Quick Overview
- 1#1: TeamViewer - Enables secure remote access, control, and support across devices for help desks with unattended access and file transfer.
- 2#2: Splashtop - Provides high-performance remote desktop access and support optimized for IT help desks with multi-monitor and mobile support.
- 3#3: AnyDesk - Offers ultra-low latency remote desktop software for fast and efficient help desk troubleshooting sessions.
- 4#4: ConnectWise Control - Delivers on-demand and unattended remote support with integrations for MSPs and help desks.
- 5#5: Zoho Assist - Facilitates instant remote access and unattended support with voice/video chat for cost-effective help desks.
- 6#6: GoTo Resolve - Powers enterprise-grade remote support with chat, diagnostics, and automation for help desk teams.
- 7#7: BeyondTrust Remote Support - Provides secure, compliant remote access with session recording and privilege management for regulated help desks.
- 8#8: Dameware Remote Everywhere - Offers agentless remote control and support tools integrated with SolarWinds for IT help desks.
- 9#9: ISL Online - Supports secure remote desktop access with custom branding and mobile apps for help desk operations.
- 10#10: Remote Utilities - Delivers reliable unattended and attended remote access with server-based hosting for small help desks.
Tools were ranked by evaluating core features like security and performance, quality of user experience (ease of use and deployment), and overall value across workflows, ensuring each entry represents a leading choice for diverse help desk needs.
Comparison Table
Explore help desk remote access solutions with our comparison, featuring tools like TeamViewer, Splashtop, AnyDesk, ConnectWise Control, and Zoho Assist. This table outlines key features, practical use cases, and suitability to guide professionals in choosing the right fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TeamViewer Enables secure remote access, control, and support across devices for help desks with unattended access and file transfer. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Splashtop Provides high-performance remote desktop access and support optimized for IT help desks with multi-monitor and mobile support. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | AnyDesk Offers ultra-low latency remote desktop software for fast and efficient help desk troubleshooting sessions. | specialized | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | ConnectWise Control Delivers on-demand and unattended remote support with integrations for MSPs and help desks. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Zoho Assist Facilitates instant remote access and unattended support with voice/video chat for cost-effective help desks. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | GoTo Resolve Powers enterprise-grade remote support with chat, diagnostics, and automation for help desk teams. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | BeyondTrust Remote Support Provides secure, compliant remote access with session recording and privilege management for regulated help desks. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Dameware Remote Everywhere Offers agentless remote control and support tools integrated with SolarWinds for IT help desks. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | ISL Online Supports secure remote desktop access with custom branding and mobile apps for help desk operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Remote Utilities Delivers reliable unattended and attended remote access with server-based hosting for small help desks. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Enables secure remote access, control, and support across devices for help desks with unattended access and file transfer.
Provides high-performance remote desktop access and support optimized for IT help desks with multi-monitor and mobile support.
Offers ultra-low latency remote desktop software for fast and efficient help desk troubleshooting sessions.
Delivers on-demand and unattended remote support with integrations for MSPs and help desks.
Facilitates instant remote access and unattended support with voice/video chat for cost-effective help desks.
Powers enterprise-grade remote support with chat, diagnostics, and automation for help desk teams.
Provides secure, compliant remote access with session recording and privilege management for regulated help desks.
Offers agentless remote control and support tools integrated with SolarWinds for IT help desks.
Supports secure remote desktop access with custom branding and mobile apps for help desk operations.
Delivers reliable unattended and attended remote access with server-based hosting for small help desks.
TeamViewer
enterpriseEnables secure remote access, control, and support across devices for help desks with unattended access and file transfer.
QuickSupport module for one-click, installation-free remote access from clients
TeamViewer is a premier remote access and control software designed for secure, real-time connections between devices across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. It excels in help desk scenarios by enabling unattended access, file transfers, multi-monitor support, chat, and session recording for efficient troubleshooting. With robust end-to-end encryption and seamless NAT traversal, it minimizes setup hassles for IT support teams handling customer or internal issues.
Pros
- Cross-platform compatibility across all major OS and mobile devices
- QuickSupport for instant, no-install client access
- Enterprise-grade security with 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication
Cons
- Premium pricing scales quickly for large teams
- Occasional performance dips on very low-bandwidth connections
- Free version aggressively detects and restricts commercial use
Best For
Help desk teams providing remote IT support to diverse customer bases with varying devices and OS.
Pricing
Free for personal/non-commercial use; commercial plans start at $50.90/user/month (Business, annual) up to custom Corporate licensing.
Splashtop
enterpriseProvides high-performance remote desktop access and support optimized for IT help desks with multi-monitor and mobile support.
High-performance 4K video streaming for smooth remote control even on demanding applications
Splashtop is a high-performance remote access and support solution tailored for help desk teams, allowing IT technicians to securely connect to and control client devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. It excels in both attended (on-demand) and unattended access modes, with features like multi-monitor support, file transfer, remote printing, and session recording for auditing. Designed for MSPs and internal IT departments, it provides fast, reliable connections ideal for troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.
Pros
- Lightning-fast connections with 4K streaming and low latency
- Robust security including 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication
- Intuitive interface with quick deployment and mobile app support
Cons
- Limited advanced API integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Free trial restrictions may limit initial testing for large teams
- Occasional dependency on stable internet for optimal performance
Best For
IT help desks and MSPs seeking reliable, cost-effective remote support for small to mid-sized client bases.
Pricing
Starts at $199/year for Solo (1 technician, unlimited endpoints), team plans from $299/year, with enterprise custom pricing.
AnyDesk
specializedOffers ultra-low latency remote desktop software for fast and efficient help desk troubleshooting sessions.
DeskRT proprietary codec delivering sub-16ms latency for responsive remote sessions
AnyDesk is a high-performance remote desktop software designed for secure and fast remote access and control of computers across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It enables help desk professionals to provide real-time support through features like unattended access, file transfer, session recording, and multi-monitor support. Renowned for its low-latency DeskRT codec, AnyDesk minimizes lag even on slower connections, making it suitable for IT troubleshooting and remote assistance.
Pros
- Ultra-low latency and high frame rates for smooth remote control
- Broad cross-platform compatibility and mobile support
- Robust security with end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication
Cons
- Advanced features like detailed reporting require higher-tier plans
- Free version limited for professional help desk use
- Pricing can escalate for teams needing multiple licenses
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT help desks seeking fast, reliable remote access without complex setup.
Pricing
Free Lite plan for personal use; Standard at $14.90/user/month, Professional at $29.90/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
ConnectWise Control
enterpriseDelivers on-demand and unattended remote support with integrations for MSPs and help desks.
Integrated relay network for secure, firewall-friendly connections without requiring VPNs or port forwarding
ConnectWise Control is a robust remote access and support platform designed for IT help desks and MSPs, offering secure attended and unattended remote control of Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. It provides features like screen sharing, file transfer, chat, session recording, and multi-session handling to streamline troubleshooting. With strong integration capabilities for PSA and RMM tools, it enhances workflow efficiency for technical support teams.
Pros
- Excellent performance with low latency and multi-monitor support
- Seamless unattended access via permanent host pages
- Robust security including end-to-end encryption and compliance features
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or high concurrency
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
- Mobile app functionality is solid but lacks some desktop feature parity
Best For
MSPs and enterprise IT help desks managing high volumes of remote support tickets with existing ConnectWise integrations.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at $29/month (Solo, 1 tech) up to Enterprise custom pricing, billed annually with per-technician or concurrent session models.
Zoho Assist
specializedFacilitates instant remote access and unattended support with voice/video chat for cost-effective help desks.
Deep integration with Zoho Desk for automatic ticket-to-remote-session linking
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based remote support and access tool tailored for help desks and IT teams, enabling unattended access, on-demand sessions, and remote control across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It offers features like multi-session handling, file transfer, voice/video chat, and session recording to streamline troubleshooting. As part of the Zoho One suite, it integrates seamlessly with Zoho Desk, CRM, and other apps for enhanced ticketing and workflow automation.
Pros
- Excellent cross-platform support and lightweight clientless access for quick sessions
- Seamless integration with Zoho ecosystem for unified help desk operations
- Affordable pricing with a generous free plan for basic use
Cons
- Limited advanced diagnostic tools compared to premium competitors like BeyondTrust
- Customization options for branding and workflows are somewhat restricted
- Mobile app remote control can be less responsive during intensive tasks
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams and help desks using Zoho products that need cost-effective, integrated remote support without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; paid plans start at $10/month per technician (Standard), $18 (Professional), and $48 (Enterprise), billed annually.
GoTo Resolve
enterprisePowers enterprise-grade remote support with chat, diagnostics, and automation for help desk teams.
Augmented Reality (AR) remote guidance for hands-free mobile device support
GoTo Resolve is a comprehensive remote support platform tailored for IT help desks, allowing technicians to securely access, control, and troubleshoot customer devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It supports both attended and unattended sessions with features like real-time diagnostics, file transfer, scripting, and integrated chat or video. Advanced capabilities include AR-guided support for mobile devices and multi-technician collaboration, streamlining complex issue resolution.
Pros
- Broad cross-platform compatibility including mobile AR support
- Enterprise-grade security with AES-256 encryption and compliance features
- Powerful diagnostics, scripting, and multi-session management
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to entry-level competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional reports of session lag in high-latency environments
Best For
Mid-to-large IT help desks requiring scalable, secure remote access with advanced diagnostics and mobile support.
Pricing
Subscription tiers starting at $108/user/month (billed annually) for Standard plan; pay-per-use options available.
BeyondTrust Remote Support
enterpriseProvides secure, compliant remote access with session recording and privilege management for regulated help desks.
Jump technology enabling secure, brokerless remote access without exposing credentials or requiring VPNs
BeyondTrust Remote Support is an enterprise-grade remote access platform tailored for IT help desks, providing secure, audited remote control of endpoints across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. It excels in high-security environments with features like session recording, multi-factor authentication, privilege management, and integration with SIEM tools for compliance. Technicians can perform screen sharing, file transfers, chat, and diagnostics without VPNs using Jump Clients for unattended access.
Pros
- Exceptional security with session isolation, credential injection, and granular auditing
- Broad cross-platform support and scalability for large deployments
- Advanced integrations including PAM, ITSM, and endpoint management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-enterprise users
- High pricing that may not suit small teams or SMBs
- Appliance-based deployment can require IT expertise
Best For
Large enterprises and regulated industries needing secure, compliant remote support with detailed audit trails.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $3,000+ per concurrent support session annually, with cloud or on-premises options.
Dameware Remote Everywhere
enterpriseOffers agentless remote control and support tools integrated with SolarWinds for IT help desks.
Lightweight, self-updating agents for persistent unattended access that deploy quickly and work reliably behind NAT and firewalls
Dameware Remote Everywhere, from SolarWinds, is a cloud-based remote access and support tool tailored for IT help desks, enabling secure connections to Windows, Mac, and Linux endpoints without needing VPNs. It supports attended and unattended access, file transfers, multi-monitor handling, and session recording to facilitate efficient troubleshooting. The solution integrates with Active Directory and offers mobile support apps for technicians on the go.
Pros
- Robust cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Strong security features including AES-256 encryption and session recording
- Seamless unattended access through firewalls without VPN requirements
Cons
- Subscription model can be costly for small teams or low-volume use
- User interface feels somewhat dated and less intuitive than newer competitors
- Occasional reports of connectivity delays in high-latency environments
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise help desks managing diverse endpoint fleets that require reliable, secure remote support at scale.
Pricing
Starts at $15.50 per technician per month (billed annually), with volume discounts and custom enterprise pricing available.
ISL Online
specializedSupports secure remote desktop access with custom branding and mobile apps for help desk operations.
Technician-side browser-based access with no software installation required, enabling instant sessions from any device.
ISL Online is a versatile remote access and support platform designed for help desk teams, offering secure attended and unattended remote control across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It includes features like screen sharing, file transfer, integrated chat, voice communication, and session recording for auditing and training purposes. The solution supports both cloud-hosted and on-premise deployments, making it suitable for IT support in various environments.
Pros
- Robust cross-platform compatibility including mobile devices
- Advanced security with AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication
- Comprehensive session management with recording, reporting, and multi-technician collaboration
Cons
- Pricing scales with concurrent sessions, becoming expensive for high-volume use
- User interface appears somewhat dated compared to newer competitors
- Unattended access setup requires initial client installation on endpoints
Best For
Mid-sized IT help desks and MSPs needing secure, multi-platform remote support with strong compliance features.
Pricing
Starts at €29/month for 1 concurrent session (SOLO plan); higher tiers like PRO (€99/month for 3 sessions) and custom enterprise pricing based on sessions and add-ons.
Remote Utilities
specializedDelivers reliable unattended and attended remote access with server-based hosting for small help desks.
Portable viewer app that runs without installation from USB or any device
Remote Utilities is a lightweight remote access software tailored for IT support and help desk teams, enabling secure unattended and attended connections to Windows computers from multiple platforms. It supports essential features like screen sharing, file transfer, remote printing, voice chat, and multi-monitor handling without requiring port forwarding or router changes. The tool emphasizes ease of deployment with portable viewers and offers scalable licensing for small to large teams.
Pros
- Exceptional affordability with free personal edition and low-cost commercial plans starting under $50/year
- Cross-platform viewers for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Reliable NAT traversal and no port forwarding required for quick setup
Cons
- Host agent limited to Windows only, no macOS or Linux support
- User interface appears dated compared to modern competitors
- Lacks advanced help desk integrations like ticketing systems or automation workflows
Best For
Budget-conscious IT help desks and small teams primarily supporting Windows endpoints.
Pricing
Free for personal use (up to 10 computers); commercial plans start at €49.90/year for 10 computers, with lifetime licenses and enterprise scaling available.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools highlight a range of strengths, with TeamViewer leading as the best choice, offering secure, cross-device support and seamless functionality. Just behind, Splashtop excels in multi-monitor and mobile optimization, while AnyDesk impresses with ultra-low latency, catering to different help desk needs.
Begin with TeamViewer to unlock robust remote assistance—its user-friendly design and versatile features make it a standout for enhancing help desk efficiency and support quality.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.