Sometimes you need to access your computer, but it isn’t right in front of you. You could be at home and your Mac is in your office, across the country, or on the other side of the world. Maybe you need to collaborate with a colleague, troubleshoot a coworker or client issue, access a local software or document, or a number of other tasks, but you don’t have physical access to your Mac computer. That is where Mac remote access software comes in. Today, there are a number of solutions to remotely access your computer. With the workforce ever changed from the pandemic, remotely accessing your data is increasingly important. A number of remote access tools for Mac are out there. We compiled a list of the most popular, along with their pros and cons, to give you an idea which solution is right for you.
Top 7 Best Network Security Monitoring Software Tools
- LogMeIn Pro Remote Access – best simple solution
- Zoho Assist – best remote helpdesk
- Splashtop – best for gaming
- TeamViewer – best free option
- RemotePC – best for multiple users
- GoToMyPC – great for working from home
- Jump Desktop – best for beginners
1. LogMeIn Pro Remote Access – best simple solution
PRICING:
Plans start at $30/ mo
LogMeIn is a powerful tool that offers features for companies and individuals alike. The entry level plan of LogMeIn Pro can be installed on one to two computers, but those computers can be accessed from an unlimited number of other devices. This is excellent if you have one computer with specialized single-seat software that multiple people need to access. Or, if you have a number of large files employees need to access, but don’t want to take up the space on their computer. Your LogMeIn Pro subscription also comes with 1T of storage, which, with the increasing size of file-sizes, does not go as far as it used to, but is still a nice bonus.
KEY FEATURES:
- 1T of storage
- Installation on multiple devices
- Complimentary access to password tool LastPass
REASONS TO BUY:
- Powerful, trusted remote access tool that is great for companies and individuals
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Some companies may need access to more than 2 computers
2. Zoho Assist – best remote helpdesk
PRICING:
Free limited plan, paid plans start at $10/ mo
Zoho Assist is great for IT professionals that need to remotely access a coworker’s computer to maintain and troubleshoot. Since Zoho Desk is cloud-based, it is simple to access and control a Mac from another computer or mobile device, making it easy for IT professionals to successfully do their job from anywhere. The interface is simple and easy to use, making for a smooth solution. Even transfer files remotely from one computer to another. Zoho Assist requires two-step authentication and other security features, keeping your information safe.
KEY FEATURES:
- Cloud-based
- Screen sharing
- File transfer
REASONS TO BUY:
- Incredible affordable option for IT professionals
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Not suited for users who need more technical features
3. Splashtop – best for gaming
PRICING:
Plans start at $40/ mo
Splashtop is a user-friendly tool that is great in offices, or for personal use. A standout feature of Splashtop is that it streams 3D graphics, sound, and video with virtually no lag. This is great for people who play a lot of video games, and want to do so remotely. Splashtop is available on iPhone and iPad, making it a truly portable and integratable tool in the modern world.
KEY FEATURES:
- Apps for iPhone and iPad
- 3D graphics
- File transfer
REASONS TO BUY:
- Great graphics and sound for 3D video games, while also providing professional solutions
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Price tag is a little high for someone who just wants to stream video games
4. TeamViewer – best free option
PRICING:
Free personal use plans; Business plans starting at $24.90/ mo
TeamViewer is a popular, affordable Mac remote access software, and they even offer a free version with less features for personal/ home use. The business plans include monitoring and asset management, which monitors critical aspects and streamlines the IT workflow. TeamViewer is easy to set-up and get started. There is a remote control tab so you can easily see and manage all of the devices set-up on your account. The macOS is straightforward enough, but it lacks the “Mac feel” that many users are used to.
KEY FEATURES:
- Monitoring and asset management
- Remote control tab
REASONS TO BUY:
- Free and affordable options for easy-to-use remote Mac access both in the workplace and home
REASONS TO AVOID:
- macOS could use some updating
5. RemotePC – best for multiple users
PRICING:
Plans start at $19.50/ mo
Contrary to the name, RemotePC is a great option for Mac remote access, as well as PC remote access. Actually, RemotePC is a good option for people that work within both operating systems. RemotePC offers one-time instant access by sharing a unique access ID and password. This is great for companies where different employees may need to share a screen, or access to a document, what have you, but not often enough for each employee to have their own remote access setup. Since it is web-based, RemotePC can instantly connect computers on your local network, eliminating the need to install any software.
KEY FEATURES:
- Chat feature
- Remote printing and audio
- One-time, instant access
REASONS TO BUY:
- Great for companies that constantly need to share screens and information
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Not necessary for one to two users or computers
6. GoToMyPC – great for working from home
PRICING:
Plans start at $28/ mo (per computer)
Again, don’t let the name fool you. GoToMyPC is great for offices that use Mac and PC alike, as it allows users to transfer your data between computers. In the long run, this could save a lot of time if you need to transfer a lot of large files between employees. A key feature is that GoToMyPC allows a multi-monitor view, so you can work between multiple computers at once. GoToMyPC is audio equipped, so you can access and listen to audio files stored on another computer. GoToMyPC is super easy to use and sets up automatically, making it great for multiple users, or users who have never used remote access software before.
KEY FEATURES:
- Multi-monitor support
- File transfer
- Advances security features
REASONS TO BUY:
- Simple-to-use and secure solution that bridges the information gap while working from home
REASONS TO AVOID:
- iOS app functional but a bit outdated
7. Jump Desktop – best for beginners
PRICING:
One-time $34.99 purchase
Setting up with Jump Desktop is a breeze. They use your gmail to automatically set-up and configure a remote connection. Jump Desktop is an app with a one-time purchase price of $34.99, which is a great deal for both personal and professional users. You can copy-and-paste and transfer files between Windows and macOS, an incredible feature for those who have both operating systems in their workflow. One thing to note is that users do need a Gmail account to get started. Gmail is free, so it should not be a problem for most, but something to consider for people who do not work out of Gmail.
KEY FEATURES:
- Gmail integration and automated set-up
- macOS and WIndows integrations
- Mobile apps
REASONS TO BUY:
- Affordable, easy set-up solution that works in the office and at home
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Need a gmail account to get started
References and Links:
https://www.logmein.com/buy/pro/select
https://www.zoho.com/assist/?src=top-header&ireft=Desk
https://www.zoho.com/assist/pricing.html
https://www.zoho.com/assist/features.html
https://www.splashtop.com/remote-support
https://www.splashtop.com/pricing
https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/
https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/products/teamviewer/
https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/features/
https://service.teamviewer.com/en-us/overview/#Single
https://www.remotepc.com/features
https://www.remotepc.com/pricing
https://get.gotomypc.com/features
https://get.gotomypc.com/how-it-works
https://get.gotomypc.com/plansandpricing2
https://www.jumpdesktop.com/connect/
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jump-desktop-remote-desktop/id524141863?ls=1&mt=12