Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Remote assistance, also referred to as remote support or remote visual assistance, allows IT teams and administrators to connect and communicate with end-users. This is usually in order to resolve technical problems or automate routine tasks. Companies will use remote assistance software to provide help to a variety of end-users including clients, customers, and technicians, where physical assistance is not viable. It may be that the two individuals are in remote locations and physically unable to get together, or it may be in order to save time and resource.
With the increasing dependence on remote work and digital solutions, managing a diverse workforce and physically disparate technologies has become harder. In response, the market for remote assistance platforms has grown rapidly. These solutions should prioritize security, ensuring end-to-end encryption, and compliance with industry regulations. They provide a streamlined user experience, offering intuitive interfaces, seamless connectivity, and integration with other enterprise tools.
Remote assistance has two main functions: offering support and assistance to users experiencing problems, and monitoring systems and running diagnostics remotely. Remote assistance solutions will often have a raft of auditing tools, as well as granular permission configurability, and identity management capabilities. In order to facilitate the remote assistance, it will allow users to share their screen, video feeds, and even take over control remotely. This hands-on approach improves remediation time, thereby reducing downtime.
In this article we’ve identified the best remote assistance solutions available on the market today. In each listing, we’ll explain the products key features and ideal use cases.
Remote assistance software lets IT support teams connect to an end user's device over the internet to diagnose and fix problems without being physically present. The technician can view the user's screen, take control of the mouse and keyboard, transfer files, and chat or talk with the user during the session. This eliminates the need for desk visits and lets support teams help employees, customers, or field technicians regardless of location.
Remote assistance platforms establish encrypted tunnels between a technician's console and the target endpoint using protocols like proprietary codecs (AnyDesk DeskRT, TeamViewer), VNC, or RDP wrappers. Sessions are initiated via pre-installed agents (unattended access) or lightweight, one-time clients (attended support) that require no installation on the end user's device. Connection security relies on asymmetric key exchange (RSA 2048/4096) for handshake and symmetric encryption (AES 128/256-bit) for session data. Enterprise platforms add session recording with tamper-proof audit trails, role-based access control, SAML/SSO integration, multi-factor authentication, and IP whitelisting. Advanced features include multi-monitor support, USB device redirection, file transfer, in-session chat and video, and camera-based visual support for physical equipment. Deployment models span cloud-hosted SaaS, self-hosted on-premises appliances, and hybrid configurations for organizations with data sovereignty requirements.
This table compares the 10 remote assistance platforms we reviewed across their core capabilities.
| Product | Best For | Type | Session Recording | Unattended Access | Self-Hosted Option | Mobile Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AnyDesk
|
High-performance, low-latency connections
|
Remote Desktop
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
BeyondTrust Remote Support
|
Regulated environments needing audit trails
|
Enterprise Remote Support
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
ConnectWise ScreenConnect
|
MSPs needing white-label remote support
|
Remote Support Platform
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
GoTo Resolve
|
Small IT teams wanting all-in-one support
|
Unified IT Support
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
ISL Light
|
Organizations needing self-hosted deployment
|
Remote Desktop
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
LogMeIn Rescue
|
Enterprise support teams at high volume
|
Enterprise Remote Support
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Splashtop Enterprise
|
High-performance 4K streaming
|
Remote Access + Support
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
TeamViewer Remote
|
Broadest cross-platform device support
|
Remote Desktop
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
VNC Connect
|
Lightweight, secure remote access
|
Remote Desktop
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Zoho Assist
|
Budget-friendly remote support
|
Remote Support Platform
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Expert Insights independently researches and tests IT management and security products. We evaluated 10 remote assistance platforms across connection stability, session recording capabilities, multi-user escalation features, encryption standards, cross-platform support, deployment options, and real-world customer feedback. This article was written by Craig MacAlpine and technically reviewed by Laura Iannini. Read our full methodology
Best for IT teams and support providers needing high-performance, low-latency connections
AnyDesk is a remote desktop solution built around high-performance connections with low latency and high frame rates, even over limited bandwidth. We think AnyDesk is one of the fastest remote access tools in this category, and a strong option for IT teams and support providers that need responsive, real-time remote control without lag.
Something to be aware of is that AnyDesk requires annual billing with no monthly payment option across its paid plans. The free tier has had its usage time reduced in recent updates, which means it’s less viable for ongoing use than it once was. Customers note that the customization options, including branding and custom namespaces, are a strong selling point for MSPs and support teams that want a white-labeled experience.
We were impressed by AnyDesk’s connection performance; the low latency and high frame rates make remote sessions feel close to working locally. The combination of strong encryption, privacy mode, and group policy management gives IT teams the controls they need without overcomplicating things. If speed and responsiveness are your top priorities for remote support, AnyDesk is well worth considering.
Best for regulated environments needing comprehensive audit trails
BeyondTrust Remote Support is an enterprise-grade remote support platform from one of the leading providers in the Privileged Access Management space. We think BeyondTrust stands out in this category for its security depth; it goes beyond basic remote access to provide full audit trails, session recording, and granular access controls that meet the requirements of highly regulated environments.
BeyondTrust serves over 20,000 global customers and offers extensive customization options for support invitations and portals. The platform is highly scalable and designed for enterprise deployments. Something to be aware of is that the depth of features comes with a corresponding learning curve; getting to grips with the full configuration and policy management takes time. Reviews mention that pricing is at the higher end of the market, reflecting the enterprise positioning.
We were impressed by BeyondTrust’s audit and compliance capabilities. The combination of detailed session logging, video recordings, and FIPS 140-3 validated encryption makes it a strong fit for organizations in regulated industries where audit trails and access controls are non-negotiable. If security and compliance are your primary requirements for remote support, BeyondTrust is one of the strongest options available.
Best for MSPs wanting white-labeled remote support with strong security
ConnectWise ScreenConnect is a remote desktop and access platform split into two products: ScreenConnect Access for connecting to remote endpoints, and ScreenConnect Support for break/fix and reactive help desk services. We think ScreenConnect is one of the best-value remote support tools for MSPs and IT support teams, with strong security, broad platform support, and extensive white-labeling options.
ScreenConnect integrates with a wide range of extensions available in the ConnectWise Marketplace, which extends its functionality significantly. The platform supports remote access to iOS and Android devices as well as desktop operating systems. Something to be aware of is that pricing has increased recently, with the entry tier seeing approximately a 20% uplift. Reviews mention that the tool offers strong value compared to higher-priced alternatives in this space.
We were impressed by ConnectWise View’s camera-based support feature, which adds a practical dimension for troubleshooting physical hardware issues remotely. The combination of AES-256 encryption, SAML SSO, temporary third-party access, and extensive white-labeling makes it a well-rounded choice for MSPs. If you need a remote support tool that balances security, flexibility, and branding at a competitive price point, ScreenConnect is well worth considering.
Best for small IT teams wanting remote support, RMM, and ticketing in one platform
GoTo Resolve, now also available as LogMeIn Resolve, is a remote IT support platform that brings together remote support, unattended access, monitoring, management, and help desk ticketing in a single tool. We think GoTo Resolve is a strong option for small businesses and individual IT teams that want remote support, RMM, and ticketing without managing separate platforms.
GoTo Resolve includes an end-user remote access feature that lets clients securely access their own work devices remotely, which provides MSPs with a recurring service opportunity. Something to be aware of is that the platform’s strength is in combining multiple functions at a basic level; if you need deep, specialized capabilities in any single area, such as advanced RMM or enterprise-grade remote support, a dedicated tool may be better suited. Reviews mention that the interface is clean and easy to get started with.
We think GoTo Resolve is best suited for small IT teams and MSPs that want a practical, all-in-one platform without the overhead of managing separate remote support, ticketing, and RMM tools. The brandable remote sessions and tenant-specific permissions are good additions for MSPs managing multiple clients. If you need a tool that’s quick to deploy and easy to use for day-to-day IT support, GoTo Resolve is a good option to consider.
Best for organizations needing self-hosted deployment with strong encryption
ISL Light is a remote desktop solution from ISL Online, a company with offices in Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA, serving IT professionals and help desk technicians in around 100 countries. We think ISL Light stands out for offering both cloud and self-hosted deployment options, which is a meaningful advantage for organizations with strict data sovereignty or compliance requirements.
ISL Light holds ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification and meets GDPR compliance requirements, which is good to see for organizations in regulated industries. The platform is highly customizable, allowing modification of layouts, workflows, and security settings to align with existing systems and corporate branding. Something to be aware of is that ISL Light is less well-known than some of the larger players in this space, which means community resources and third-party integrations are more limited. Users report that the platform is straightforward to set up and use.
We were impressed by ISL Light’s combination of strong encryption, self-hosted deployment option, and ISO 27001 certification. If data sovereignty or on-premises hosting is a requirement, ISL Light is one of the few remote support tools that offers a genuine self-hosted alternative alongside its cloud service. The pricing is transparent and competitive, with unlimited users and devices on the Standard Cloud License, which is a strong value proposition.
Best for enterprise support teams handling high volumes of sessions
LogMeIn Rescue is a remote IT support platform designed for enterprise and mid-market support teams that need fast, cross-platform remote sessions at scale. We think Rescue is one of the most feature-rich remote support tools available, particularly for organizations that handle high volumes of support sessions across diverse device types.
LogMeIn serves over 2 million customers globally, and Rescue is well-established in the enterprise remote support market. The platform offers customizable chat support with live translation services for multi-lingual sessions, which is helpful for global support teams. Something to be aware of is that Rescue is significantly more expensive than most competitors in this category, and the modular pricing means the total cost can escalate when you add Mobile Support and other modules. Reviews flag that cheaper alternatives exist for basic remote support needs.
We think Rescue is best suited for larger support organizations that need enterprise-grade features like Live Lens video support, live translation, and the ability to handle multiple concurrent sessions per technician. The sub-20-second session start time is a meaningful productivity advantage for high-volume support teams. If your remote support needs are basic and cost is a primary concern, lighter tools in this category will serve you better; but for organizations that need the depth, Rescue is a very strong solution.
Best for organizations needing high-performance 4K streaming with compliance
Splashtop Enterprise is a remote access and support platform with over 30 million users globally, serving enterprises, academic institutions, government agencies, and small businesses. We think Splashtop Enterprise stands out for its high-performance streaming capabilities and compliance-ready security, making it a strong choice for organizations that need both performance and governance.
Splashtop offers flexible pricing with annual and multi-year subscriptions, including educational licensing for remote learning environments. Enterprise pricing requires a custom quote. Something to be aware of is that while Splashtop excels at remote access and support, it doesn’t include built-in ticketing, PSA, or RMM capabilities; if you need those functions, you’ll need additional tools. Customers note that the streaming performance is consistently strong, even over lower-bandwidth connections.
We were impressed by Splashtop’s 4K streaming performance and the 15-20% latency improvement in the 2026 release. The combination of high-performance streaming, SOC 2 and GDPR compliance, SSO integration, and role-based access control makes it a well-rounded enterprise solution. If streaming quality and low latency are critical for your remote sessions, particularly in creative, design, or engineering environments, Splashtop Enterprise is well worth considering.
Best for organizations needing the broadest cross-platform device support
TeamViewer Remote is a widely-used connectivity platform with over 600,000 customers and a reach exceeding 2.5 billion connected devices. We think TeamViewer is one of the most established and versatile remote access platforms available, with cross-platform support that covers an exceptionally broad range of device types and operating systems.
Something to be aware of is that TeamViewer’s pricing structure involves separate charges for licensed users, concurrent connections, and add-on features like mobile device support. Customers report that the total cost can be significantly higher than the headline pricing suggests, and annual renewal increases of 5-15% are common. Reviews flag that cheaper alternatives exist for basic remote access needs.
We think TeamViewer is best suited for organizations that need broad device compatibility and enterprise-scale remote support. The 127-provider cross-platform support is unmatched in this category, and the Tensor and ONE tiers provide the management and security features that larger enterprises require. If cross-platform coverage is your top priority and you need a single tool that connects to virtually any device type, TeamViewer is a very strong option. With that said, the pricing complexity means it’s worth carefully mapping out the total cost before committing.
Best for organizations valuing lightweight, reliable remote access with strong security
VNC Connect is RealVNC’s flagship remote access solution, used by over 90,000 enterprise customers including organizations like Google, NASA, and Intel. We think VNC Connect is a solid, security-focused remote access tool that prioritizes reliability and simplicity over feature bloat.
VNC Connect is multi-platform and deploys across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, which is good to see for organizations with diverse device environments. The Code Connect feature for self-expiring session codes simplifies ad-hoc support without the need for permanent agent installation. Something to be aware of is that VNC Connect is primarily a remote access tool; it doesn’t include the ticketing, monitoring, or management features that some competitors bundle. Reviews mention that pricing for Professional and Enterprise tiers has increased over the years.
We were impressed by VNC Connect’s focus on reliability and security. The 99.9% uptime, end-to-end encryption, and backwards compatibility make it a dependable choice for organizations that need straightforward remote access without unnecessary complexity. If you need a lightweight, secure remote access tool that works reliably across platforms, including Raspberry Pi, VNC Connect is well worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited to organizations that value stability and simplicity over feature breadth.
Best for smaller IT teams and MSPs wanting solid remote support at accessible pricing
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based remote support and access platform that offers both remote support sessions and unattended access with flexible pricing. We think Zoho Assist is one of the most accessible remote support tools on the market, particularly for smaller IT teams and MSPs that want solid remote support capabilities without enterprise-level costs.
Zoho Assist integrates deeply with other Zoho tools and third-party systems, which is helpful for organizations already in the Zoho ecosystem. The flexible pricing model, where you can choose Remote Support and/or Unattended Access separately, lets you pay only for what you need. Something to be aware of is that Zoho Assist is lighter on advanced enterprise features compared to tools like BeyondTrust or LogMeIn Rescue; if you need deep audit trails, FIPS compliance, or video-based equipment support, a more specialized tool may be a better fit. Users report the interface is clean and requires minimal technical know-how to set up.
We think Zoho Assist offers outstanding value for money in this category. The $10/user/month starting price with a free-forever plan available makes it one of the most affordable options, and the core remote support capabilities are solid. If you need reliable remote support and access at an accessible price point, and particularly if you’re already using other Zoho products, Zoho Assist is well worth considering.
Remote assistance pricing varies by model. Some platforms charge per technician seat, others per concurrent session, and several offer free tiers for limited use. The table below reflects what we verified through research.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AnyDesk
|
From $14.90/month (Solo)
|
Annual
|
|
|
BeyondTrust Remote Support
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
ConnectWise ScreenConnect
|
From ~$30/month (One plan, 1 technician)
|
Annual
|
|
|
GoTo Resolve
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
ISL Light
|
From $34.90/month (Standard Cloud, unlimited users/devices)
|
Annual
|
|
|
LogMeIn Rescue
|
From $109/seat/month (base); Mobile add-on $37.50/seat/month
|
Annual
|
|
|
Splashtop Enterprise
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
TeamViewer Remote
|
From $24.90/month (Remote Access)
|
Annual
|
|
|
VNC Connect
|
From $99/year; free tier for non-commercial use
|
Annual
|
|
|
Zoho Assist
|
Free plan available; from $10/user/month (Remote Support)
|
Monthly or annual
|
|
These are the configuration and operational steps we recommend when deploying a remote assistance platform.
Demo environments run on clean networks; test with the bandwidth, latency, and firewall configurations your support team will actually face.
Remote support sessions grant full control of endpoints; any connection without encryption and MFA is a security risk your organization shouldn't accept.
Session recordings protect both your organization and your technicians by creating an indisputable record of what was done during every support interaction.
Not every technician needs unattended access to every device; RBAC limits exposure and reduces the risk of accidental or unauthorized changes.
Unattended agents are powerful but expand your attack surface; deploy them selectively on servers and managed endpoints, not universally.
Linking remote sessions to tickets ensures support interactions are documented, searchable, and tied to the incident they were resolving.
Complex issues often require bringing in a second technician or escalating mid-session; verify your platform handles this without dropping the connection.
Permanent access for external parties is a compliance and security risk; time-limited, self-expiring access codes keep vendor support bounded.
Mobile remote support varies significantly between platforms; test on the specific iOS and Android versions your organization uses.
Regular review catches misuse, identifies training needs, and provides the compliance evidence auditors expect.
The right remote assistance tool depends on your support team size, security requirements, and whether you need a dedicated remote support tool or an all-in-one IT management platform.
For high-performance, low-latency connections, AnyDesk delivers responsive remote sessions that feel close to working locally, with transparent pricing starting at $14.90/month.
For regulated environments needing comprehensive audit trails, BeyondTrust Remote Support provides FIPS 140-3 validated encryption, session recording, and granular access controls.
For MSPs wanting white-labeled support with strong security, ConnectWise ScreenConnect combines AES-256 encryption, camera-based live support, and extensive branding options at competitive pricing.
For enterprise support teams handling high volumes, LogMeIn Rescue initiates sessions in under 20 seconds with live translation and video-based equipment support.
For organizations needing self-hosted deployment, ISL Light offers both cloud and on-premises options with ISO 27001 certification and unlimited users at $34.90/month.
For budget-conscious teams, Zoho Assist starts at $10/user/month with a free-forever plan and solid core capabilities.
Read the individual reviews above to evaluate the specific trade-offs around connection quality, security depth, and pricing that matter for your team.
Remote assistance solutions are software solutions that enable IT teams to access and remedy technical problems remotely. Through the software, IT staff can assist users and fix their issues without having to be physically present. This is made possible through use of live video functions to help, guide, and chat with the user having the issues. These solutions are also frequently used to monitor systems and run diagnostics remotely.
Alongside diagnostics, assistance, and problem solving, remote assistance solutions can also include features like audit tools, identity management functions, and granular permission settings.
A remote assistance solution should perform administrative and remediation tasks remotely, create communication channels between users and assistance teams, and allow for full remote access and control of desktops, laptops, servers, and other devices. This is achieved through using remote device/desktop control, real-time chat, screen sharing, and voice or video communication features.
Users experiencing issues can flag a problem with their company’s IT team. A member of the team can initiate a call to help fix the problem or access the device remotely to fix it themselves. Remote support software is often used to address technical issues and enhance security when physical access to the device is either cumbersome or not possible. Staff can access the device, diagnose the issue, then implement a fix.
Remote assistance solutions will have a raft of features which makes choosing the ideal solution for your organization difficult. Features such as screen sharing, chat bots, file transfer options are all critical features to delivering a robust and effective remote assistance solution. It is important to ensure these features are pervasive, flexible, and strong.
Further reading on it management from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.
Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.
Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.