Remote and hybrid working models are now often offered, but productivity can take a hit unless the right remote setup is in place.
You might, for example, need to access company resources and content while working from home. If your employer stipulates that you must use remote desktop/access software and a VPN if you are out of the office, you might need to find a solution. Or, remote desktop software could be the best choice if you need a way to provide tech support to a family member who needs help with their laptop but isn’t close by.
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Remote access software is often your best bet for quick, remote connections between devices. This type of software forges a remote link between machines, allowing users to control other devices, provide administrative support, and access data and files. The best options will create reliable, secure connections — and preferably for a reasonable price.
What is the best remote access software right now?
Based on our extensive testing, research into customer experiences, and personal use, the best remote access software solution on the market today is Splashtop. This multi-platform option is suitable for individuals and businesses alike and comes with a huge selection of functions and security controls. A trial is available.
Read on if you’d like to explore the rest of our top picks.
The best remote access software in 2025
Splashtop is our top recommendation for remote access software, considering its user-friendly interface, vast array of features, and suitability for small and large businesses alike.
You will need to jump through a few security hoops when you set up, which is entirely understandable when you consider the type of software this is. For example, you will need to set a strong password, and new devices will receive an authentication link via email.
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Splashtop has a vast array of useful features for remote system management. Packaged in a user-friendly interface, you can manage remote teams, file transfers, remote printing, choose remote wake and reboot options, share desktops, set up session security, and much more.
To set up a basic remote link, you only need to download the Splashtop Manager and click “Add Computer.” You will then be provided with a link the target system needs to access.
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Splashtop provides a trial and a range of subscriptions. When deciding on your plan, you will need to pick between a package for remote desktop & access or remote IT and support, depending on the features most important to you. The cheapest option is remote work and access Solo, billed annually at $60 ($5/month). A remote IT support package, SOS, is available for $22/month.
Add-ons are also available, including endpoint management and screen mirroring software.
While some customers note that pricing and subscriptions could be streamlined and made easier to understand, many applaud Splashtop’s reliable and solid service.
Splashtop features: User-friendly | Remote recording | Unattended setups | Drag-and drop file transfers | Printing | 2FA | Multi-platform | Click-and-drag file management | Free trial available
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Zoho Assist is a great remote access software solution if you want an affordable option with cheap plans.
It’s very easy to initially set up, requiring little more than your credentials and a verification email.
Zoho’s dashboard contains a wealth of helpful information and graphics, allowing users to track their monitoring sessions and manage data privacy. Different tabs organize options for user groups, customers, and contacts, unattended access, security, and compliance.
However, in my opinion, the user interface is cluttered and could use streamlining — so it might take a while to become familiar with the layout.
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Furthermore, the platform can be integrated with many third-party apps, including Slack, Zendesk, Jira, and Freshdesk, which will be helpful for technical support professionals.
You can take advantage of Zoho Assist’s free trial or simply sign up. Pricing is easy to understand and begins at $10/month for technical support uses or the same price for unattended access purposes. Professional and enterprise plans are available.
Customer feedback indicates that many are happy with the price point, but there are reports that support needs improvement.
Zoho Assist features: Useful session metrics | Unattended access | File transfers | Voice chat | Mobile device support | Slack, Jira, Zendesk integration | Advanced security settings | MFA | Free trial
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AnyDesk is a well-known brand in the remote desktop software space, although its use might now be limited to specific cases.
This solution is best suited for small businesses or those looking for a solution focused on unattended access. It is compatible with most popular platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Features of this lightweight client include remote device management, SSO and 2FA, IAM, session logging, screen recording, chat, and a collaborative whiteboard feature. You can also customize the remote desktop software client with your own branding.
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Regarding pricing, this service is expensive. Plans begin at $22.90/month on an individual subscription with support for three login devices. However, the basic plan does include support for up to three login devices and 100 unattended devices.
Many customers are happy with the software, but price increases — and reports of increasing service restrictions — are unpopular. However, if you switch, you will receive up to six months of service for free.
Watch out if you receive unexpected security audit requests, as cybercriminals are currently weaponizing the software in a fresh wave of remote access scams.
AnyDesk features: Desktop sharing | Client customization | Multi-platform | Unattended access | Mobile device support | Group policies | Free trial
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Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, RemotePC HelpDesk should be on your radar if you’re looking for a solution suitable for helpdesk purposes.
The software’s user interface is clean and uncluttered, and the HelpDesk bolt-on to the standard RemotePC service can be accessed via a browser or a desktop application. You can navigate between technician and group lists, contacts, session histories, remote access tools, and invite or schedule customers for assistance.
RemotePC is an affordable option with especially cheap plans for new customers. In total, five plans are available, ranging from an individual consumer license to enterprise subscriptions, with the cheapest being $22.12 for the first year for one licensed device.
If you want HelpDesk, you will pay $9.95 for the first year, although this will jump after the promotional period ends. A free seven-day trial is also available for both setups.
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User reviews are a mixed bag, with some saying that while the software is relatively good, there are some problems with connections and customer support.
RemotePC, HelpDesk features: Web access | Remote chat, mic | Screen sharing | File transfers, printing | Always-on remote access | Windows, macOS, Linux compatible | Free trial
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TeamViewer should be on your radar if you need a free solution for casual, personal use.
I use TeamViewer to assist an elderly relative on a fairly frequent basis, and I have no complaints about its free version. Sure, it’s a bit dated, it’s not the fastest solution out there, and it doesn’t have all of the advanced features of competing companies.
Still, it fills a need in the market for individuals who need reliable remote desktop software for occasional use.
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Alternatively, business plans are available for multiple concurrent connections, unattended devices, phone support in 33 languages, and integration add-ons including an AI-based session insight generator. It is also possible to integrate TeamViewer with services including ServiceNow, Freshworks, Zendesk, and Jamf.
Many long-term customers say that the software simply works and comes in handy for casual remote activities, although some note that it can be slow to connect.
TeamViewer features: User-friendly UI | Multi-platform | Session sharing codes | Remote scripting | Business plans available | Mobile support | AI insights | Free version
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|
Remote access software |
Price |
Best for individual/business use? |
Mobile-friendly? |
2FA/MFA/SSO? |
Free trial? |
|
Splashtop |
$5/month ($60 annually)+ |
Both |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Zoho Assist |
$10/month+ |
Business |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
AnyDesk |
$22.90/month+ |
Business |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
RemotePC, HelpDesk |
$9.95/year+ |
Both |
x |
Yes |
Yes |
|
TeamViewer |
Free or $24.90/month+ |
Individual |
Yes |
Yes |
Free version |
To help you decide on the best remote desktop/access software for you, we’ve compiled a list of our recommendations based on different use cases.
|
Choose this remote desktop software… |
If you want… |
|
Splashtop |
The best remote desktop software overall. Splashtop is a one-size-fits-most solution with multi-platform support and a range of security and pricing options. |
|
Zoho Assist |
An affordable solution for remote assistance or unattended access. Zoho Assist is best suited for business use, unless you are a solo technician and two concurrent sessions are enough. |
|
AnyDesk |
A service suitable for small businesses. It’s expensive, but the features on offer for business users might be appealing, especially regarding unattended access options. |
|
RemotePC |
A solution with a useful HelpDesk extension. If you need a clean, helpful UI for remote assistance purposes, RemotePC might be for you. |
|
TeamViewer |
The best remote desktop software for individual use. Sure, it doesn’t have all of the advanced features of its competitors, but for casual users, TeamViewer has everything you need. |
Choosing the right remote access and desktop software, especially if you plan to use it for work and productivity purposes, can be a tough decision. Consider the factors below to make the best choice for you.
- Security and safety: Your security and safety must be paramount when you are deciding on remote desktop software. If you choose a solution from an unknown or untrustworthy provider, you could end up accidentally compromising your machine and data or installing malware instead.
- Purpose: What do you need remote access software for? Occasionally helping out an elderly relative or full-time work and tech support? Consider the reasons and choose the right software to suit you.
- User interface: Ensure you choose a solution with a user interface that appeals to you. A simple, clean look or a more detailed interface displaying all manner of functions — it’s your choice.
- Third-party integrations: If you want to integrate your remote access software solution with third-party software such as Slack, take note of whether or not such compatibility is available. This might end up saving you frustration and annoyance further down the line.
- Free versions: Do you want a free option? Research the limits and strings attached. If you’re only looking to use remote access software casually, a free solution might be enough, but if you are looking to launch or run a business with a remote access component, you will need to go beyond free options.
- Cost: If you’re happy to pay for remote desktop software, consider how much and when. Keep in mind that prices may increase after your first year as a new customer, and if you opt for monthly subscriptions, you will pay more than you would otherwise on annual, upfront plans.
In compiling our recommendations for the best remote access software solutions, we thoroughly researched and examined third-party reviews and opinions from security experts. We also relied on our own hands-on experience and knowledge of the security risks associated with some solutions.
When selecting the best remote access software solutions, these are some of the most critical factors that determine the best options for consumers and businesses:
- Paid, free options: While paid plans are generally better for businesses, we have investigated free and paid plans to suit as many users as possible.
- Security: Security is extremely important when you are looking for a new remote access software solution. We only included vendors with a clean track record and a reasonably transparent approach to security and patch updates.
- Rapid file transfers: File transfers are commonly performed through remote access software, so we ensured our recommendations are known for seamless, quick file exchanges.
- Multi-platform: We have included a range of options suitable for desktop, mobile, and browser-based use. It’s important that remote desktop software is flexible.
- Third-party integrations: To boost productivity, we like to see a range of third-party integrations offered to subscribers.
- Advanced features: We like to see features on offer beyond a connection from machine to machine. Voice or text chat options, for example, can be extremely useful if you’re using remote access software for tech support.
- Customer feedback: It’s crucial that customers, overall, have a good experience with a remote access solution. While we understand that sometimes errors or security issues occur, we focused on vendors with long-standing reputations and positive customer reviews.
- Customer support: Where possible, we prefer that remote access software providers operate multiple channels and means for customers to receive support.
Generally, yes, but only if proper security controls and measures are taken. Remote access software should be disabled when it is not in use, and you should always opt for a provider known for taking the security of its users and customers seriously, with frequent patch updates and audits. You should also consider using a VPN with remote access software for an additional layer of security.
Unfortunately, as remote access software provides quick access to another machine, cybercriminals are known for abusing these services in their scams. For example, scammers tell their victims their PC is compromised with a virus and then lure their target into downloading a remote desktop solution so they can ‘fix’ their machines for them.
Also: The best free VPNs: Expert tested
You should never give remote access software details or access to anyone you don’t personally know and trust — and never to a cold caller.
No, it is far easier to use remote access software than you may think. TeamViewer, for example, only requires a download, installation, and then the exchange of keys or permissions to forge a connection between two systems. Legitimate tech support teams will often use remote access software to resolve problems, and it takes no more than a few minutes to launch and enable.
Yes. In fact, sometimes you may be required to use a VPN with remote access software, such as when you are trying to access resources or systems belonging to your employer. You may also be required to use a VPN to change your location prior to launching this software. While remote access software builds the bridge between two devices, VPNs utilize encryption to create a more secure tunnel.
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You should not leave remote access software open and running when not in use. While our recommendations are all trustworthy and secure, it is simply a good security practice to keep apps and software that permit remote access closed when you do not need them.
Not always, but there can be telltale signs. For example, if you suspect someone is tampering with your machine while you’re sitting there, you may notice unexpected mouse or pointer movements, files opening and closing, or command prompts. If you suspect your PC is compromised, cut off its internet access immediately.
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