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Best remote desktop software of 2021: Paid and free choices for businesses

PRICE
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
A laptop on a table - remote desktops
(Image credit: Pixabay)

We feature the best remote desktop software to make it easy to control and access PCs and deploy software remotely. If you're looking for more tools, be sure to check out our guides to the best video conferencing software and the best online collaboration tools around today. Also take a look at our in-depth feature on everything else you need toset up your home office.

Best remote desktop software

1. RemotePC

2. Zoho Assist

3. Splashtop

4. Parallels Access

5. LogMeIn

6. ConnectWise Control

7. Teamviewer

8. Chrome Remote Desktop

9. Remote Desktop Manager

10. RemoteUtilities

Choosing the best remote desktop software in 2021 will equip you with the tools needed to access and manage one or more computers from another device. Remote access is possible via both local networks and the internet, which means that, with the right software, anyone can access any device, anywhere in the world.

With one of the remote desktop access applications weve listed below, you will be able to do any one of a number of things.

For example, you could use your personal smartphone to access and manage files on your business PC or office laptop without having to leave your home. Having this versatility is great, especially during periods of sickness or difficulty when youre unable to physically go to the office as it is the case now.

No wonder that searches related to remote desktop have shot up significantly over the past few months as businesses scramble to find more about remote access.

Remote access 10 Macs or Windows PC for only $2.98

Remote access 10 Macs or Windows PC for only $2.98
Ever thought of remote desktop as an alternative to VD/DAAS. With Remote PC you can. Connect to your work or office computer from anywhere using secure remote access. Transfer files/folders, even from mapped drives, between your computers. Get free real-time remote support beyond the screen via live video sharing with AR.

2. Zoho Assist specializes in support and advanced features

2. Zoho Assist specializes in support and advanced features
Zoho Assist is a close second to RemotePC. It provides specialized remote support and access plans designed to streamline workflow. Support plans start at $8 per month and include features such as remote printing and custom branding, great for support technicians and IT managers.

Using remote access software is simple. They generally take no more than a few minutes to set up, and you will usually have to install the software on the computer or other device you want to access the remote computer with. Many programs also need to be installed on the remote PC, while others are connected via a weblink or access code.

Some versions of Windows come with built-in remote desktop software, but third-party tools often perform much better and come with significantly more features. This could be especially important if youre planning on using the software regularly.

There are a few other popular uses for the best remote desktop software. For example, you can handle complicated tasks from a laptop by connecting remotely to a more powerful computer. Also, IT support staff regularly use remote access programs to control a clients computer and deal with any issues.

In the this article, we've briefly covered our top ten best remote desktop applications to help you choose the right one for your needs.

  • We've also featured the best help desk software.

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(Image credit: RemotePC)

1. RemotePC

Simply the best remote computer access for business users

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
10 computers, 95% off
RemotePC
$3.48
/year
Reasons to buy
+Uses a versatile web app+Suited to a large number of connections
Reasons to avoid
-Can take some time to set up-Web app doesnt include all features

RemotePC is a hugely-popular remote computer access application thats suitable for both home andin particularfor business users. It uses cloud technology to deliver class-leading remote access solutions through an intuitive web application and native desktop and mobile apps. It also includes collaboration features such as voice chat.

On top of this, RemotePC is highly secure, scalable, and affordable. A 30-day free trial is available with all plans. Its a scalable program with the power to connect large numbers of devices.

  • You can read our review of RemotePC here

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(Image credit: Zoho)

2. Zoho Assist

Great all-round remote desktop access software

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
ZohoAssist Standard
$8
/mth
ZohoAssist Professional
$13
/mth
ZohoAssist Enterprise
$21
/mth
Reasons to buy
+Very competitive prices+Includes a selection of powerful tools
Reasons to avoid
-No general plan with all features-Free tier is very limited

Cloud-based Zoho Assist is one of our favorite remote access tools because it enables you to access almost any device. It provides specialized remote support and unattended access plans designed to streamline workflow processes.

Zoho Assists support plans include features such as remote printing and custom branding. Theyre great for people such as support technicians and IT managers. More advanced features can also be accessed, with higher-end plans.

Zoho Assist is protected by some of the best security integrations weve seen, which means its a great choice for those working with sensitive data.

  • Read our review of Zoho Assist here

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(Image credit: Splashtop)

3. Splashtop

Powerful remote desktop with impressive features

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
visit site
Reasons to buy
+Specialized plans+Multi-device compatibility
Reasons to avoid
-Different features available on different devices-Can be expensive

Splashtop is a versatile remote computer access program with a range of impressive features, including a user-friendly interface and impressive security. Its compatible with most common operating systems, including Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Splashtop comes in a number of specialized forms. Prices for Splashtop Business Access enables remote access to a specified number of computers. Remote Support plans cater for up to 25 computers, and SOS on-demand support is the highest end plan.

  • Read our full Splashtop review here

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(Image credit: Parallels)

4. Parallels Access

Best for remote desktop access from a mobile device

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Parallels Desktop Pro Edition
$99.99
/year
Parallels Desktop Business Edition
$99.99
/year
Parallels Desktop
$79.99
Reasons to buy
+Very user-friendly remote access+Unique mobile user interface
Reasons to avoid
-Some advanced features are absent-Not suitable for remote network control

Parallels Access is designed for remote computer access from mobile devices. It does support computercomputer connections, but the majority of its features are mobile-centered. Reasonable prices make it one of the more affordable options on this list.

One of our favorite things about Parallels Access is its tidy user interface. Rather than simply showing your desktop screen on a mobile device, like most of its competitors do, it presents a modified, mobile-friendly version. Overall, this program is a great choice for those who want to remotely access their computer from a mobile device.

  • Read our full Parallels Access review here

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(Image credit: LogMeIn)

5. LogMeIn Pro

Powerful solutions for large businesses and enterprises

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
visit site
Reasons to buy
+Powerful features+Cloud storage and LastPass Premium included
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive-Could be overkill for many users

LogMeIn Pro is one of the most popular remote desktop access programs available, and its a great choice for large businesses. It is a little expensive, but it comes with a great range of tools designed for enterprise users.

Plans cater for two remote connections and a 14-day free trial is available. If you need more connections, you can simply upgrade to a higher plan. Additionally, LogMeIn Pro is easy to set up, highly secure, and backed by 24/7 live support. Note, though, that its performance can be a little slow at times.

  • Read our full LogMeIn Pro review.

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(Image credit: Connectwise Control)

6. Connectwise Control

Highly specialized remote access for support and unattended access

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
visit site
Reasons to buy
+Powerful software+Easy to deploy+Lots of features
Reasons to avoid
-Can be expensive

ConnectWise Control provides highly specialized remote access solutions targeted at specific users. Its three Support plans come with some remote access features, and include powerful tools to help IT staff and support technicians solve problems remotely. The Access plan caters for 25 devices and is aimed at those who want to connect with numerous remote devices.

The main issue with ConnectWise Control is its sometimes poor performance. Even with a fast internet connection, the user interface is often slow and laggy, which isnt ideal at the best of times.

  • Read our review of Connectwise Control here

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(Image credit: TeamViewer)

7. TeamViewer

Best remote PC software for cross-platform compatibility

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
visit site
Reasons to buy
+Very easy to use+Great cross-platform compatibility
Reasons to avoid
-On the expensive side-Can be laggy with slow connections

TeamViewer is a powerful remote access program that enables remote access to and from computers, mobile devices, network machines, and more. Unfortunately, though, it is quite expensive.

There is a free version of TeamViewer available for personal users, but businesses and other commercial users will have to upgrade to a paid subscription. The cost is quite expensive, however, TeamViewer offers impressive cross-platform compatibility, which includes remote mobile access and IoT device compatibility.

  • Read our full TeamViewer review here

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(Image credit: Google)

8. Chrome Remote Desktop

Best free remote computer access program for business

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
visit site
Reasons to buy
+100% free forever+Great cross-platform compatibility
Reasons to avoid
-Lacks advanced features-Can only be used with Google Chrome

Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access program thats available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It's extremely limited when compared to some of the paid options on this list, but its the best free software weve come across and is a great option for personal use.

Since Chrome Remote Desktop is available as a browser extension, it can be used on any device that supports the Chrome browser. It is a little limited on mobile devices, but its easy to set up and is certainly worth considering.

  • Read our full Chrome Remote Desktop review here

(Image credit: Devolutions)

9. Remote Desktop Manager

Suited to businesses with large networks of connected devices

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Single User
$199.99
/year
Unlimited Users
$4,999
/year
Reasons to buy
+Impressive security features+Very easy to use
Reasons to avoid
-Quite expensive-Can be a little slow

Remote Desktop Manager is a powerful remote computer access program offering scalable solutions for large businesses. Its compatible with both Android and iOS devices and comes with a selection of impressive security features.

Unfortunately, though, Remote Desktop Manager is slightly expensive. Custom enterprise-level solutions are also available.

  • Read our full Remote Desktop Manager review here

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(Image credit: Remote Utilities)

10. Remote Utilities for Windows

Highly affordable remote Windows computer access

TODAY'S BEST DEALS
visit site
Reasons to buy
+Very affordable+Comes with numerous advanced features
Reasons to avoid
-Only compatible with Windows devices-Setting up a network can be time consuming

If youre looking for an affordable remote access program without ongoing fees, Remote Utilities for Windows could be for you. It comes with a range of impressive features, including file transfer, video calls, and session recording. A free technician license allows you to access up to 10 remote computers. An enterprise-level site-wide license supports unlimited users.

  • Read our full Remote Utilities for Windows review here

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What are Remote Desktop Services (RDS)?

According to Vinod Jeyachandra, CTO of Anunta Tech, in Microsoft Windows, Remote Desktop Services is a platform that lets users share desktop environments between one Windows computer and another over the Internet. By setting up RDS on a Windows server, then using a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) application like Microsoft Remote Desktop, you can log in from another computer to a Windows environment that is hosted via RDS.

Once you log into the RDS-hosted PC environment, you can usually access all of the same local resources - including storage, applications, the Windows desktop interface and so on - that you would be able to use if the RDS environment were an actual PC that was sitting in front of you. RDS can also be configured to make only certain applications available to remote users, if admins choose to set it up that way.

Typically, the machine that hosts RDS runs in the same physical location - such as the same office building - as the computers from which users access the remote desktop environments. It is also possible, however, to install RDS on a server running in the cloud and share desktops from the cloud.

He noted, for the record, RDS in this context should not be confused with Amazon RDS, a cloud-based database service that does not have anything to do with Windows RDS.

  • Make your home workers secure and productive with a remote access VPN
  • We've also featured the best standing desk.
Round up of today's best deals
10 computers, 95% off
RemotePC
RemotePC
$3.48
/year
View
Zoho
ZohoAssist Standard
$8
/mth
View
Parallels
Parallels Desktop Pro Edition
$99.99
/year
View
Remote Desktop Manager
Single User
$199.99
/year
View
Daniel Blechynden
Daniel Blechynden

Daniel is a freelance copywriter with over six years experience writing for publications such as TechRadar, Toms Guide, and Hosting Review. He specializes in B2B and B2C tech and finance, with a particular focus on VoIP, website building, web hosting, and other related fields.

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