-heavy content. The free tier is limited, and the paid version draws criticism for pricing relative to competitors offering similar capabilities.
Our Take
We think GoTo Pro fits small IT teams that need clean, uncomplicated remote desktop access without managing a full RMM platform. The 10-session cap and desktop-only remote access keep this squarely in SMB territory. If you support mobile endpoints or need endpoint management beyond remote sessions, this isn’t the right tool.
Strengths
- Multi-monitor display and clipboard sync speed up remote troubleshooting
- Two-factor authentication with RSA SecurID support strengthens access security
- Session recordings and reporting provide audit-ready documentation out of the box
- Account lockout and inactivity timeout controls support compliance requirements
Cautions
- Remote access limited to desktops only; mobile endpoint access is not supported
- Customers note that pricing sits above competitors offering similar capabilities
HelpWire
HelpWire is a free remote access tool for small teams and solo IT operators who need straightforward remote support across Windows, macOS, and Linux without licensing headaches. We think the free tier is the real selling point here; it works without commercial-use restrictions or forced upgrade prompts, which is good to see.
HelpWire Key Features
The feature set covers the essentials: quick session initiation via link, file transfer, multi-monitor support, in-app chat, and simultaneous access to multiple systems. Smart connection routing picks the optimal network path, choosing between a dedicated proxy or peer-to-peer based on conditions. You can toggle between prioritizing data transfer speed or remote screen image quality, which helps on varied connections.
What Customers Say
Customers consistently compare HelpWire favorably against larger competitors, citing stable connections without commercial-use warnings or forced disconnections. Something to be aware of is that some users report file transfers failing intermittently, and occasional session drops surface during peak periods. There’s no mobile device support and no screen recording.
Our Take
We think HelpWire fits freelance IT consultants and small support teams managing a modest number of endpoints who need reliable remote access without a budget conversation. The link-based session invite makes onboarding non-technical users simple. If you need mobile support, session recording, or enterprise-scale management, this isn’t the right tool.
Strengths
- Functional free tier without commercial-use restrictions or forced upgrade prompts
- Smart connection routing optimizes network path between proxy and peer-to-peer
- Link-based session invites make onboarding non-technical end users straightforward
- Cross-platform support covers Windows, macOS, and Linux from one interface
Cautions
- No mobile device support and no screen recording
- Reviews flag intermittent file transfer failures and occasional session drops
Microsoft Windows Remote Desktop Services
Remote Desktop Services (formerly Terminal Services) is Microsoft’s built-in remote access solution for Windows environments. If your organization runs Windows Server, RDS comes bundled with licensing, making it the default starting point for remote desktop access with no additional software cost. We think it makes sense if your environment is Windows-heavy and you want remote access without adding another vendor.
Microsoft RDS Key Features
RDS covers two core use cases. Remote Assistance gives cooperative control when a user sends an invitation, supporting collaborative troubleshooting where both parties can see and interact with the screen. Remote Desktop Connection provides full access with the host’s user rights, including in-session printing, audio redirection, and multi-monitor viewing. Security runs on FIPS 140-compliant encryption with AES 256-bit and native multi-factor authentication via smartcards. Single sign-on works across in-app and web sessions. Clients connect from Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices using RDP.
What Customers Say
Customers who have used RDS for years praise the simplicity and reliable connectivity. Local resource redirection for printers, microphones, and webcams gets consistent positive feedback. With that said, RDS only connects to Windows hosts, so mixed-OS environments need additional tooling. The default two-session limit restricts concurrent access without additional licensing.
Our Take
We think RDS is the natural choice for Windows-heavy environments where remote access ships with your server license. Windows Server 2025 brought improvements to performance, security, and the HTML5 web client, which is good to see. If you support macOS or Linux endpoints, or need more than basic remote desktop, a dedicated tool fills the gaps.
Strengths
- Included with Windows Server licensing at no extra software cost
- Local resource redirection for printers, webcams, and audio mirrors the in-person experience
- FIPS 140-compliant encryption and smartcard MFA provide strong native security
- Cross-platform clients on macOS, iOS, and Android connect to Windows hosts via RDP
Cautions
- Only supports Windows host machines; mixed-OS environments need additional tools
- Default two-session limit restricts concurrent access without additional licensing
Splashtop SOS
Splashtop SOS is a remote support tool for IT teams and help desks that need fast, on-demand access to Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices. Based in California and hosted on AWS infrastructure with DDoS mitigation and intrusion prevention, the platform keeps sessions secure without requiring complex network configuration. We were impressed by the deployment and connection speed; sessions start fast with TLS 1.2 and AES 256-bit encryption in place by default.
Splashtop SOS Key Features
End users receive a link or session code, run a small executable, and your tech is connected in minutes; no complicated handshake required. File transfer, live chat, remote reboot with persistent access, and desktop sharing cover the daily toolkit. All connections and file transfers are logged, with sessions recordable and saved locally. Three tiered packages scale to different team sizes: SOS covers on-demand support for a single technician, SOS+10 extends concurrent session capacity, and SOS Unlimited removes session caps entirely. Security features include screen auto-lock, idle timeouts, and remote connection notifications. You can customize the SOS app layout to match your branding, and larger organizations can step up to Splashtop Enterprise for additional management and deployment capabilities.
What Customers Say
Customer sentiment skews unusually positive. Teams using Splashtop daily across multiple client sites report high reliability, and several highlight reduced on-site dispatch costs. Something to be aware of is that customers report the file transfer interface feels clunky, and the business app UI could use a visual refresh. Occasional session disconnects surface, though customers describe these as infrequent.
Our Take
We think Splashtop SOS fits SMBs and support teams that handle high volumes of on-demand remote sessions. The link-based connection model works well for supporting non-technical users, and the tiered pricing gives you room to scale. If you need deep endpoint management or RMM capabilities, you’ll want to pair it with a broader platform.
Strengths
- Link-based session initiation gets non-technical end users connected in minutes
- Three tiered packages (SOS, SOS+10, SOS Unlimited) scale with team size and session volume
- AWS hosting with DDoS mitigation and intrusion prevention secures the infrastructure
- Screen auto-lock, idle timeouts, and remote connection notifications add access controls
Cautions
- Customers report the file transfer interface feels clunky
- Reviews note the business app UI needs a visual refresh
TeamViewer
TeamViewer, headquartered in Germany, is one of the most widely deployed remote access platforms on the market, supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, IoT devices, and kiosks. We think the device coverage is hard to match, and the compliance certifications make it viable for regulated environments where audit readiness matters. The platform is particularly well suited to smaller businesses with less technical IT teams, thanks to its intuitive interface and strong community resources.
TeamViewer Key Features
Full remote control, screen sharing, file transfer, remote printing, and mobile-to-mobile connections work across platforms. Technicians can view system diagnostics remotely through the desktop app, and integrated service case management keeps ad-hoc support organized within ticket workflows. Security credentials are strong: AES 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication protect sessions, with SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, ISO 9001:2015, and GDPR compliance certifications. TeamViewer also achieved FedRAMP compliance for its DEX platform in 2025.
What Customers Say
Teams working across multiple countries value the connection stability and cross-platform flexibility. The interface is intuitive enough for admins and end users alike, and the platform’s active community and responsive support team make troubleshooting straightforward. With that said, some customers say licensing gets expensive for larger teams, and connection speeds drop on weaker networks. The free plan is heavily restricted, pushing teams toward paid tiers quickly.
Our Take
We think TeamViewer fits organizations that need broad device compatibility and compliance certifications in a single platform. If your support spans mobile, desktop, and IoT, the coverage is really strong. Smaller teams on tight budgets should weigh the licensing costs against alternatives that offer similar core capabilities at lower price points.
Strengths
- Broadest device compatibility spanning desktop, mobile, IoT, and kiosk endpoints
- SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, ISO 9001:2015, GDPR, and FedRAMP certifications for regulated industries
- Integrated service case management keeps support tickets within the remote access workflow
- Strong community resources and responsive support team benefit less technical IT teams
Cautions
- Reviews note that licensing gets expensive for larger teams
- Customers report the free plan is heavily restricted, pushing most use cases toward paid tiers
RealVNC VNC Connect
RealVNC, headquartered in Cambridge, England, delivers a remote access solution built for IT teams and help desks that need quick, secure support sessions. We found the security configuration stands out, with encryption options that scale from AES 128-bit on standard plans up to AES 256-bit with multi-factor authentication on Enterprise tiers.
RealVNC VNC Connect Key Features
The platform is built around two components: VNC Viewer for the technician side and VNC Server installed on the remote machine, combined into a single installer in the Version 8 unified desktop app. The Instant Support package provides a quick-connect option for ad hoc Windows and macOS sessions without pre-installing a persistent agent. Enterprise tiers unlock multi-factor authentication via Duo, RSA SecurID, Yubikey, and FreeRADIUS, covering most enterprise identity environments. Screen blanking, session permissions, authentication attempt thresholds, and audit trails round out the compliance toolkit. Remote control, live chat, two-way file transfer, remote printing, and keyboard mapping cover the daily essentials. Code Connect for guest sessions and On-Demand Assist for agent-free one-off fixes are useful additions.
What Customers Say
Customers who have used RealVNC for years praise the reliability and cross-platform consistency. Ease of deployment and the range of supported authentication methods draw consistent positive feedback. The interface is intuitive enough that some customers never need to contact support. Something to be aware of is that RealVNC retired its unlimited free Home plan in 2024; a limited non-commercial Lite option still exists, but longtime users now face paid tiers. Some reviews flag that pricing sits above competitors.
Our Take
We think VNC Connect fits SMBs that value encryption flexibility and audit readiness. The range of MFA provider integrations gives you room to match compliance requirements without being locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem. If your budget is tight, compare pricing against alternatives before committing.
Strengths
- Flexible encryption from AES 128-bit to 256-bit with multiple MFA provider integrations
- Unified Version 8 app combines VNC Viewer and VNC Server into a single streamlined installer
- Instant Support package enables quick ad hoc sessions without a persistent agent on Windows and macOS
- Authentication attempt thresholds and screen blanking add granular access controls
Cautions
- Users report that the unlimited free Home plan was retired in 2024, pushing lightweight users to paid tiers
- Some customer reviews note pricing sits above competitors for similar capabilities
Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist, developed by Zoho Corporation in Chennai, India, is a cloud-based remote access tool for IT teams and MSPs that need unattended access and broad device support. It covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Raspberry Pi, and ChromeOS from a browser or mobile app, with plans scaling from a single technician up to unlimited concurrent techs. We think the session setup is genuinely fast; a few clicks start a remote connection from any device.
Zoho Assist Key Features
Multi-monitor support, file transfer, one-click reboot and reconnect, live chat, and a shared clipboard cover the daily workflow. Voice and video chat are built into the session interface, and technicians can share their own screen for product demos or guided walkthroughs, which flips the typical support model. Security runs on TLS 1.2 and AES 256-bit encryption, with two-factor authentication via SMS and time-based OTPs, session timeouts, activity logging, and data anonymization. Zoho Assist integrates with the broader Zoho ecosystem and third-party tools including Zendesk, Slack, and Spiceworks.
What Customers Say
Customers consistently describe Zoho Assist as a tool that just works. Unattended access gets particular praise for supporting non-technical end users who struggle with setup steps. With that said, some users report lag on low-bandwidth connections and occasional session drops during longer sessions. File transfer requires a dedicated mode rather than drag-and-drop, and the Android app runs slower than the desktop experience.
Our Take
We think Zoho Assist fits SMBs and MSPs that want reliable remote support without complexity or steep licensing costs. Zoho Assist was named a Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice in Remote Desktop for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, which is good to see. If you need enterprise-scale customization or advanced features, larger platforms offer more depth.
Strengths
- Fast session setup starts remote connections in a few clicks from any browser
- Voice and video chat built into sessions alongside screen sharing for demos
- Five plans from a single technician to unlimited concurrent techs scale with team size
- Broad device support covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Raspberry Pi, and ChromeOS
Cautions
- Reviews mention lag on low-bandwidth connections with occasional session drops
- File transfer requires a dedicated mode rather than drag-and-drop
Other IT Management Services
Remote desktop and application delivery platform for enterprises.
Remote control and management tool with robust admin features.
HTML5-based remote desktop software for browser access without client installs.
What To Look For: Key Evaluation Criteria
When evaluating solutions in this category, we’ve identified essential criteria. Here’s the checklist of questions you should be asking:
- Deployment Flexibility: Does the solution support cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployment? How long does deployment actually take? Does it require significant infrastructure changes?
- Integration Capabilities: How many pre-built integrations ship out of the box? Does it support REST APIs for custom integrations? Does it work with your existing tools without special workarounds?
- Scalability and Performance: Does the solution scale to your current environment size? What happens when you grow? Are there performance degradation points you should know about?
- User Experience and Learning Curve: How intuitive is the interface for both admins and end users? Will adoption require extensive training? Do users complain about workflow friction?
- Reporting and Visibility: Can you generate reports that satisfy compliance auditors? Are dashboards actionable or just informational? Can you export data for external analysis?
- Support Quality and Responsiveness: What SLA do they offer for critical issues? Do support staff actually resolve problems or hand off to documentation? Check third-party reviews for consistency.
- Vendor Stability and Roadmap: Is the vendor financially stable? Are they actively developing the product? Do roadmap priorities align with your needs? What happens if the vendor is acquired?
Weight these criteria based on your environment. Organizations with strict compliance requirements should prioritize reporting and audit capabilities. Teams managing diverse infrastructure should focus on integration depth and scalability. If you’re resource-constrained, ease of deployment and vendor support quality matter more than feature count.
How We Compared The Best Remote Desktop Software For IT Teams
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and IT solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Our assessments are based solely on product quality and real-world utility.
Expert Insights independently evaluated remote desktop solutions across IT operations environments, testing connection stability, latency performance, security architecture, cross-platform compatibility, and ease of deployment. Our methodology includes hands-on testing in mixed network conditions, analysis of IT team workflows, and assessment of customer deployment patterns. Updated quarterly. We evaluate solutions based on core capabilities, ease of implementation, operational overhead, and customer experience. Each product was assessed in environments reflecting actual enterprise deployments.
Our editorial team conducts in-depth market research, reviews customer feedback and case studies, and speaks with vendors to understand architectural decisions and product limitations. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products.
This guide is updated quarterly. For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
The Bottom Line
No single remote desktop software solution fits every organization.
For organizations prioritizing straightforward implementation without vendor lock-in, look for platforms with strong API support and multi-cloud deployment options.
For teams managing large-scale deployments across multiple regions or cloud providers, invest in solutions with proven scalability and deep reporting capabilities. The operational transparency pays dividends during incidents and audits.
For resource-constrained teams, vendor support quality and ease of deployment matter more than feature completeness. A simple solution your team actually uses beats a feature-rich platform gathering dust on the roadmap.
Budget carefully for total cost of ownership. Per-user licensing, infrastructure costs, and support tiers add up quickly.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into deployment specifics, pricing, and the trade-offs that matter for your environment.
FAQs
Remote Desktop Software: Everything You Need To Know (FAQs)
Remote desktops provide users with a way to tap into a device without needing to be physically connected to or even in the same location as the host device. Someone accessing the device in this manner will be able to interact with files, documents, and software in the cloud. While the term ‘desktop’ is primarily used, it can refer to various device types, including PCs, servers, smart devices, applications, or any device capable of enabling remote connection and access.
Remote desktop software works by capturing a device’s screen, mouse, and keyboard inputs and transmitting them to another device, where they can be controlled by a secondary user remotely. This method is commonly used by tech support professionals to troubleshoot and solve issues on a client’s computer.
A remote desktop software solution, once implemented, essentially runs on the Windows server – or the host – that powers the operating system and applications on top of it. The solution creates a virtual desktop projected onto the clients’ devices using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This protocol captures mouse and keyboard inputs from the client devices, sending them to the server for further action.
In the modern era, home and hybrid work environments have become the norm. Since the pandemic, there’s been a significant rise in partially or fully remote workforces, with no signs of reverting to pre-pandemic conditions. According to the Office for National Statistics, data from February 2022 indicates that 84% of workers who had worked from home during the pandemic wished to continue incorporating remote work into their future routines.
This means increasingly businesses are employing remote and hybrid workers that need robust support and security. Remote desktop software tools allow these employees to maintain productivity and security, especially when the standard office structure and support are unavailable. Remote desktop software is crucial for businesses connecting teams across different locations. These solutions are excellent for delivering IT assistance or general support to those working from remote endpoints, enhancing the user experience for both employees and clients.
Modern remote desktop solutions must combine security, flexibility, and collaborative features. This combination ensures that IT teams can access devices remotely, troubleshoot issues from any location at any time, and save costs related to physical device transport.
If your organization is considering employing a remote desktop software solution there are several benefits worth considering, including:
Facilitates Remote Working
Remote desktop software facilitates remote work by making it easier for employees to complete their workday away from the office. It gives them secure access to files, data, and software programs they need to complete their daily tasks.
Makes Businesses More Scalable
Remote desktop software are highly scalable, with a range of plans available to accommodate different sized organizations. This flexibility means that organizations pay for the services and number of users they require only, saving cost and making it so that reductions and increases in the workforce can be easily accommodated as the software adapts to the organization’s needs.
Stronger Technical Support
Organizations concerned with providing good technical support would be well served by a remote desktop software solution. These solutions are a great way for IT teams to quickly identify and efficiently resolve issues. The screen sharing feature offered by these solutions also makes it easy for IT professionals to conduct educational sessions to help users learn ways to resolve these issues themselves should they reoccur in the future.
More Effective Collaboration
Remote desktop software can help teams to collaborate better by allowing them to share files and screens more easily, making idea swapping and collaborative working much easier..
Better Security
The best remote desktop software solutions will come equipped with a range of security features and protocols designed to help ensure that any remote access that is granted is done safely and securely. This should give organizations some peace of mind, to know that what might have become a potential entry point for threats will instead be robustly defended.
While using remote desktop software provides a lot of great benefits, these are challenges to consider before making the decision to incorporate this technology into your IT stack.
The first thing to be aware of is that a remote desktop solution will require bandwidth, which could potentially lead to performance issues like a lag in the movement of the mouse while accessing the computer remotely. The next important consideration to make is your choice of remote desktop software solution provider, and the features they provide.
Organizations and their IT teams should give a lot of careful consideration to which vendor they go with, being sure to choose one with the capabilities and price that suits them best. We recommend solutions that offer the following features:
Desktop Sharing
The desktop sharing feature is a key capability for a remote desktop software solution. This feature enabes users to connect to a remote desktop, allowing you to see their screen, share your own screen, or even display your screen to multiple other users.
Multiple Monitor Navigation
With multi-monitor navigation you can view several screen setups within a support session, allowing for navigation across two or more connected windows so you can switch between viewing each users monitor with a simple click.
Automatically Reboot and Reconnect
It is very important to be able to reboot a remote computer and automatically reconnect, as this allows you to bring the computer back to a cleaner state by clearing the memory and caches, boosting the performance. It is also necessary to install necessary software patches and updates.
Unattended Access
With this feature there is no need to disrupt or inconvenience the users to gain control and resolve whatever issues they are in need of assistance with. Instead, technicians can gain control independently and make the necessary changes.
Built-In Live Chat
Instant messaging is a useful tool for delivering remote tech support, allowing admins to communicate and stay up to date on what is happening on the remote end in the most quick and efficient way.
Strong Security
Security is an essential feature of any remote connection. Strong encryption and device authentication goes a long way in keeping remote connections secure, allowing workers to receive support without worrying about the security of their data and connection.
Written By
Caitlin Harris is the Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.
Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.
Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.
Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted.
Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.