Quick Overview
- 1#1: TeamViewer - Provides secure remote access, screen sharing, and control for IT support and help desk operations across devices.
- 2#2: Zoho Assist - Offers attended and unattended remote support with features like voice chat, file transfer, and multi-monitor support.
- 3#3: Splashtop - Delivers high-performance remote desktop access and support with low latency for help desk technicians.
- 4#4: AnyDesk - Enables ultra-fast remote desktop connections with strong security for efficient remote help desk assistance.
- 5#5: ConnectWise Control - Powers remote monitoring, access, and support sessions with integrated help desk ticketing for MSPs.
- 6#6: GoTo Resolve - Provides enterprise-grade remote support with diagnostics, chat, and automation tools for IT help desks.
- 7#7: BeyondTrust Remote Support - Delivers privileged access management and secure remote support with session recording and auditing.
- 8#8: ISL Online - Offers customizable remote support sessions with screen sharing, file transfer, and unattended access.
- 9#9: Dameware Remote Everywhere - Supports on-demand remote access and control for Windows, Mac, and Linux in help desk scenarios.
- 10#10: RealVNC Connect - Provides reliable cross-platform remote desktop access with end-to-end encryption for support teams.
These tools were carefully evaluated on features, performance reliability, ease of use, and value, ensuring a curated selection of top solutions that balance functionality with practicality for modern help desk operations
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading remote help desk software, featuring tools like TeamViewer, Zoho Assist, Splashtop, AnyDesk, and ConnectWise Control, to break down their core capabilities. Readers will gain clarity on how these platforms differ in usability, scalability, and key features, enabling informed choices for their support needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TeamViewer Provides secure remote access, screen sharing, and control for IT support and help desk operations across devices. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Zoho Assist Offers attended and unattended remote support with features like voice chat, file transfer, and multi-monitor support. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | Splashtop Delivers high-performance remote desktop access and support with low latency for help desk technicians. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | AnyDesk Enables ultra-fast remote desktop connections with strong security for efficient remote help desk assistance. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | ConnectWise Control Powers remote monitoring, access, and support sessions with integrated help desk ticketing for MSPs. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | GoTo Resolve Provides enterprise-grade remote support with diagnostics, chat, and automation tools for IT help desks. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | BeyondTrust Remote Support Delivers privileged access management and secure remote support with session recording and auditing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 8 | ISL Online Offers customizable remote support sessions with screen sharing, file transfer, and unattended access. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Dameware Remote Everywhere Supports on-demand remote access and control for Windows, Mac, and Linux in help desk scenarios. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | RealVNC Connect Provides reliable cross-platform remote desktop access with end-to-end encryption for support teams. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.3/10 |
Provides secure remote access, screen sharing, and control for IT support and help desk operations across devices.
Offers attended and unattended remote support with features like voice chat, file transfer, and multi-monitor support.
Delivers high-performance remote desktop access and support with low latency for help desk technicians.
Enables ultra-fast remote desktop connections with strong security for efficient remote help desk assistance.
Powers remote monitoring, access, and support sessions with integrated help desk ticketing for MSPs.
Provides enterprise-grade remote support with diagnostics, chat, and automation tools for IT help desks.
Delivers privileged access management and secure remote support with session recording and auditing.
Offers customizable remote support sessions with screen sharing, file transfer, and unattended access.
Supports on-demand remote access and control for Windows, Mac, and Linux in help desk scenarios.
Provides reliable cross-platform remote desktop access with end-to-end encryption for support teams.
TeamViewer
enterpriseProvides secure remote access, screen sharing, and control for IT support and help desk operations across devices.
QuickSupport module for one-click remote sessions without needing software installation on the end-user's device
TeamViewer is a premier remote access and control software renowned for enabling secure, real-time connections between devices worldwide. It excels in remote help desk scenarios by offering features like unattended access, screen sharing, file transfer, multi-monitor support, and integrated chat/video. With robust cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, it streamlines IT support, troubleshooting, and maintenance without requiring physical presence.
Pros
- Exceptional cross-platform support and unattended access
- End-to-end encryption and advanced security protocols
- QuickSupport for instant sessions without client installation
Cons
- Premium pricing for business-scale deployments
- Free version detects and blocks commercial use
- Performance can lag on very slow internet connections
Best For
IT help desks and remote support teams requiring reliable, secure access to diverse devices for efficient troubleshooting.
Pricing
Free for non-commercial personal use; business plans start at $49/month per user (billed annually) for Remote Access, with Premium and Corporate tiers up to $229/month offering advanced multi-user and integration features.
Zoho Assist
enterpriseOffers attended and unattended remote support with features like voice chat, file transfer, and multi-monitor support.
Unattended access to iOS and Android devices via lightweight agent apps
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based remote support tool designed for IT help desks, offering attended and unattended remote access, screen sharing, file transfer, and diagnostic tools across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It enables quick session initiation via links or codes without customer-side installations, making it ideal for on-demand support. Integrated with Zoho's ecosystem like Zoho Desk and CRM, it enhances ticket-to-resolution workflows for teams.
Pros
- Intuitive one-click access and no customer installation required
- Cross-platform support including mobile unattended access
- Strong Zoho ecosystem integrations for streamlined help desk operations
Cons
- Limited advanced customization and scripting compared to competitors
- Occasional connectivity issues on very slow networks
- Some reporting features restricted to higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and IT teams needing affordable, easy-to-deploy remote support with CRM integrations.
Pricing
Free basic plan; paid Remote Support from $10/technician/month (annual billing), Unattended Access $12/month, and Enterprise options.
Splashtop
enterpriseDelivers high-performance remote desktop access and support with low latency for help desk technicians.
Splashtop SOS for instant, browser-based on-demand support sessions without client installation
Splashtop is a high-performance remote access and remote support platform tailored for IT help desks, enabling technicians to securely connect to and control endpoints across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices. It supports both attended and unattended access, with features like real-time screen sharing, file transfer, remote printing, chat, and multi-monitor handling for efficient troubleshooting. Designed for MSPs and IT teams, it emphasizes speed, security, and scalability without requiring complex setups.
Pros
- Lightning-fast connections with low latency for smooth remote control
- Strong security including 256-bit AES encryption, 2FA, and device authentication
- Affordable pricing with flexible plans for solo techs to enterprise teams
Cons
- Advanced features like session recording require higher-tier plans
- Mobile device support is functional but less polished than desktop
- Customer support response times can vary for non-enterprise users
Best For
IT help desks and MSPs needing a cost-effective, high-speed solution for remote troubleshooting of diverse endpoints.
Pricing
Remote Support Solo at $199/year per tech; Team at $299/year (unlimited endpoints); Enterprise custom; free trial available.
AnyDesk
enterpriseEnables ultra-fast remote desktop connections with strong security for efficient remote help desk assistance.
DeskRT codec delivering sub-16ms latency for fluid remote sessions
AnyDesk is a lightweight remote desktop software designed for secure screen sharing and remote control across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It enables IT support teams to provide real-time assistance, perform file transfers, and manage unattended devices with minimal latency. Its DeskRT codec ensures smooth performance even on low-bandwidth connections, making it suitable for help desk scenarios requiring quick troubleshooting.
Pros
- Ultra-low latency and high frame rates for seamless remote control
- Cross-platform support with mobile access for flexible help desk use
- Strong end-to-end encryption and unattended access capabilities
Cons
- Subscription pricing can become expensive for larger teams
- Free version lacks advanced features like session recording
- Occasional connectivity issues on very unstable networks
Best For
IT help desks and support teams needing fast, reliable remote access for quick issue resolution on diverse devices.
Pricing
Free for personal use; Professional plans start at €10.99/user/month (Lite), €20.99 (Standard), €50.99 (Advanced), billed annually with enterprise options.
ConnectWise Control
enterprisePowers remote monitoring, access, and support sessions with integrated help desk ticketing for MSPs.
Backstage mode for seamless privilege elevation without interrupting user sessions
ConnectWise Control is a comprehensive remote support and access platform tailored for IT help desks and managed service providers, offering attended and unattended remote desktop control, file transfer, chat, and multi-monitor support. It excels in secure, scalable sessions with features like session recording, two-factor authentication, and relay architecture for reliable connectivity behind firewalls. Deep integration with ConnectWise's PSA and RMM tools makes it a powerhouse for MSP workflows, though it may require some setup for optimal use.
Pros
- Robust unattended access with policy controls
- Excellent MSP integrations and scalability
- Advanced security including session forensics
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with concurrent sessions
- Steeper learning curve for non-ConnectWise users
- Occasional latency in high-demand scenarios
Best For
Managed service providers and enterprise IT teams seeking integrated remote support within the ConnectWise ecosystem.
Pricing
Starts at $30 per concurrent session/month for hosted plans; custom enterprise pricing available, with self-hosting options for larger deployments.
GoTo Resolve
enterpriseProvides enterprise-grade remote support with diagnostics, chat, and automation tools for IT help desks.
Augmented Reality (AR) guidance for visual, hands-free remote assistance on mobile devices
GoTo Resolve is a comprehensive remote support platform from GoTo (formerly LogMeIn Rescue) designed for IT help desks, allowing technicians to remotely access, diagnose, and control endpoints across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It supports unattended access, live chat, file transfer, and advanced diagnostics to streamline issue resolution. The tool excels in enterprise environments with integrations for ticketing systems like Zendesk and ServiceNow, plus features like multi-technician collaboration.
Pros
- Robust cross-platform support including mobile and AR guidance
- Strong security with session recording, two-factor authentication, and compliance certifications
- Scalable with integrations for major ITSM platforms and multi-session handling
Cons
- High pricing that may not suit small teams or budgets
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and customization
- Occasional latency issues in low-bandwidth scenarios
Best For
Mid-to-large IT help desks and MSPs needing enterprise-grade remote support with advanced diagnostics and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $108 per technician/month (billed annually) for Core plan; Advanced at $140 and Premium at $165, with custom enterprise pricing available.
BeyondTrust Remote Support
enterpriseDelivers privileged access management and secure remote support with session recording and auditing.
Beyond Privilege Management integration for secure, passwordless credential handling during remote sessions
BeyondTrust Remote Support is an enterprise-grade remote access platform that enables IT help desks to securely connect to, control, and troubleshoot endpoints across devices and networks. It provides features like screen sharing, file transfer, chat, unattended access via Jump Clients, and comprehensive session recording for auditing. Designed with a strong focus on security and compliance, it integrates privilege management to minimize risks during support sessions.
Pros
- Superior security with military-grade encryption, credential injection, and session forensics
- Robust auditing, reporting, and compliance tools for regulated industries
- Flexible deployment options including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid with multi-platform support
Cons
- High cost makes it less accessible for small teams
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Interface feels dated compared to more modern competitors
Best For
Large enterprises and MSPs requiring high-security remote support with strict compliance needs.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; SaaS starts around $3,000-$5,000/year for basic setups, scaling with concurrent sessions, users, and advanced features.
ISL Online
enterpriseOffers customizable remote support sessions with screen sharing, file transfer, and unattended access.
No-install browser applet for instant remote access without client-side software deployment
ISL Online is a robust remote support and access platform tailored for help desk operations, enabling IT professionals to securely connect to and control devices remotely. It supports unattended access, file transfers, live chat, video calls, and multi-monitor handling across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The software prioritizes enterprise-grade security with AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
Pros
- Military-grade security with AES-256 encryption and 2FA
- Broad cross-platform support including mobile devices
- Unattended access and session recording for efficient help desk workflows
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple technicians
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to newer competitors
- Limited native integrations with ticketing systems
Best For
Mid-sized IT help desks and managed service providers needing secure, reliable remote access for diverse device fleets.
Pricing
Starts at €29/month (Solo: 1 concurrent session), €49/month (Pro: 3 sessions), €99/month (Team: 5 sessions), with custom Enterprise pricing.
Dameware Remote Everywhere
enterpriseSupports on-demand remote access and control for Windows, Mac, and Linux in help desk scenarios.
Agentless instant access for one-time support sessions without any pre-installation on end-user devices
Dameware Remote Everywhere is a cloud-based remote access and support tool from SolarWinds, designed for IT help desks to provide instant remote control without requiring agent installation on client devices. It offers features like screen sharing, file transfer, chat, voice, and unattended access for managed endpoints across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ideal for on-demand troubleshooting, it ensures secure connections with AES-256 encryption and Active Directory integration.
Pros
- Agentless on-demand remote access
- Robust unattended support for managed devices
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Cons
- Subscription pricing is relatively high
- User interface appears dated and clunky
- Fewer native integrations than some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized IT help desks needing reliable, instant remote support without client-side software deployment.
Pricing
Cloud-based subscription starting at ~$99 per technician/month, with annual plans and enterprise options via contact sales.
RealVNC Connect
enterpriseProvides reliable cross-platform remote desktop access with end-to-end encryption for support teams.
Direct peer-to-peer connectivity for ultra-low latency without mandatory cloud relay
RealVNC Connect is a mature remote access platform based on the original VNC protocol, offering secure screen sharing, remote control, and file transfer for help desk support across Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi devices. It supports both attended and unattended access modes, with cloud or on-premises deployment options for flexible IT management. Advanced features like multi-monitor support and high-performance streaming make it suitable for technical troubleshooting, though it lacks built-in ticketing or extensive integrations found in some competitors.
Pros
- Excellent cross-platform compatibility including embedded devices like Raspberry Pi
- High-performance remote desktop with low latency even on poor networks
- Robust security features including 256-bit AES encryption and multi-factor authentication
Cons
- Complex initial setup especially for on-premises deployments and firewall traversal
- Higher pricing model focused on per-device licensing which scales poorly for small teams
- Limited native integrations with help desk tools like Zendesk or ServiceNow
Best For
Enterprise IT teams managing diverse device fleets that require secure, high-performance unattended remote access.
Pricing
Cloud subscriptions start at $4.40/device/month (billed annually, minimum 5 devices); on-premises perpetual licenses from $64.80/device with annual maintenance.
Conclusion
Navigating the landscape of remote help desk software reveals top-tier options, with TeamViewer leading as the standout choice, prized for its robust secure access and cross-device support. Zoho Assist and Splashtop follow closely, offering distinct strengths—Zoho Assist’s versatile attended/unattended capabilities and Splashtop’s high-performance, low-latency connections—making them excellent alternatives for varied needs.
Take the first step toward smoother support: try TeamViewer to unlock seamless, efficient remote operations, or explore Zoho Assist and Splashtop if their unique features better suit your workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison