Quick Overview
- 1#1: TeamViewer - Provides secure remote access, control, file transfer, and collaboration across multiple devices and platforms.
- 2#2: Splashtop - Delivers high-performance remote desktop access for business support, IT management, and unattended control.
- 3#3: AnyDesk - Offers ultra-fast, low-latency remote desktop connections with strong security for professional use.
- 4#4: Zoho Assist - Enables unattended remote access, support sessions, and file transfer integrated with IT management tools.
- 5#5: ConnectWise Control - Powers remote monitoring, access, and session management tailored for MSPs and IT service providers.
- 6#6: GoTo Resolve - Provides on-demand remote support, troubleshooting, and asset management for IT teams.
- 7#7: BeyondTrust Remote Support - Delivers privileged access management and secure remote support for enterprise environments.
- 8#8: Dameware Remote Support - Combines remote control, file distribution, and diagnostics for efficient IT administration.
- 9#9: ISL Online - Offers secure remote desktop access, support, and online meetings with customizable branding.
- 10#10: Remote Desktop Manager - Centralizes management of remote connections, credentials, and sessions for IT professionals.
Tools were selected and ranked based on a blend of key factors, including feature depth (e.g., security, file transfer, collaboration), user experience (ease of deployment and daily use), and overall value, ensuring alignment with the diverse demands of IT professionals and businesses.
Comparison Table
Remote desktop management tools vary widely, but this comparison table simplifies the choice by featuring tools like TeamViewer, Splashtop, AnyDesk, Zoho Assist, ConnectWise Control, and more. Readers will learn key differences in performance, features, and usability, enabling them to identify the best fit for their needs whether for personal or professional use.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TeamViewer Provides secure remote access, control, file transfer, and collaboration across multiple devices and platforms. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Splashtop Delivers high-performance remote desktop access for business support, IT management, and unattended control. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | AnyDesk Offers ultra-fast, low-latency remote desktop connections with strong security for professional use. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Assist Enables unattended remote access, support sessions, and file transfer integrated with IT management tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | ConnectWise Control Powers remote monitoring, access, and session management tailored for MSPs and IT service providers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | GoTo Resolve Provides on-demand remote support, troubleshooting, and asset management for IT teams. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | BeyondTrust Remote Support Delivers privileged access management and secure remote support for enterprise environments. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Dameware Remote Support Combines remote control, file distribution, and diagnostics for efficient IT administration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | ISL Online Offers secure remote desktop access, support, and online meetings with customizable branding. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Remote Desktop Manager Centralizes management of remote connections, credentials, and sessions for IT professionals. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
Provides secure remote access, control, file transfer, and collaboration across multiple devices and platforms.
Delivers high-performance remote desktop access for business support, IT management, and unattended control.
Offers ultra-fast, low-latency remote desktop connections with strong security for professional use.
Enables unattended remote access, support sessions, and file transfer integrated with IT management tools.
Powers remote monitoring, access, and session management tailored for MSPs and IT service providers.
Provides on-demand remote support, troubleshooting, and asset management for IT teams.
Delivers privileged access management and secure remote support for enterprise environments.
Combines remote control, file distribution, and diagnostics for efficient IT administration.
Offers secure remote desktop access, support, and online meetings with customizable branding.
Centralizes management of remote connections, credentials, and sessions for IT professionals.
TeamViewer
enterpriseProvides secure remote access, control, file transfer, and collaboration across multiple devices and platforms.
Unattended access with advanced scripting and automation for proactive device management
TeamViewer is a premier remote desktop management software that provides secure remote access, control, and file transfer capabilities across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It excels in unattended access for IT admins to manage endpoints without user intervention, supports multi-monitor handling, and includes tools for remote scripting and patch management in enterprise editions. Its robust collaboration features, such as integrated chat, VoIP, and video conferencing, make it ideal for both support tickets and team remote work.
Pros
- Exceptional cross-platform compatibility and mobile support
- Enterprise-grade security with end-to-end encryption and 2FA
- Intuitive interface with quick session setup and unattended access
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for large-scale deployments
- Free version restricts commercial use detection
- Occasional performance lag on very slow networks
Best For
IT teams, MSPs, and enterprises requiring reliable, secure remote device management and support at scale.
Pricing
Free for non-commercial personal use; business plans start at $50.90/user/month (billed annually), with Premium, Corporate, and Tensor editions scaling up to custom enterprise pricing.
Splashtop
enterpriseDelivers high-performance remote desktop access for business support, IT management, and unattended control.
High-frame-rate streaming (up to 30 FPS) optimized for multimedia and graphics-intensive remote sessions
Splashtop is a high-performance remote desktop software that provides secure, remote access and control of computers across multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It supports IT remote support, unattended access, file transfer, and multi-monitor handling, making it suitable for remote work, helpdesk operations, and business management. With features like high-frame-rate streaming and robust security, it delivers reliable connections for both individuals and enterprises.
Pros
- Exceptional low-latency performance for smooth remote control even on high-bandwidth tasks
- Affordable pricing with flexible subscription options
- Strong security including AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication
Cons
- Occasional connectivity issues in low-bandwidth environments
- Limited advanced enterprise management tools compared to larger competitors
- Mobile app functionality lags behind desktop experience
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and IT support teams seeking cost-effective, high-performance remote access without complex setup.
Pricing
Business plans start at $5/user/month (billed annually); Solo at $60/year; free trial and personal versions available.
AnyDesk
enterpriseOffers ultra-fast, low-latency remote desktop connections with strong security for professional use.
DeskRT codec delivering sub-16ms latency for fluid remote control unmatched by many competitors
AnyDesk is a high-performance remote desktop software that allows users to securely access and control remote computers, servers, and mobile devices over the internet with minimal latency thanks to its proprietary DeskRT video codec. It supports features like unattended access, file transfer, multi-monitor handling, and session recording, making it ideal for remote support, IT administration, and collaborative work. Cross-platform compatibility spans Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, emphasizing speed, security, and ease of deployment.
Pros
- Ultra-low latency and high frame rates via DeskRT codec for smooth performance even on weak connections
- Excellent cross-platform support and quick setup without complex configuration
- Robust security with end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and permission controls
Cons
- Free version limited to personal use with restrictions on commercial applications
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced management features like address book and scripting
- Occasional connectivity issues in highly restricted networks or firewalls
Best For
IT support teams and remote workers who prioritize speed and simplicity for quick, reliable device access.
Pricing
Free Lite plan for personal use; Professional at $14.90/user/month (annual billing), Power at $29.90/user/month, Enterprise with custom pricing.
Zoho Assist
enterpriseEnables unattended remote access, support sessions, and file transfer integrated with IT management tools.
Fully browser-based technician console for instant remote sessions without any downloads or installations
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based remote support and access platform designed for IT teams to securely connect to and manage remote desktops, servers, and mobile devices. It supports unattended access for proactive management, on-demand sessions for troubleshooting, and features like file transfer, multi-monitor viewing, voice/video chat, and AR remote assistance. Integrated with the Zoho ecosystem, it scales for businesses handling remote desktop management efficiently.
Pros
- Affordable pricing including a free tier for basic use
- Intuitive browser-based interface with no technician software installation required
- Strong security with AES-256 encryption, 2FA, and compliance certifications
Cons
- Limited advanced automation and scripting compared to enterprise rivals
- Reporting and analytics features are basic without add-ons
- Performance can lag on very high-latency or low-bandwidth connections
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and IT support teams needing reliable, cost-effective remote desktop access and management.
Pricing
Free plan for basic support; paid plans start at $10/technician/month (Standard), $14 (Professional), with Enterprise custom pricing.
ConnectWise Control
enterprisePowers remote monitoring, access, and session management tailored for MSPs and IT service providers.
Seamless switch between unattended access and on-demand support sessions without reinstalling agents
ConnectWise Control is a robust remote support and access platform tailored for IT professionals and managed service providers, offering both unattended remote access and on-demand support sessions. It provides features like multi-monitor support, file transfer, scripting, session recording, and cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. The software integrates seamlessly with the ConnectWise ecosystem, making it ideal for streamlined IT operations and remote desktop management at scale.
Pros
- Powerful unattended access with easy agent deployment
- Advanced security including two-factor authentication and session auditing
- Scalable for MSPs with strong integration into RMM and PSA tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing can be high for small teams or solo operators
- Occasional latency issues in high-bandwidth remote sessions
Best For
Managed service providers and mid-to-large IT teams requiring reliable, scalable remote desktop management with enterprise-grade features.
Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month for Standard plan (billed annually), with Premium at $49/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing; free limited Solo plan and trial available.
GoTo Resolve
enterpriseProvides on-demand remote support, troubleshooting, and asset management for IT teams.
Augmented Reality (AR) overlay for real-time mobile device guidance during remote support sessions
GoTo Resolve is a comprehensive remote support and access platform designed for IT professionals, enabling secure remote control, unattended access, and diagnostics across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It supports features like live chat, file transfer, scripting, and augmented reality (AR) guidance for mobile troubleshooting. Primarily targeted at helpdesks and MSPs, it streamlines remote desktop management with scalable team licensing and integration into the broader GoTo suite.
Pros
- Multi-platform support including mobile AR assistance
- Fast connection speeds and reliable unattended access
- Strong security with end-to-end encryption and compliance tools
Cons
- Higher pricing that scales poorly for small teams
- Some advanced features locked behind premium tiers
- Steeper learning curve for custom scripting and integrations
Best For
IT support teams and MSPs handling high-volume remote troubleshooting across diverse devices.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$99/technician/month (billed annually) for core features, with premium and enterprise plans up to $200+/month including AR and advanced tools.
BeyondTrust Remote Support
enterpriseDelivers privileged access management and secure remote support for enterprise environments.
Jump Clients for instant, secure unattended remote access with built-in session isolation and recording
BeyondTrust Remote Support is an enterprise-grade remote access and support solution that enables secure, unattended connections to endpoints via Jump Clients, eliminating the need for VPNs. It provides comprehensive tools including session recording, two-factor authentication, live chat, file transfer, and scripting for efficient IT support. With strong emphasis on compliance (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS), it integrates seamlessly with privileged access management (PAM) systems for granular control over remote sessions.
Pros
- Exceptional security features including session monitoring, auditing, and MFA
- Scalable Jump Client technology for quick unattended access without VPNs
- Robust compliance support and PAM integrations for enterprises
Cons
- High cost makes it less viable for SMBs
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for non-experts
- Overkill for basic remote desktop needs
Best For
Large enterprises and regulated industries requiring secure, auditable remote support with advanced access controls.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $2,000-$5,000 annually per technician, scaling with users and features.
Dameware Remote Support
enterpriseCombines remote control, file distribution, and diagnostics for efficient IT administration.
Integrated Active Directory browser for rapid discovery and management of users, groups, and computers across the network
Dameware Remote Support by SolarWinds is a powerful on-premises remote access and support tool designed for IT administrators and helpdesks. It provides secure remote control of Windows, Linux, and Mac systems, along with features like file transfer, multi-session handling, system diagnostics, scripting, and chat. The software excels in enterprise environments with strong Active Directory integration and centralized management capabilities for multiple technicians.
Pros
- Robust cross-platform remote control and unattended access
- Seamless Active Directory integration for endpoint discovery
- Advanced tools like scripting, diagnostics, and multi-monitor support
Cons
- Higher cost compared to cloud-based alternatives
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive for beginners
- Limited native support for non-Windows mobile endpoints
Best For
Medium to large IT teams in enterprises needing secure, on-premises remote support with Active Directory integration.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at ~$595 per technician with annual maintenance; subscription options from ~$59/user/month; enterprise quotes required.
ISL Online
enterpriseOffers secure remote desktop access, support, and online meetings with customizable branding.
ISL Light: a zero-install, browser-based remote support tool for instant sessions without customer-side software
ISL Online is a versatile remote desktop management platform designed for secure remote access, support, and control across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It provides attended and unattended access, file transfer, session recording, chat, and video integration, with strong emphasis on security through end-to-end AES 256-bit encryption. The solution supports both cloud-hosted and on-premise deployments, making it suitable for IT support teams managing multiple endpoints efficiently.
Pros
- Robust security with ISO 27001 certification, HIPAA/GDPR compliance, and 2FA
- Cross-platform support including mobile devices and multi-monitor handling
- Flexible deployment options: cloud, on-premise, or hybrid with no port forwarding needed
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be costly for solo users or very small teams
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to newer competitors
- Advanced customization requires some technical expertise
Best For
IT support teams and managed service providers needing secure, compliant remote access for diverse device fleets.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go from $0.35/minute or subscriptions starting at $59/month per technician, with enterprise on-premise licensing available.
Remote Desktop Manager
enterpriseCentralizes management of remote connections, credentials, and sessions for IT professionals.
Integrated vault system for secure, centralized credential management across all connection types
Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) by Devolutions is a powerful centralized platform for managing remote connections across multiple protocols like RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, and over 200 others. It excels in organizing entries, securing credentials with AES-256 encryption and 2FA, and enabling team collaboration through shared vaults and role-based access controls. The software streamlines IT workflows with automation, macros, and integrations with tools like Active Directory and password managers.
Pros
- Extensive support for 200+ protocols and technologies
- Robust security with encrypted vaults, 2FA, and auditing
- Strong team features including sharing, permissions, and cloud sync
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature density
- Performance can lag with very large databases
- Free version limits advanced collaboration tools
Best For
IT administrators and teams handling diverse, high-volume remote connections in enterprise environments.
Pricing
Free for single users; Pro/Enterprise licenses start at ~$150-$500 per user (one-time fee) with optional annual maintenance.
Conclusion
After thorough evaluation, the top three remote desktop management tools—TeamViewer, Splashtop, and AnyDesk—lead the pack, with TeamViewer standing out for its robust security, cross-device collaboration, and seamless performance. Splashtop impresses with high-performance access for business and IT needs, while AnyDesk excels in delivering ultra-fast, low-latency connections for professional use. Together, they showcase the best solutions in remote management, ensuring there’s a fit for diverse requirements.
Start with TeamViewer today to unlock efficient, secure, and hassle-free remote access and collaboration for your team.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison