Remote Access software allows you to view and even control someone else’s computer remotely, from anywhere in the world. It’s great for helping customers with technical issues, training new employees, and monitoring employee activity throughout the workday. There are different kinds of remote access software. On-demand remote access requires the person on the other end to grant access through the software, while unattended remote access allows you to control a device without anyone present. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ve compiled the best affordable options for a variety of different scenarios.
Top 9 Affordable Remote Access Software
- Chrome Remote Desktop: Best free software
- Remote PC: Best simple software
- LogMeIn Pro: Best for small businesses
- Splashtop: Best for smaller teams
- Remote Utilities: Best high volume remote access software
- VNC Connect: Best for larger teams
- Teamviewer: Best for cross-platform use
- Zoho Assist: Best customizable software
- ConnectWise: Best for unattended access
1. Chrome Remote Desktop: Best free software
Pricing: Free
This Chrome extension is a great way to monitor your work remotely for free. If you already have Google Chrome installed, the installation takes less than one minute. Once you’re set up you can give other users access by generating a support code.
Key features:
- Quick, easy download
- Accessible via internet
- File transfer
- Screen sharing
- End sharing sessions anytime
- Connect other users via support code
- For Windows, macOS, and Linux
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to download
- Great for one-time use
Reasons to avoid:
- Not great for IT teams
- Only for basic needs
2. RemotePC: Best simple software
Price: $29.50/year ($22.12 for first year, 30 day free trial)
RemotePC is a simple remote access software with numerous features at an affordable starting price. They also offer significant discounts of up to 50% for the first year, depending on which promotion they have at the time of purchase. You can easily add team members as you go, making it highly flexible. RemotePC has enough features to make it worth the cost, but nothing extraneous to distract you.
Key features:
- File transfers
- Endpoint cloud backup
- Remote printing
- Remote recording
- Live chat
- Downloadable to Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and Fire OS
- Usable via internet with no additional download
- Multiple users can access one computer
- 24/7 live support
Reasons to buy:
- 24/7 live support
- Highly user-friendly
Reasons to avoid:
- Price increases after first year
3. LogMeIn Pro: Best for small businesses
Pricing: $30/month (14 day free trial)
If you’re looking for something to help you manage your small business’s day to day operations, LogMeIn Pro is a great option. With unlimited users included on all plans and access to a password storing program, LogMeIn Pro offers many more features than the price alone would indicate. Designed specifically for small business owners, LogMeIn Pro will help you maximize productivity
Key features:
- Unlimited users
- Highly user friendly
- Mobile version for iOS and Android devices
- Multi-imonitor display
- Password management
- 1TB File Storage
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to install
- Designed specifically for small business owners.
Reasons to avoid:
- More features than necessary for basic use
4. Splashtop: Best for Smaller Teams
Price: $11/month/user (7 day free trial)
Splashtop is a great option for smaller teams, and their pricing is affordable. Through Splashtop, two users can access one computer at the same time. If you’re looking for a sophisticated software to help you manage your work remotely on a small budget, Splashtop is a great option.
Key features:
- File transfers
- Remote printing
- Multi-monitor access
- High performance engine
- Remote reboot
- User management
- Two users into one computer
- Screen Recording
Reasons to buy:
- Highly affordable
- Great for smaller teams
Reasons to avoid:
- No month-to-month billing for higher level plans
5. Remote Utilities: Best High Volume Remote Access Software
Price: Free
Remote Utilities is a free remote access software with many of the same features as paid options. Operating from a self-hosted server, it gives you a direct connection to up to 10 computers. Remote Utilities also integrates their software with Active Directories through the Address Book features, which allows you to keep track of your schedule easily.
Key features:
- Connect up to 10 computers for free
- Supports portable mode
- File Transfer
- Two Factor Authentication
- MSI Configuration
- Self-hosted server
- Address book
Reasons to use:
- Many features for a free software
Reasons to avoid:
- Not the most user friendly
- Set-up may be challenging
6. VNC Connect: Best for larger teams
Price: $3.39/device/month (14 day trial)
VNC Connect is a great option for larger teams, and is trusted by many companies worldwide. Alongside numerous features, VNC Connect also offers encryption. With a user-friendly design, VNC Connect is a great way to work with remote teams and customers.
Key features:
- 256-bit AES Session Encryption
- Remote printing
- File transfer
- Chat
- Direct and cloud connectivity
- Intuitive design
- Supports iOS and Android
- Screen sharing
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid:
- Difficult initial setup
7. Teamviewer: Best for cross-platform use
Price: $29.90/month
Among many powerful products, Teamviewer also offers a remote access software with many features that integrates with numerous other business applications. It also downloads rapidly and can be available on many devices within minutes, making it easy to get large teams on board right away. If you need remote access software to control a variety of applications, Teamviewer is a great option.
Key features:
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
- VPN alternative
- Integrates with Zendesk, Freshworks, Servicenow, and many others
- Remote wake up and sleep functions
- File sharing
- Remote printing
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to use on multiple platforms
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be expensive for larger teams
8. Zoho Assist: Best customizable software
Price: $10/month (15 day free trial)
If you’re looking for a highly customizable way to access your devices, manage your team, or assist customers remotely, Zoho Assist is a great choice. This cloud based remote access software offers all the basic remote access features as well as customizable user management, email templates, departments, and customer widgets.
Key features:
- Customization
- Cloud based
- File transfer
- Instant chat
- Email templates
- Multi-monitor navigation
- Bulk deployment
- Screen sharing
- Session recording
Reasons to buy:
- Customizable
- Many features
Reasons to avoid:
- Amount of features may be overwhelming for a beginner
9. ConnectWise Control: Best for Unattended Access
Price: $30/month (14 day free trial)
ConnectWise Control allows you to access devices without anyone present on the other end, as long as the access agents are installed on the unattended devices. There is no limit to how many remote users can access these devices. ConnectWise is great to use as a help desk for your customers. It also offers on-demand service options.
Key features:
- Internal IT
- Point-of-sale
- Help desk
- Endpoint management
- Advanced reporting
- Backstage
- Central toolbox
- Role-based security
Reasons to buy:
- Great for customizing your customer support
Reasons to avoid:
- Help desk features not included in unattended monitoring package
References and Links:
- https://www.quicksprout.com/best-remote-access-software/
- https://www.remotepc.com/features
- https://www.logmein.com/pro/features
- https://remotedesktop.google.com/support/
- https://www.splashtop.com/remote-desktop-access
- https://www.lifewire.com/free-remote-access-software-tools
- https://www.remoteutilities.com/product/features
- https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop
- https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/
- https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/integrations/
- https://www.techradar.com/news/best-remote-desktop-software
- https://www.zoho.com/assist/features
- https://info.connectwise.com/remote-support-access/