If you have the best remote desktop, you will be able to manage and access one or more computers using another device. Remote access can be done via the internet or local networks, meaning that with the right software, you can access any device no matter where you are in the world.
Here is our list of the best remote desktop software of 2021.
1. RemotePC
RemotePC tops our list as the best remote desktop user for big businesses, providing scalable pricing for growing teams as well as remote chat and whiteboard sharing for easy communication between consumers and IT technicians.
RemotePC is one of three products developed by IDrive Inc., which was established in 1995 to provide cloud computing, online backup, and remote access solutions. While IDrive is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau, it receives an A+ ranking from the organization.
RemotePC helps users to remotely control any computer from any PC, Mac or Linux computer, iOS, or Android devices using secure AES-256 encryption without the need to install any program. Users can use always-on-access to provide remote access to the device at any time or by using a unique shared key.
RemotePC also makes it easy to drag and drop files between devices. Users can listen to audio on remote machines, print notes, communicate between computers, and even work together on a shared whiteboard.
RemotePC offers a wide range of scalable pricing choices. A single-user license for remote access to two machines only costs $29.50 per year. Teams can choose from three systems that allow unrestricted users to use a limited number of computers:
- SOHO: $69.50 per year for 10 computers
- Team: $249 per year for 50 computers
- Enterprise: $499 per year for 100 computers
All plans provide video conferencing, 24/7 email, and chat service. Team and Enterprise plans also provide consumers a single user login, an on-demand online helpdesk, and a seven-day free trial.
In short, because of its ease of use and competitive prices, RemotePC is the perfect option for big organizations, making it easier for small and large teams to deliver remote computer assistance to an increasing variety of consumers.
2. LogMeIn
LogMeIn is our choice as the best remote desktop app for one user or a small team for a few reasons. In addition to affordable options for customers depending on the number of devices accessed, the organization also provides generous online storage, a free LastPass membership, and 24/7 telephone support.
Established in 2003, LogMeIn is a groundbreaking service as a software (SaaS) company providing cloud-based applications to more than two million customers worldwide. The company receives an A+ award from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) although it is not accredited to the association.
LogMeIn provides everything a user would expect from a remote desktop tool, including remote access from PC and Mac computers and mobile devices for unlimited users, drag-and-drop file transfer, remote printing, multi-monitor screens, screen sharing, and more.
The business also has a few extra features, including 1TB of cloud storage, a free LastPass Premium license for secure password storage, and 24/7 phone service, all with strong SSL/TLS (OpenSSL) security.
LogMeIn’s $30 a month base package allows users to use up to two devices with all of the features above. Access for up to five computers is $70 a month which requires three LastPass Premium licenses, and access for up to 10 computers is $129 a month for five LastPass Premium licenses. All plans support an infinite number of participants and come with a 14-day free trial.
LogMeIn provides inexpensive and easy-to-use remote desktop control with access to online storage and password management, making it the perfect choice for individuals and small teams.
3. ISL Online
We have selected ISL Online as the best overall solution because of its ease of use for both consumers and remote staff, cross-platform support, and flexible pricing structure.
ISL derives its name from the abbreviation of the internet services layer, a software program created in 2001, the year in which the organization was founded. Today, it offers remote desktop assistance software in 100 countries and enjoys strong ratings from leading software review pages, including Software Advice and Capterra.
It lets users remotely control any computer or Android, iOS, or Windows phone from a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer or mobile device. IT technicians can communicate with consumers in real-time with high-speed screen sharing and remotely switch data, reboot computers, and update new applications.
This provider offers a secure connection to unattended machines using 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication. Customers can also conveniently grant help access to their device or phone through live chat, smartphone app, or web portal with only one click.
ISL offers a variety of pricing choices including a 15-day free trial. A cloud license that allows unlimited sessions, devices, and users cost $469 per year. The company also offers a $145 pay-per-use package for 500 session minutes a year. At the end of the day, consumers can choose a one-time software solution at $990.
ISL Online’s flexible pricing, multi-platform service, security policies, and simple user connectivity make it the best overall option for a company providing safe remote customer support or offering an easy teleworking experience for its employees.
4. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is our best value choice because it offers a wide range of low-cost plans for both individuals and businesses based on what each user needs, as well as a free plan that provides users with simple but effective remote management.
In 2005, Zoho launched a web-based word processor and CRM to provide low-cost office software for small businesses. Today, it offers a complete suite of software for small businesses, including Zoho Assist, that wins our spot for the best value due to its wide range of feature-rich, low-priced models. The business has high scores for tech review websites, including Software Advice, Capterra, and G2.
Zoho splits the program into two sections of the plans. Its Remote Support Plans are ideally suited for IT support teams and provide one technician, file transfers, multi-monitor navigation, and up to six simultaneous sessions. Mid-and top-level plans include rebranding, screen sharing, online printing, smartphone applications, session logging, and more.
Zoho’s Unattended Access plans support 25 unattended computers, plus bulk deployment, unrestricted technicians, and group permissions. Its top-tier package covers remote printing, diagnostic software, voice and video chat, rebranding, session logging, and more.
Zoho also provides a free hybrid package to support one technician, five unattended computers, chat, clipboard sharing, and one concurrent session. Overall, the company’s choice of affordable plans segmented by user type helps companies to get the best deal depending on what they need, giving it the top spot in this group.
5. Chrome Remote Desktop
Google has entered the remote desktop software segment with a free application that enables users to easily control any device using their Chrome browser. Although the app lacks many of the remote capabilities of comparable tools, it provides fast and smooth cross-platform connectivity at no cost, making it the best free software of our review.
Originally an enhancement for the Chrome desktop browser, Chrome Remote Desktop is a stand-alone tool that allows any user with a Google account to remotely access a machine using Chrome or an iOS or Android smartphone.
Setup is a bit more complex for Chrome Remote Desktop than with other remote tools. You’re going to need a Google account first. Next, the computer that is being used has to have the Chrome software enabled and then share a PIN to allow remote access to others.
As access is offered by a browser, authentication is restricted to HTTPS, the same encrypted protocol used by retailers to encrypt credit card details during online transactions. Each time a user needs to access a remote computer, a PIN is needed and several PINs can be set up for each device.
Although Chrome Remote Desktop does not support remote printing, messaging, or even file sharing, the program is incredibly simple to use and responsive, enabling users to move to keyboard or trackpad mode and modify key mappings to customize device access.
Despite its simplicity, Chrome Remote Desktop is our option for a great free solution for users who want easy and smooth remote connectivity between any machine or smartphone using a Chrome browser.
Wrapping Up
Although there are many fantastic remote desktop platforms each with its own unique set of features, we found that ISL Online was the best choice for most users. It provides a comprehensive range of remote access features, improved security, and complete cross-platform support, all with some of the most flexible pricing choices that we’ve seen.
For businesses, both RemotePC and LogMeIn have comprehensive assistance and affordable pricing. For personal or single users, Zoho Assist and Chrome Remote Desktop are at the top of our list, the former for its amazing range of features at a very low price, and the latter for its ease of use, easy remote access, and free price tag.