Best Remote Desktop Software (2025)

How to Choose the Best Remote Desktop Software

Selecting the right remote desktop software depends on your use case, security requirements, performance needs, and budget. Consider these key factors:

Performance & Latency

Connection speed, video quality, responsiveness for smooth remote work

Security Features

Encryption, authentication, access controls, compliance standards

Platform Support

Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile devices, browser-based access

Features & Functionality

File transfer, printing, multi-monitor, session recording, collaboration

Ease of Use

Setup complexity, user interface, learning curve, technical requirements

Pricing & Licensing

Free vs paid, per-user vs per-device, enterprise licensing, trial periods

Featured Remote Desktop Providers

TeamViewer

Best Overall

Industry-leading remote desktop software with excellent performance, security, and cross-platform support.

• Cross-platform support
• Excellent performance
• Strong security
• Mobile apps

Visit TeamViewer

AnyDesk

Best Value

Fast and lightweight remote desktop solution with ultra-low latency and affordable pricing.

• Ultra-low latency
• Affordable pricing
• Lightweight client
• Good performance

Visit AnyDesk

Chrome Remote Desktop

Free Option

Free browser-based remote desktop solution from Google with easy setup and mobile access.

• Completely free
• Browser-based
• Easy setup
• Google integration

Visit Chrome Remote Desktop

Selections consider performance, security, ease of use, pricing, and platform support. Verify current plans and features on provider sites.

All Remote Desktop Software — Complete Comparison

Provider	Type	Key Features	Pricing
TeamViewer Best overall	Premium	Cross-platform, file transfer, mobile apps	From $50.90/month	Visit TeamViewer
AnyDesk Best value	Performance	Ultra-low latency, lightweight, fast	From $10.99/month	Visit AnyDesk
Chrome Remote Desktop Free option	Free	Browser-based, easy setup, mobile	Free	Visit Chrome Remote Desktop
Splashtop Business focused	Business	High performance, file transfer, recording	From $5/month	Visit Splashtop
LogMeIn Pro Enterprise	Enterprise	Enterprise features, reliable, secure	From $30/month	Visit LogMeIn Pro
RemotePC Great value	Value	Unlimited computers, file transfer	From $18.38/year	Visit RemotePC
VNC Connect Open source	Open Source	Open source, customizable, secure	From $3.39/month	Visit VNC Connect
UltraVNC Free open source	Free Open Source	Completely free, plugin support	Free	Visit UltraVNC
Windows Remote Desktop Windows built-in	Built-in	Built into Windows, integrated	Free	Visit Windows Remote Desktop
GoToMyPC Legacy solution	Legacy	Reliable, established vendor	From $35/month	Visit GoToMyPC
Parsec Gaming focused	Gaming	Low latency, gaming optimized	From $9.99/month	Visit Parsec
RustDesk Open source	Open Source	Open source, self-hosted option	Free	Visit RustDesk
NoMachine High performance	Performance	High performance, NX protocol	Free/Paid	Visit NoMachine
Supremo Simple solution	Simple	Simple setup, lightweight	From $4/month	Visit Supremo
ConnectWise Control IT support	IT Support	IT support focused, enterprise	From $19/month	Visit ConnectWise Control

Features and pricing vary by plan. Verify current terms and licensing on the provider's website.

Remote Desktop Software Types

Premium Solutions

Full-featured remote desktop software with advanced features and enterprise support.

• TeamViewer
• LogMeIn Pro
• ConnectWise Control

Free Solutions

No-cost remote desktop options with basic to advanced features.

• Chrome Remote Desktop
• UltraVNC
• Windows Remote Desktop

Open Source

Community-driven solutions with customizable and self-hosted options.

• VNC Connect
• RustDesk
• NoMachine

Performance-Focused

Solutions optimized for low latency and high-quality video streaming.

• AnyDesk
• Parsec
• Splashtop

Business Solutions

Enterprise-grade remote desktop software with management and compliance features.

• LogMeIn Pro
• ConnectWise Control
• TeamViewer Business

Specialized Use Cases

Solutions designed for specific purposes like gaming, IT support, or simple access.

• Parsec (Gaming)
• Supremo (Simple)
• RemotePC (Value)

Essential Remote Desktop Features

Core Features

• Screen Sharing: View and control remote desktop screens in real-time
• File Transfer: Securely transfer files between local and remote computers
• Multi-Monitor Support: Access multiple monitors on remote systems
• Audio Redirection: Stream audio from remote computer to local device
• Clipboard Sharing: Copy and paste between local and remote systems

Advanced Features

• Session Recording: Record remote desktop sessions for training or compliance
• Wake on LAN: Wake up remote computers from sleep mode
• Mobile Access: Access remote desktops from smartphones and tablets
• Unattended Access: Connect to computers without user presence
• Collaboration Tools: Chat, annotations, and multi-user sessions

Choosing the Right Remote Desktop Software

For Personal Use

Chrome Remote Desktop offers free, easy access. AnyDesk provides excellent performance at low cost. TeamViewer is best for occasional use.

For Small Business

Splashtop offers great value for business use. RemotePC provides unlimited computers at low cost. TeamViewer Business offers comprehensive features.

For Enterprise

LogMeIn Pro and ConnectWise Control provide enterprise-grade features, compliance, and management capabilities for large organizations.

For Gaming/High Performance

Parsec is optimized for gaming with ultra-low latency. AnyDesk offers excellent performance for general high-performance needs.

Remote Desktop Software FAQs

What is remote desktop software?

Remote desktop software allows you to access and control a computer from another device over the internet, enabling remote work and technical support.

Is remote desktop software secure?

Reputable solutions use strong encryption (AES-256) and secure authentication. Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication when available.

What's the difference between free and paid remote desktop software?

Free versions typically have limitations on features, devices, or commercial use. Paid versions offer more features, better support, and higher performance for business use.

Which remote desktop software is best for gaming?

Parsec is specifically optimized for gaming with ultra-low latency. Steam Remote Play is also excellent for gaming-focused remote access.

Can I use remote desktop software on mobile devices?

Yes, most modern remote desktop solutions offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing you to access your desktop from smartphones and tablets.

Do I need to install software on both computers?

Most solutions require client software on both devices, though some offer browser-based access that only requires installation on the host computer.

What internet speed do I need for remote desktop?

Minimum 1-2 Mbps for basic use, 5-10 Mbps for smooth performance, and 10+ Mbps for high-quality video and gaming applications.

Can I use remote desktop software for IT support?

Yes, solutions like ConnectWise Control, TeamViewer, and LogMeIn are specifically designed for IT support with features like unattended access and session management.