The Best Remote PC Access Software of 2024

RemotePC by IDrive is the best remote PC access solution for small teams that want to connect to various work devices, whether at home or in the office. We found the software incredibly easy to implement, as it doesn’t require installation before use, like some competitors we examined. Team members can access the software with a web browser and then use an access ID and personal key (unique password) to make a secure connection with a remote device. The simplicity of this platform is ideal for small teams that don’t have access to a dedicated IT staff.

RemotePC offers a suite of essential remote access features, like file transfer, remote printing and session recording. We were glad to see that RemotePC provides most of its features across all pricing plans rather than restricting the lower tiers, as some competitors do. We were also impressed with its more advanced functions, like waking up remote devices using Wake-on-LAN, navigating between multiple monitors and playing sounds from remote devices. Additionally, we believe small teams benefit from RemotePC’s many collaboration tools, like instant chat, digital whiteboard and an easy way to send session invitations to other technicians.

RemotePC has recently introduced the Performance Viewer, which allows users with limited bandwidth to access remote computers at the speed of up to 60 fps. This feature is extremely helpful for remote teams that don’t always have access to a high-speed connection outside of the office but need to be able to use the demanding programs nonetheless.

Users can also access an on-demand remote support solution, RemotePC HelpDesk. This release offers an array of useful features for IT admins and managed service providers (MSPs), as well as a simplified UI.Features include single sign-on, chat support, file transfer, screen sharing, performance viewer, multiple monitor display, and the ability to record helpdesk sessions.

RemotePC also offers mobile remote access, which provides secure access to remote desktops via iOS or Android devices to easily manage desktops from any location. As long as users have access to the internet, they can take advantage of features like copy-paste text and real-time screen sharing. RemotePC mobile access offers all users a flexible, secure and private option to transfer files and utilize an extended keyboard easily.

If your business uses Linux machines and wants to ensure a seamless cloud data backup and management experience, RemotePC has a solution for you. Users can utilize IDrive 360, an endpoint cloud backup solution for Linux machines. This web-based graphical user interface (GUI) lets you remotely view and manage any number of computers and perform backups for multiple Linux machines at once.

Another thing we like about RemotePC by IDrive is its variety of affordable software plans. While small teams will likely benefit from one of RemotePC’s SOHO plans (unlimited user licenses, unlimited concurrent sessions, and five or 10 computers), the company also offers larger Team and Enterprise plans to meet your business’s needs as you grow.

RemotePC recently announced a cost-effective remote desktop solution for enterprise clients, offering unlimited cloud backup space from IDrive Backup for just $20 per year. Addressing the growing demand for effective remote work tools, this new solution helps users easily back up, oversee and restore data from any location via the RemotePC dashboard, safeguarding it from potential loss and security breaches.

Wrike, now part of Citrix, is our choice as the best solution for remote collaboration. Although Wrike is not a traditional remote access and control solution like its competitors that we analyzed, the cloud-based platform offers many collaboration tools that enable remote employees to connect with one another. You and your team can access the software on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices to collaborate externally and internally, copy files, and view interactive boards and spreadsheets. We found that you can control your staff by breaking up large tasks into subtasks and assigning them to team members, and you can view a live activity stream of projects and tasks.

We like how Wrike facilitates remote collaboration through features like personal and companywide work schedules, file and video proofing (with visual markup tools), and multistage approvals. We also were impressed with how you can tag your teammate in a comment to collaborate on a task or accelerate the decision-making process. One of our favorite Wrike features is the interactive Gantt charts. These allow you to easily schedule and visualize projects and deadlines with a drag-and-drop tool.

Wrike mobile apps allow team members to remotely access their tasks, collaborate on projects and share files while away from their desk. We found it helpful that they allow users to use AI-powered smart replies and add quick emojis to the comments.

Wrike ensures your collaboration is secure with two-factor authentication, single sign-on (SSO), password policies, user groups and permissions, custom access roles, and user audit reports.

Wrike recently launched Cloud Content Connector, an application programming interface (API) that integrates Wrike with any digital asset management (DAM) system. This enables teams to manage their work in both systems simultaneously. Cloud Content Connector, which also pairs with Wrike’s proofing feature, allows customers to power end-to-end creative processes in one place and eliminates app toggling and version control issues.

We are impressed with how Wrike is regularly updating the platform with new user-friendly tools. Most recently, it introduced a generative AI copilot that offers automation tips, engages in conversations and executes tasks using user-provided data and AI-derived industry insights, helping teams understand their data for informed decision-making.

We like that Wrike offers a Free plan with unlimited users, mobile apps and a variety of project templates, making it accessible to smaller companies. It also connects to more than 400 integrations, allowing you to create a truly custom and integrated solution for your business.

Wrike also offers a unified work management platform called Wrike Lightspeed. The platform features an easy-to-learn, intuitive interface, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and a sleek design. With the increase in remote and hybrid work, this platform can solve a potential problem for many businesses by aligning teams companywide and improving workplace connectivity through one comprehensive view.

Splashtop is our top choice for the best remote PC access solution for creative workers in industries like media, design and game development. The software is compatible with most platforms and a wide range of devices, including Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iOS and Android. Thanks to its partnership with Wacom, Splashtop also supports essential creative tools like a stylus and a pen tablet, even going as far as mirroring the applied pressure and orientation, making it easy for creative workers to recreate their office settings. Users can connect from and to multiple monitors, access remote microphones, and benefit from HD-quality video and audio.

Creative workers require access to demanding platforms like graphic design, video editing or 3D animation programs. This makes having a high-speed remote connection essential for their work. Splashtop offers 4K streaming at up to 60 fps and iMac Pro Retina 5K streaming, with minimal latency, which is ideal for a seamless experience.

Splashtop also offers extensive collaboration tools, making it easy for specialists across teams to work together. For example, users can share their desktops via web browsers, transfer files with drag-and-drop functionality, and chat in and outside remote sessions. One standout feature we found especially valuable is that multiple team members can remotely access a computer simultaneously. This can be useful for team members collaborating on a creative project or preparing a presentation for a client. What’s more, two users can simultaneously log in to the same computer, a feature we found rare in other reviewed solutions. If some of the teammates can’t join a session, you have the option to record sessions and save them to your local computer for future use.

Additionally, the company offers Splashtop AR, a virtual field service support feature that utilizes augmented reality with mobile camera sharing. Another feature, Splashtop Connector, allows IT administrators to remotely access computers inaccessible via internet access or third-party applications. Both features are available for Enterprise plan users on request.

Splashtop also offers comprehensive remote support and endpoint management features, including multicomputer management, remote wake and reboot, customizable technician alerts, support queue, and unattended Android access. On the Enterprise plan, end users can connect directly with a technician simply by clicking on the “SOS Call” button to get quick support.

Having remote teams can leave you susceptible to security risks. Splashtop mitigates those risks through a series of security measures. It offers 24/7 intrusion detection and defense mechanisms, two-factor authentication, screen blanking, multilevel password security, view-only remote access, automatic screen locking, idle-session timeout, and remote connection notifications. We also appreciate that you can set up user roles and permissions to limit user access to specific computers and devices.

Spalshtop also offers Splashtop Antivirus powered by Bitdefender. The anti-malware and antivirus security capability is an add-on service available to users. With the new Splashtop technology, MSPs and IT teams can better protect their users on multiple devices by securing endpoints and enabling secure remote access.

Splashtop recently acquired Foxpass, a cloud-based provider that increases access to solutions for IT and DevOps systems through identity-centric technology. The acquisition will improve security for Splashtop customers and integrate with identity providers such as Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace and Okta. This helps fill the current need for Splashtop users to gain access to elevated security and password-less systems. This type of security is important for teams that use remote PC access, especially in today’s remote-first work environment.

Splashtop is also available for Syncro — a platform for professional services automation and remote monitoring and management — thanks to the introduction of its new Team plan. With this change, Syncro partners will have access to an enriched Splashtop tool suite, allowing them to remotely support clients via one-click access on the Syncro platform for seamless troubleshooting capabilities. Partners can also utilize multi-monitor support and increase high-speed remote access capabilities via end-user remote access licenses, allowing clients to work from anywhere.

These capabilities, among others, aid in increased productivity for users, boost opportunities for collaboration among teams and expand a business’s capabilities.

Zoho Assist is our choice as the best integrated remote PC support and unattended access solution. It’s a cloud-based remote access and control solution that has something for everyone: a free plan, three remote support plans, two unattended access plans, and add-ons for storage and VoIP call credits. Affordable pricing is available on either a monthly or annual billing cycle, giving you even more flexibility to find a solution that fits your needs. We like that Zoho Assist is a pay-as-you-go service, meaning you can cancel, upgrade or downgrade your service to meet your current business needs.

Zoho Assist is compatible with various devices (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS) and doesn’t require installation, so you can quickly connect to a remote device through a web browser. Every plan includes essential features like multimonitor navigation, clipboard sharing, instant text and voice chat, two-factor authentication, idle-session timeout, organization roles, and user management.

You can connect Zoho Assist to numerous third-party integrations as well as other products from the Zoho Suite, like Zoho CRM and Zoho Desk. This way, you can provide an integrated solution and facilitate cross-team collaboration. Zoho Assist also offers comprehensive mobile device support and mobile apps that closely mirror the web app, with features like file transfer, screen capture and instant chat.

Zoho works securely through firewalls and proxies, has end-to-end SSL and AES 256-bit encryption, and is compatible with top antivirus software. You can even access session recording and auditing, session notes, and video chat on advanced plans. Other essential things to look for in terms of integrated remote support and unattended access are scalability, training opportunities and compliance – all of which Zoho Assist offers.

Zoho Assist’s Remote Audio feature, which has a user-friendly interface, helps users troubleshoot audio-related problems, such as muffled or distorted sound, to offer a smoother support experience for clients and technicians. Technicians can listen to audio through customers’ remote devices and help with the diagnosis of an issue, configure troubleshooting or offer comprehensive guidance. 

With the integration of Zia, an AI-powered platform, Zoho Assist users can leverage natural language processing to analyze customer inquiries, provide instant responses and offer relevant auto-suggested solutions. The benefits of these tools include the ability to deliver quick and accurate answers to common customer questions, enhance agent efficiency with auto-generated responses, analyze audit logs for improved support and gain valuable insights for enhancing support operations.

Zoho Assist also offers an augmented reality (AR) camera share feature designed to solve many technicians’ issues of remotely troubleshooting complex problems, like heavy machinery at a mining site and customer service situations. Zoho Assist’s AR solution uses a smartphone or smart glass live video stream to render AR remote assistance sessions. This is available to all customers.

Freshdesk by Freshworks is our choice as the best integrated help desk solution. It’s a comprehensive software solution that enables businesses to exceed customer expectations in terms of support. The AI-powered omnichannel platform offers support functions like assigning and linking support tickets and creating custom ticket statuses. We found it helpful that Freshdesk offers a shared inbox, which acts as a shared email account for multiple agents to send and receive emails from and store customer information for easy access. From there, you can integrate Freshdesk with the company’s Freshworks CRM solution to ensure collaboration between customer support and sales teams. Learn more in our full review of Freshworks CRM.

We like that you can also provide support in various ways, such as via email, phone, live chat, social media, websites and WhatsApp. You can manage your support staff through features like service tasks and groups, scheduling dashboards, and time tracking.

We appreciate that you can integrate Freshdesk with other Freshworks products for an integrated help desk experience. For example, you can link it to Freshconnect and enable your agents to chat in real time and resolve issues together.

If you want to increase your team’s productivity, you can take advantage of Freshdesk’s many automated functions, such as dispatching and assigning tickets, sending out email notifications, and assigning (omni-routing) emails, chats and calls to specific agents. These features are all unique to Freshdesk; we didn’t see them in competitors that we reviewed.

Freshdesk recently unveiled Freddy AI to help customer service teams improve their engagement and efficiency. Leveraging the capabilities of generative AI, this feature is marketed as an enterprise-level solution for service operations. Freddy AI offers three primary functionalities: Freddy self-service for real-time chat assistance, Freddy copilot to assist service agents with their tasks, and Freddy insights to facilitate better decision-making. As of now, this feature is available at no cost during its Beta phase, but starting in January 2024, it will transition to a paid add-on tool.

GoTo Resolve is our choice as the best remote PC access solution for businesses that want to offer unlimited live support without requiring end users to download software. Previously known as GoTo Assist (formerly LogMeIn), GoTo Resolve combines remote access features with live ticketing and IT management functionality. While some competitors require you to install their software on the devices you are connecting to, GoTo Resolve lets you make a secure connection through a standard web browser. You still have the option to download the unattended installer onto the end user’s device if you prefer, but you can also install it by simply adding their computer from the GoTo Resolve toolbar. You can then quickly start a support connection by having the end user enter a support key online or click a link you provide.

When working with an end user, you can drag and drop files between devices or ask the customer for permission to share their files with you. Unlike competitors, GoTo Resolve does not limit the type or size of files you can transfer during a live session. If necessary, you can set up GoTo Resolve to record automatically when a session starts. These recordings can then be shared with customers for future reference or support training. You can initiate a screen share, communicate with the customer via chat and add session notes. We also like that you can invite other technicians to join the session by simply sharing a nine-digit code.

GoTo Resolve offers a camera share add-on that allows technicians to connect to the end user’s mobile camera and troubleshoot issues with nondigital products and hardware. There is no installation required from the user’s side; they can simply follow a shared link. We like that, unlike many of the reviewed competitors that offer camera share as an on-demand feature for top-tier users, GoTo Resolve allows users on all plans to purchase as an add-on.

GoTo Resolve also includes essential help desk features, and users can submit tickets via a dedicated portal or by sending an email to a dedicated email address. We appreciate that its integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams allows users to submit tickets straight from their chatting solutions. We also like that the product is highly customizable and allows admins to add branding elements, set up triggers for automations and define access levels on a granular level.

We like how GoTo is regularly updating the software. Last month, GoTo released extensive updates like enhanced security in Resolve, Logitech integration and AI-powered automation, streamlining tasks and improving customer experiences. The upcoming AI-driven features in Resolve promise efficient issue resolution and insightful customer interaction analysis.

GoTo Resolve also offers a full suite of integration tools that makes remote access even easier. With a Zendesk integration, GoTo Resolve users can initiate remote support sessions and track session information using Zendesk’s ticketing system. Further integrations, such as the integration with Google Translate, make customer interactions easier and more streamlined. GoTo’s Rescue software combined with Google Translate allows users to provide real-time multilingual support with customizable glossaries. Meanwhile, GoTo Customer Engagement’s integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT helps send messages faster to speed up the IT assistance process.

Since GoTo Resolve is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices, it doesn’t matter what type of device your customer is operating on. Because many businesses don’t stick to just one type of device, we found this very appealing. However, mobile device access is available only as an add-on, and some iOS features may be limited. You can connect devices via web browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Safari. To speed up the support process, GoTo Resolve often works without requiring you to change firewall settings on remote devices.

ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect) is our choice for the best remote PC access solution for remote troubleshooting. While it can be used to access your own remote device, we particularly like its remote support functionality. ConnectWise Control works across multiple platforms and with nearly every major browser, making it easy for IT teams to provide support to most users.

During a session, technicians can communicate with end users via text or audio chat. Considering that most competitors restrict communication options to instant live chat, we found this feature particularly helpful for prompt remote troubleshooting and clear communication between parties during remote support sessions or meetings. If necessary, you can view one or more monitors during a session. ConnectWise also lets you record a video of any remote session or, uniquely, capture sound. We also found it helpful that ConnectWise Control allows you to send messages between remote computers without initiating a remote session.

The ConnectWise View camera sharing extension helps resolve on-site issues like hardware malfunctions without sending in a technician. The add-on allows IT teams to connect directly to the users’ mobile cameras and get a firsthand account of an error in real time. We appreciate that the connection requires no installation from the user’s side, accelerating the resolution process.

Our research found that ConnectWise Control offers more than 100 integrations, which puts it ahead of the competition. It can connect to third-party apps like Zendesk or Microsoft Outlook, as well as numerous ConnectWise tools that can expand the product’s functionality by adding advanced reporting, diagnostics, automation options and more. ConnectWise Control’s settings and processes can be customized to fit your business’s needs, and you can even adjust its look and feel to fit your brand.

ConnectWise Control not only provides support and grants advanced access to remote devices, but it does so securely. We were impressed with the numerous security measures, such as two-factor authentication, role-based security settings, audit reports, secure session codes, SSL certificates, device locking on disconnect, brute-force prevention, access revoking, guest input suspension and guest monitor blanking.

ConnectWise has increased security for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) through a consolidated identity and management platform provided by Evo Security. Evo Elevated Access was made for MSPs specifically, creating unique solutions that enhance security for MSPs and end-users. One of these features is the ability to eliminate password-sharing and multifactor authentication code-sharing among technicians and administrators. Instead, Evo Elevated Access ensures the technician’s identity is verified to prevent any cybersecurity attacks.

Jamf is our choice as the best remote access solution for companies looking to deploy, access, manage and provide support for Apple devices. With its clear specialization, Jamf is a leading solution in the niche market. It comes in two major products: Jamf Pro and Jamf Now. The former is tailored to large IT teams and enterprises, while the latter is best suited for smaller teams and growing businesses.

Jamf allows you to remotely access and manage Apple devices on an individual and mass scale. We like that you can enroll devices into deployment programs so that they can be added to Jamf and connected to the company’s environment straight out of the box, without the need to involve IT teams. Once devices are connected, you can view and manage computer groups, IT automations, configurations and patch management options.

Jamf allows you to quickly onboard new users by applying a defined list of settings, configuring their Wi-Fi and email settings, setting a schedule for software updates, and more. We found it particularly helpful that, when deploying a mass software update, Jamf allows you to take a before-and-after snapshot of the installation, making it easier to revert to a previous version in case of any issues.

Jamf gives technicians excellent visibility into the devices’ performance by providing them with access to the inventory data with the information on the used hardware, security measures, installed apps, potential threats and more. We like that you can automatically create device groups based on the inventory items in order to automate management tasks. We also appreciate that Jamf allows technicians to create a self-service portal that they can populate with approved apps; users can then access it at any time and install one of the select apps without involving the IT team.

Jamf’s device management and remote access come with enterprise-grade security measures, including passwordless authentication, passcode and FileVault enforcement, remote device wipe and lock, conditional access, threat detection, SSO, and a zero-trust security approach. Jamf also helps your company comply with all major legislation, such as HIPAA, PCI and FERPA.

We particularly appreciate that Jamf offers same-day iOS support, which helps ensure that the devices and apps stay current with all the latest Apple updates. We find it significant given the complex infrastructures that often come with enterprises and large organizations.

ISL Online is our choice as the best remote PC access solution for diverse hosting options. While most competitors offer some combination of cloud-hosted and on-premises software, ISL Online offers those options plus a managed private cloud (MPC) hosting option, as well as a hybrid cloud remote desktop solution. A self-hosted option allows users to install ISL Online on their company servers and benefit from increased privacy and security. It also makes it possible to customize the look and feel of the program and its interface to fit your brand.

The MPC is for large businesses that want the security of an on-premises solution and the convenience of a cloud-hosted solution. In this case, ISL Online offers exclusive hosting in a public data center like AWS or Azure, or in a company’s private center. This solution is optimal for users who want extensive customization options and scalability. The original equipment (OE) option allows users to integrate the remote PC access solution straight into their product. For this, the ISL Online Team is on call 24/7 to take care of hosting remote desktop sessions and managing the network infrastructure.

ISL Online offers essential remote support features like screen share, session recording file transfer and multimonitor navigation. We like that ISL Online provides instant text, audio and video call options and a digital whiteboard, making it easy to communicate with the customer and troubleshoot issues. We also found it helpful that a technician or a customer support agent can blank the user’s screen and even reboot and reconnect the remote computer without the user leaving the online session.

We like that each ISL Online plan has some degree of customization. For example, you may be able to add on multisession licenses, 24/7 premium support, or updates and upgrades. Regardless of your chosen hosting method or plan, you can rest assured that your remote connections are secured with ISL’s premium security measures. These include two-factor authentication, code signing, port filtering, user access management, blacklisting, whitelisting, external security audits and penetration testing.

ISL Online offers various ways to make a secure connection. You can connect via desktop app, the web, email invitation, live chat, mobile apps, Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or Secure Shell (SSH), connect boxes, “Download ISL Light” buttons, and branded access points.

Previously known as Netop Remote Control, Impero Connect is our choice for enterprises looking for a comprehensive and secure remote PC access solution. Secure remote connection is essential, especially for large businesses that transmit highly sensitive information. We were impressed with the layers upon layers of security measures provided by the company. Admins can create specific roles, assign them to particular devices and even set schedules for their access. If a company is working with external contractors or consultants, it’s possible to give them restricted and temporary access to the company’s environment, clearly defining their permissions. During remote sessions, Impero Connect supports file transfer, screen share, and instant text and audio chats that come with unalterable logs.

One security feature we find quite useful is the ability to automate remote access routines. Once you configure a script, Impero Connect can test it for security weaknesses and efficiencies before implementing it. This not only streamlines remote access processes, but also ensures that they are safe and secure every time.

We appreciate the various security options that Impero Connect offers to help you comply with privacy regulations and further increase security. These include end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption, multifactor authentication and customizable security roles. You can keep extensive and accurate logs with session recordings and audit trails, set up IP and time-of-day filters, and whitelist applications. Impero Connect also guarantees your company’s compliance. Whether it is the GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO, or HIPAA that you must comply with, Impero Connect can ensure your information remains safe and secure within its platform. It is also compatible with zero-trust security frameworks. You can easily contact a representative by phone or online if you have any compliance concerns.

We found that Impero Connect excels at bulk deployment and access, and allows you to send up to 500 email invites at once to encourage users across the organization to connect their devices. You can add deployment packages that are applied to specific user groups and follow a set schedule. Impero Connect also makes it easy to ensure all the connected devices and even used apps are secure, and can help terminate any unwanted processes at scale.

Impero Connect supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android, as well as all major browsers. What’s more, Impero Connect supports specialized machines like IIoT, ATMs and medical devices. Considering the variety of users and devices that come with the enterprise scale, this compatibility is essential for the success of large companies.