List of Top Remote Desktop Software 2023

What is Remote Desktop Software?

Remote desktop software allows users to access and operate a computer without a physical presence.

Users are typically IT professionals performing maintenance, or support personnel providing training and assistance to end-users. The software gives the same level of access as being physically present to manipulate the computer’s keyboard and mouse.

Remote administration tools allow IT professionals to be deployed remotely. Users can perform IT tasks without leaving their physical desk. End-users can receive help and updates to their machines more quickly and efficiently. This can save companies time and money.

Remote Desktop Features & Capabilities

While specific features and capabilities will very from product to product, the best remote desktop software will be able to support all of the following features:

  • Screen capture and viewing
  • File management
  • Registry management
  • Instant message
  • Access to sleeping/powered off computers
  • Initiate remote access from mobile
  • Monitoring and alerts

Some advanced or specialty features include:

  • Annotations on the end user’s screen
  • Cross-platform access
  • Access from mobile devices
  • Reboot and power control
  • Screen mirroring or sharing

Use Cases of Remote Admin Tools

The most common use case for remote admin tools is for IT staff to provide maintenance and support services, both within and across a firewall. Other common use cases include:

  • Salespeople giving demonstrations
  • Educators for teaching and monitoring computer usage at school
  • General web conferencing

Vendors often offer different editions for these varied use cases. They also offer multiple versions or editions of their core product for enterprises of different sizes.

Pre-built integrations with 3rd-party software applications are also an important consideration. For example, integrations with help desk ticketing systems and IT service management systems allow remote support sessions to be opened directly from a trouble ticket. Once the session ends, session information is automatically sent back to the ticket. Integration with password management systems and other security tools can also be helpful.

Remote Desktop Software Comparison

To compare different remote desktop software, consider these aspects of each product offering:

1. Operating System: Remote desktop software is not one-size-fits-all. One of the first steps in choosing a remote desktop tool is making sure it supports the operating system your devices use whether it’s Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, or Ubuntu.

2. Security: Look into each tool’s design and processes for keeping your organization’s data safe. Not only should each tool comply with local and international security regulations, they should also have a proven record of data integrity. Reviews are a great way to find out if a tool’s advertised security lives up to its promises.

3. User-friendliness: Some people consider this a no-brainer, but this particular attribute becomes more important in tools that will have users who are not experts in what the remote desktop software does. Remote desktop software needs to be understood by end-users the administrator is assisting. Easy setup and navigation is a must for remote desktop software.

Start a Remote Desktop software comparison

Pricing Information

While there is free remote desktop software on the market, they are not geared towards larger businesses and enterprises. Enterprise remote desktop software can be priced as a perpetual license for on-premise products. It can also be set up as a subscription model. The subscription model is priced by user and number of unattended machines. Prices run between $55 and $500 per month depending on the number of users.

Remote Desktop Software Best Of Awards

The following Remote Desktop Software offer award-winning customer relationships, feature sets, and value for price. Learn more about our Winter Best Of Awards methodology here.

Best Of Winter 2023 Awards Winners for the Remote Desktop category. For Best Relationship, first place is Splashtop. Second place is Rescue. Third place is Central. For Best Feature Set, first place is Rescue. Second place is Splashtop. Third place is Central. For Best Value, first place is Splashtop. Second place is Rescue. Third place is Central.