Quick Overview
- 1#1: TeamViewer - Provides secure remote access, control, and real-time support for computers, servers, and mobile devices in help desk scenarios.
- 2#2: AnyDesk - Delivers high-speed, low-latency remote desktop access and control optimized for fast IT support and help desk operations.
- 3#3: Splashtop Remote Support - Offers secure, high-performance remote access and screen sharing for help desk technicians with multi-monitor support.
- 4#4: Zoho Assist - Cloud-based remote support tool enabling unattended access, voice chat, and file transfer for efficient help desk workflows.
- 5#5: ConnectWise Control - Professional remote monitoring and access platform designed for MSPs and IT help desks with session recording.
- 6#6: LogMeIn Rescue - Advanced remote support software with mobile device access, diagnostics, and AR features for enterprise help desks.
- 7#7: BeyondTrust Remote Support - Secure, privileged access management solution for compliant remote support in high-security help desk environments.
- 8#8: ISL Online - Customizable remote desktop and support software with OCR chat and strong encryption for help desk teams.
- 9#9: Dameware Remote Support - On-premise and agentless remote control tool with Active Directory integration for IT help desk support.
- 10#10: RealVNC Connect - Reliable remote access software providing secure screen sharing and control for technical support and help desks.
We evaluated these tools based on key factors including performance, security, ease of use, and value, ensuring they represent the best-in-class for diverse help desk environments and needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top help desk remote control tools, including TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Splashtop Remote Support, Zoho Assist, and ConnectWise Control, to outline their core features and differences. It equips readers with insights to identify the most suitable tool for their specific support, collaboration, or technical assistance needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TeamViewer Provides secure remote access, control, and real-time support for computers, servers, and mobile devices in help desk scenarios. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | AnyDesk Delivers high-speed, low-latency remote desktop access and control optimized for fast IT support and help desk operations. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Splashtop Remote Support Offers secure, high-performance remote access and screen sharing for help desk technicians with multi-monitor support. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Assist Cloud-based remote support tool enabling unattended access, voice chat, and file transfer for efficient help desk workflows. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | ConnectWise Control Professional remote monitoring and access platform designed for MSPs and IT help desks with session recording. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | LogMeIn Rescue Advanced remote support software with mobile device access, diagnostics, and AR features for enterprise help desks. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | BeyondTrust Remote Support Secure, privileged access management solution for compliant remote support in high-security help desk environments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | ISL Online Customizable remote desktop and support software with OCR chat and strong encryption for help desk teams. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Dameware Remote Support On-premise and agentless remote control tool with Active Directory integration for IT help desk support. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | RealVNC Connect Reliable remote access software providing secure screen sharing and control for technical support and help desks. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Provides secure remote access, control, and real-time support for computers, servers, and mobile devices in help desk scenarios.
Delivers high-speed, low-latency remote desktop access and control optimized for fast IT support and help desk operations.
Offers secure, high-performance remote access and screen sharing for help desk technicians with multi-monitor support.
Cloud-based remote support tool enabling unattended access, voice chat, and file transfer for efficient help desk workflows.
Professional remote monitoring and access platform designed for MSPs and IT help desks with session recording.
Advanced remote support software with mobile device access, diagnostics, and AR features for enterprise help desks.
Secure, privileged access management solution for compliant remote support in high-security help desk environments.
Customizable remote desktop and support software with OCR chat and strong encryption for help desk teams.
On-premise and agentless remote control tool with Active Directory integration for IT help desk support.
Reliable remote access software providing secure screen sharing and control for technical support and help desks.
TeamViewer
enterpriseProvides secure remote access, control, and real-time support for computers, servers, and mobile devices in help desk scenarios.
QuickSupport module for instant, lightweight remote sessions without full installation on the end-user device
TeamViewer is a leading remote access and control software designed for help desk professionals, allowing secure, real-time connections to user devices across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. It facilitates unattended access, file transfers, chat, session recording, and collaborative tools like whiteboarding, streamlining IT support and troubleshooting. Renowned for its reliability and ease of deployment, it's trusted by millions for both ad-hoc support and enterprise remote management.
Pros
- Seamless cross-platform compatibility including mobile devices
- Enterprise-grade security with end-to-end encryption and 2FA
- Quick connection via ID/password without complex setup or port forwarding
Cons
- Expensive for large-scale commercial deployments
- Performance can lag on very slow internet connections
- Free version aggressively detects and blocks commercial use
Best For
IT help desk teams and support technicians needing reliable, secure remote control across diverse devices and networks.
Pricing
Free for personal/non-commercial use; commercial plans start at $49/month per user (Business tier, billed annually) up to $229/month for enterprise features.
AnyDesk
enterpriseDelivers high-speed, low-latency remote desktop access and control optimized for fast IT support and help desk operations.
DeskRT proprietary codec delivering unmatched speed and responsiveness even on low-bandwidth connections
AnyDesk is a high-performance remote desktop software that enables secure, low-latency access and control of remote devices across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. It is particularly suited for help desk remote control, allowing IT support teams to troubleshoot issues, transfer files, and provide real-time assistance with minimal delay. Features like unattended access, session recording, and multi-monitor support make it a robust solution for efficient remote support workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally low latency and high frame rates via DeskRT codec for smooth remote control
- Broad cross-platform compatibility and easy unattended access setup
- Strong security with TLS 1.2 encryption and two-factor authentication
Cons
- Advanced features like custom aliases and scripting require paid plans
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple users
- Free version lacks session reporting and priority support
Best For
IT help desk teams requiring fast, reliable remote access for customer troubleshooting and support.
Pricing
Free for personal use; Professional solo plan at $14.90/user/month (annual billing), with Team and Enterprise plans starting at $29.90/user/month for advanced features.
Splashtop Remote Support
enterpriseOffers secure, high-performance remote access and screen sharing for help desk technicians with multi-monitor support.
Ultra-low latency performance for seamless remote control even on bandwidth-limited connections
Splashtop Remote Support is a high-performance remote access and control tool tailored for IT help desks, enabling technicians to remotely view, control, and troubleshoot devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. It offers unattended access, file transfer, multi-monitor support, session recording, and integrated chat for efficient support sessions. With strong emphasis on speed and security, including AES-256 encryption and 2FA, it's designed to streamline help desk operations without compromising reliability.
Pros
- Exceptional speed and low latency for smooth remote sessions
- Broad cross-platform support including mobile devices
- Cost-effective pricing with unlimited technicians on base plans
Cons
- Advanced automation and scripting features are limited
- Customer support response times can vary
- Large-scale enterprise deployment requires additional configuration
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams and help desks needing fast, secure remote control on a budget.
Pricing
Starts at $299/year (Solo plan: unlimited techs, 25 endpoints); Business Access at $399/year (150 endpoints); Enterprise plans custom.
Zoho Assist
enterpriseCloud-based remote support tool enabling unattended access, voice chat, and file transfer for efficient help desk workflows.
Zero-client-install remote support via a simple shareable link
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based remote support and access platform tailored for help desks and IT teams, enabling quick unattended access, on-demand screen sharing, and remote control across multiple devices. It supports cross-platform compatibility including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, with features like file transfer, multi-monitor handling, and integrated chat. The tool integrates seamlessly with Zoho's suite, such as Zoho Desk for ticketing, streamlining help desk workflows.
Pros
- Simple, no-install screen sharing for instant support sessions
- Affordable pricing with a functional free tier
- Strong integration with Zoho ecosystem and ticketing systems
Cons
- Limited advanced customization and scripting compared to competitors
- Performance can lag on very slow networks or mobile devices
- Free plan restricts unattended access to only 5 computers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and IT help desks seeking cost-effective, easy-to-deploy remote support with CRM integration.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; paid Remote Support starts at $10/month per technician (annually), Remote Access at $15/month per computer.
ConnectWise Control
enterpriseProfessional remote monitoring and access platform designed for MSPs and IT help desks with session recording.
Fully customizable download and host pages for branded, seamless end-user access without IT intervention
ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect) is a comprehensive remote support and access platform tailored for IT help desks and MSPs, enabling secure screen sharing, remote control, file transfers, and unattended access across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. It supports on-demand sessions initiated via customizable host pages and integrates seamlessly with ConnectWise's PSA and RMM tools for streamlined ticketing and automation. With features like multi-monitor support, session recording, and elevated privileges, it's built for efficient issue resolution in professional environments.
Pros
- Robust unattended access for quick connections without user intervention
- Strong security with end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance features
- Customizable host pages and seamless integrations with ConnectWise ecosystem
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller teams without high volume
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to newer competitors
- Limited free options; requires paid plans for full functionality
Best For
MSPs and enterprise help desks seeking reliable, scalable remote support with deep integrations for managed services.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month (Solo plan for 1 tech), with Team ($29/tech/month), Corporate, and Enterprise tiers based on concurrent sessions or technicians; custom quotes for large deployments.
LogMeIn Rescue
enterpriseAdvanced remote support software with mobile device access, diagnostics, and AR features for enterprise help desks.
Augmented Reality (AR) remote guidance for hands-free mobile device support
LogMeIn Rescue is a comprehensive remote support platform tailored for IT help desks, allowing technicians to securely connect to and control endpoints across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It provides tools for screen sharing, file transfer, diagnostics, chat, and even augmented reality (AR) assistance for mobile troubleshooting. The solution supports both attended and unattended access, enabling efficient issue resolution without requiring physical presence.
Pros
- Broad cross-platform compatibility including mobile devices
- Advanced security with AES-256 encryption and compliance features
- Powerful diagnostics and AR tools for complex troubleshooting
Cons
- Premium pricing that may strain smaller budgets
- Complex interface with a learning curve for new users
- Performance can lag on very slow or unstable connections
Best For
Enterprise IT help desks requiring secure, multi-platform remote support with advanced diagnostics.
Pricing
Starts at ~$108/month per technician for single-channel access; scales up for multi-channel (~$250+) and enterprise plans with volume discounts.
BeyondTrust Remote Support
enterpriseSecure, privileged access management solution for compliant remote support in high-security help desk environments.
Integrated BeyondInsight privilege management for secure credential injection and elevation without exposing admin passwords
BeyondTrust Remote Support is an enterprise-grade remote access platform tailored for IT help desks, providing secure screen sharing, file transfer, chat, and remote control capabilities. It excels in security-focused features like multi-factor authentication, session recording, granular access controls, and integration with privilege management to minimize risks. The tool supports unattended access through Jump Clients and scales well for large organizations with compliance needs.
Pros
- Exceptional security with MFA, session forensics, and least-privilege controls
- Scalable for enterprises with strong ITSM integrations (e.g., ServiceNow)
- Reliable unattended access via Jump Clients for proactive support
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration for non-experts
- Higher pricing makes it less ideal for small teams
- Interface can feel dated compared to consumer-focused alternatives
Best For
Large enterprises and regulated industries requiring secure, compliant remote support with advanced privilege management.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $2,500+ per technician/year, with volume discounts for enterprises.
ISL Online
enterpriseCustomizable remote desktop and support software with OCR chat and strong encryption for help desk teams.
Fully browser-based operator console with no installation required for technicians
ISL Online is a robust remote support and access platform tailored for help desks, enabling secure remote control, file transfer, chat, and unattended access across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It features a web-based console for operators, eliminating the need for software installation on the technician side, and supports multi-monitor sessions with high performance. The solution prioritizes security through AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 standards.
Pros
- Strong cross-platform support including Linux and mobile
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance features
- Reliable unattended access with multi-monitor handling
Cons
- Pricing based on concurrent sessions can get expensive for high-volume use
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited native integrations with popular ticketing systems
Best For
Mid-sized IT help desks and MSPs requiring secure, cross-platform remote support with strong compliance needs.
Pricing
Subscription starts at €39/month for 1 concurrent session, scaling to €990+/month for 100 sessions; custom enterprise plans and 14-day free trial available.
Dameware Remote Support
enterpriseOn-premise and agentless remote control tool with Active Directory integration for IT help desk support.
Internet Session Proxy for secure, agentless remote access through firewalls without requiring VPN setup
Dameware Remote Support, from SolarWinds, is a robust remote access and control solution tailored for IT help desks, allowing technicians to perform attended and unattended remote sessions, file transfers, and system diagnostics across Windows environments. It features a suite of built-in utilities including registry editing, event log viewing, and Active Directory integration for efficient user and asset management. The software supports on-demand access via an internet proxy, enabling secure connections without VPNs or pre-installed agents.
Pros
- Comprehensive toolkit with remote control, file transfer, and diagnostic utilities
- Strong Active Directory integration for quick endpoint discovery
- Flexible access options including unattended support and internet proxy for NAT traversal
Cons
- User interface appears dated and less intuitive than modern competitors
- Pricing is higher, geared more toward enterprise than small teams
- Limited native support for non-Windows platforms like macOS or Linux
Best For
Mid-sized IT departments and help desks in Windows-heavy enterprise environments needing integrated remote troubleshooting tools.
Pricing
Per-technician subscription starting at ~$59/user/month (billed annually) or $600+/year, with volume discounts available.
RealVNC Connect
enterpriseReliable remote access software providing secure screen sharing and control for technical support and help desks.
DirectConnect peer-to-peer mode for low-latency, firewall-friendly access without cloud relays
RealVNC Connect is a professional remote access and control software that allows IT help desk teams to securely view, control, and interact with remote desktops across Windows, macOS, Linux, and even embedded systems like Raspberry Pi. It supports key help desk workflows such as unattended access, file transfer, chat, printing, and session recording, with flexible deployment via cloud gateway or fully on-premise servers. Designed for enterprise-scale use, it emphasizes security and reliability for remote support scenarios.
Pros
- Excellent cross-platform support including Linux and mobile
- Robust security with end-to-end encryption and MFA
- Flexible on-premise or cloud deployment options
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to consumer alternatives
- Setup can be complex for non-technical users
- Performance may lag on high-latency networks
Best For
Enterprise IT help desks needing secure, scalable remote control with on-premise capabilities.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$50/year per device for Professional edition; Enterprise plans with volume discounts and custom features.
Conclusion
The top three tools—TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Splashtop Remote Support—represent the pinnacle of help desk remote control software, each with distinct strengths to meet varied needs. TeamViewer leads with its comprehensive secure access across devices, setting a benchmark for versatility. AnyDesk excels in speed and low latency, perfect for rapid IT support, while Splashtop stands out with advanced multi-monitor support for enhanced technician efficiency. Together, they prove remote support can be both effective and tailored.
Take the first step toward streamlined help desk operations by trying TeamViewer—its robust features make it a top choice for diverse scenarios. If speed or multi-monitor needs are your priority, AnyDesk or Splashtop are strong alternatives worth exploring.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison