Best Remote Desktop Software in 2026

TeamViewer is the name most people think of for remote access, and its breadth explains why. It covers Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile and IoT devices, supports attended support sessions and unattended access, and adds file transfer, remote printing and session management. Its security features include 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication and device approval.

The price is the main drawback for small buyers. Paid plans start at $24.90 per month billed annually for remote access, and larger team plans cost more. The free plan covers personal, non-commercial use only, so businesses must buy a license. For companies that want a widely recognized, compliant choice, TeamViewer remains a safe pick.

AnyDesk suits users who value speed and a small download. Its DeskRT codec aims for smooth performance even on lower-bandwidth connections, which helps when supporting users on home internet or working from a laptop on the move. The client runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android, with unattended access and file transfer.

Higher-tier features such as session recording, custom branding and mass deployment need pricier plans, and recent guides list Solo pricing from $22.90 to $28.90 per month depending on billing and region, so check the current price for your location. For fast, everyday remote access, AnyDesk is a strong TeamViewer alternative.

Splashtop offers the best value for remote workers who need to reach an office computer from home. Its Solo plan, listed at $6 per month billed annually in recent comparisons, undercuts TeamViewer by a wide margin, while still offering strong streaming quality, multi-monitor support and device authentication. It suits designers, editors and office workers who need a responsive remote desktop.

Support-focused features such as session recording and advanced compliance tools sit on higher SOS and Enterprise plans, so IT teams should check tier details. Splashtop also has less brand recognition in some corporate environments, which can matter for IT approval. For personal remote work, its value is hard to beat.

Chrome Remote Desktop is the simplest free way to reach your own computer from another device. Setup takes a few minutes in Chrome, access works from a browser or mobile app, and there are no subscription fees. It suits people who need occasional access to a home PC, a family member's computer with permission, or a second machine.

It lacks the depth of paid tools. File transfer, multi-monitor handling, session recording and fleet management are limited or absent, and support teams will need a paid platform. For personal use, though, Chrome Remote Desktop covers the core job at no cost, and its Google account security adds two-factor protection.

Zoho Assist suits small businesses that already use Zoho products or want a budget support tool. Its free plan covers basic remote support, browser-based sessions avoid heavy installs for customers, and integrations with Zoho Desk, Freshdesk, Zendesk and Jira help support teams track tickets. Pricing starts from $10 per month in several guides, with a free tier for personal use.

Limits appear at scale. Concurrent sessions, session recording and video chat depend on the plan, and larger teams may need Professional or Enterprise tiers. For a small support team that wants a low-cost, browser-friendly tool, Zoho Assist is a practical choice.

RemotePC appeals to buyers who manage several computers on a budget. Its pricing is per computer rather than per user in many plans, which can be cheaper for households or small offices with many machines but few users. Unattended access, file transfer and remote printing cover the core remote work needs.

There is no free plan, and the interface feels simpler than TeamViewer or Splashtop, with fewer collaboration features. Recent guides list Solo pricing from about $1.84 per month in some offers to higher list prices in others, so check the current plan for your computer count. For budget access to many machines, RemotePC is worth comparing.

ConnectWise ScreenConnect, formerly ConnectWise Control, is built for IT support teams and managed service providers. It offers unattended access, session grouping, remote toolbox actions and integrations with ticketing systems, which help technicians support many endpoints efficiently. Its security controls include role-based access and session auditing.

Pricing starts at $33 per month in recent guides, with custom pricing for larger fleets, and the platform takes time to configure well. Personal users and tiny teams will find it excessive. For IT teams that support dozens or hundreds of machines, ScreenConnect is one of the most capable options.

RealVNC Connect suits users who want secure, lightweight remote access without a heavy platform. Its VNC-based approach works across Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi and mobile, with encryption and device approval for cloud connections. A free plan covers personal use, and paid plans start at $8.25 per month in recent guides.

Collaboration features are thinner than TeamViewer, with less focus on meetings, whiteboards and support workflows. Direct connections also need network setup in some cases, though cloud connections simplify this. For secure personal and small-team access, especially on Linux and Raspberry Pi, RealVNC Connect is a solid pick.