Remote desktop applications are very important for professional users, whether it’s connecting to a home server or fixing someone’s computer over the internet. In this scenario, TeamViewer has made its mark as a powerful remote desktop tool. That said, TeamViewer does have its fair share of issues, including latency issues, file transfer errors, overloaded systems, expensive commercial pricing, and more. What are the best TeamViewer alternatives? In this article, we have compiled a list of more than 15 of the best TeamViewer alternatives that are lightweight, safe, easy to use, and inexpensive, among others. On that note, let’s go through the list of the best software like TeamViewer.
Why Look for TeamViewer Alternatives?
While TeamViewer has become the de facto remote desktop software, some notable issues with the software have forced users to look for alternatives. For example, in my usage, the app is very heavy and uses a lot of resources on my computer. In addition, the latency is still not up to par. Even if you have a stable internet connection, sometimes you will face the freezing issue.
What’s more, the price of the business version has only gone up, not down, which has made it impossible for many small businesses to continue using the software. Also, while TeamViewer touts unrestricted file sharing, it rarely works in reality. The file syncing process is slow and often ends with errors. So, if you run into any of these issues, check out our list of the best TeamViewer alternatives to find the right software for your needs.
Best TeamViewer Alternatives: A Collection of the Best Remote Desktop Software
Which is better remote desktop software? We’ve curated a list of the 16 best TeamViewer alternatives that offer low latency, better security, and advanced features at a lower price. The alternatives listed below are ranked, and you can expand the table below to move to any software of your choice to learn about its features, pricing, and other details.
1. Chrome Remote Desktop
Best Remote Desktop Software Recommendation: If you’re looking for a neat TeamViewer alternative that’s easy to use and performs well, choose Chrome Remote Desktop. All you need is the Chrome browser and an extension, and you can instantly connect to any machine. I’ve been using it for a while now to connect from my Windows PC to Ubuntu and Chrome OS computers and it works fine without any lag issues. If you want to access your PC from your smartphone, there are also apps for Android and iOS. Note that you must be signed in to Chrome Remote Desktop with a Google account for this to work.
As for security, it uses standard SSL/TLS encryption to establish remote connections over the web. Also, yes, there are no extra features like video/audio calls and text chats on TeamViewer. But again, it is for the average consumer who wants to connect to their machine remotely. However, you’ll get support for keyboard shortcuts, clipboard syncing, display zoom, and more. All in all, Chrome Remote Desktop is a lightweight alternative to TeamViewer. It should serve most users, and I don’t think you have to look any further.
merit
- Simple, free, and easy to use
- Best for general users
- There is no British media coverage
- Works on all major platforms
- Keyboard shortcuts are supported
- Clipboard syncing
shortcoming
- There is no video/audio/chat feature
- There is no file transfer
- A Google account is required
Pricing: Free
platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and iOS
2.AnyDesk
Best Remote Desktop Software Download: Whenever someone starts talking about TeamViewer alternatives, AnyDesk is the first software that comes to mind. Just like TeamViewer, AnyDesk is packed with tons of features that allow you to remotely access your device from anywhere. What I like most about AnyDesk is that the service brings one of the fastest data transfer rates with 60 FPS screen sharing.
AnyDesk also brings low-latency support, which means that your actions are instantly transmitted to your remote control device, and user interaction feels more natural. Another key feature of AnyDesk is that it supports almost all major platforms. This includes Windows, Linux, Free BSD, macOS, iOS, and Android, so it’s ideal as a remote support solution.
When it comes to security protocols, AnyDesk uses banking standard TLS 1.2 technology along with RSA 2048 asymmetric encryption to authenticate every connection. It ensures that your computer is protected from unauthorized access. This means that your computer and remote connections are fully protected, and you never have to worry about any privacy attacks.
Just recently, AnyDesk launched a new upgraded version of AnyDesk 7, which brings several new features, including an overhauled and more intuitive user experience and a simpler website UI launch. Plus, you get features like resetting remote screen resolution, global security settings, improved language support, stronger password requirements, and more. AnyDesk is a powerful remote desktop tool, and it’s one of the best TeamViewer alternatives you should try.
merit
- Low latency and fast data transfer
- Lightweight and around 4MB in size
- Cross-platform
- Feature-rich software
shortcoming
- Sometimes, face power outages
Pricing: 14-day free trial, paid plans starting at $9.9/month
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome OS, FreeBSD
3. UltraViewer
Windows users looking for a free and lightweight remote desktop application like TeamViewer may appreciate the features that UltraViewer has to offer. It’s only 1.5MB in size and includes several features you’d normally find on TeamViewer. First of all, this alternative app offers a carrying case and an EXE package in case you don’t want to install the program on your computer. In my tests, I found UltraViewer to be very fast and responsive.
UltraViewer supports features like file sharing, chat windows, multi-computer support, and more. Similar to TeamViewer, it also brings an audio chat feature, but only for paying customers.
Even if we consider the paid plans, UltraViewer is cheaper than TeamViewer. Paid plans start at $3.99 per month, while TeamViewer’s basic plan lets you save $50.90 per month. I think UltraViewer is a very powerful remote desktop application. You should definitely give it a try, especially if you want to save some precious money.
merit
- Carrying case
- Respond quickly
- File sharing
- Multi-PC support
- Quite cheap
- Audio chat
shortcoming
- Windows only
Pricing: Free, paid plans start at $3.99
per month Platform: Windows
4.DWService
What are the best TeamViewer alternatives? If you’re looking for a free and open-source alternative to TeamViewer, DWService is the best option. Much like Chrome Remote Desktop, you can use DWService to connect to any platform via a web browser. All you have to do is install the agent on the host, and you’ll be able to access the client computer like this. The best part is that it also brings file transfer through the browser, shell access to the Linux system, resource monitor, text editor, and more.
I used the service on my Chromebook and Windows 11 PC and it worked perfectly. When it comes to security, it uses the same SSL security standard as the web for real-time communication. Similar to TeamViewer, you have security features like 2FA to secure remote connections. All in all, DWService is one of the best TeamViewer alternatives that you should definitely check out.
merit
- Free and open source
- Run in a browser
- All major platforms are supported
- File transfers
- Enclosure access
shortcoming
- No audio/video chat
- There is no unattended access
Pricing: Free
platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, WebVisit
5. Parallels Access
Collection of Best Remote Desktop Software: Another great remote access software is Parallels Access. It provides one of the fastest, easiest, and most reliable remote access to your PC from anywhere. The service allows users to access all of your applications, files, and computers in one place. My favorite feature of Parallels Access is its mobile app.
While most of the remote desktop software mentioned in this list comes with its own mobile app, Parallels Access gives you the best mobile viewing experience. In my tests, the connection was never disconnected, and all of your touch input was immediately recognized on the computer being controlled.
Parallels Access also brings its proprietary and unique application technology. It lets you use the desktop app just like you would with the native app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android mobile device. This nifty feature makes it easy for you to interact with desktop apps while accessing them remotely on your mobile device.
It also brings an easy-to-access magnifying glass and the ability to copy and paste text and files precisely. While most remote desktop software, including TeamViewer, has a strong focus on the desktop experience, Parallels Access is the only one that focuses on the mobile experience. This makes this software unique and useful. Also, it is a free alternative to TeamViewer for personal use.
merit
- Easy access to macOS and Windows devices from iOS and Android devices
- The application works in full-window mode
- Excellent touch
- Gesture support
shortcoming
- Only available when accessing the desktop from a mobile device.
Pricing: Free trial for 14 days, starting at $19.99/year
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOSVisit
6. Zoho Assist
Best Remote Desktop Software Recommendation: If you’re looking for an efficient teamViewer alternative based on the cloudTo manage your IT department’s devices or provide IT support to your customers, consider Zoho Assist. Perhaps the biggest highlight of this software is its wide range of tools at your disposal. It allows you to set up unattended remote access (inside and outside the LAN) and manage laptops, PCs, mobile devices, and even servers with the flexibility you need. Like TeamViewer, Assist supports multiple platforms, so you can control devices across platforms.
Another thing worth noting is that it works very quickly in establishing a secure connection. So, just in case you find that TeamViewer is a bit slow in establishing a connection, this might be the right answer you need. Support for multiple monitors and the ability to automatically detect active displays play a key role in letting you navigate between multiple desktops and control them remotely.
In addition, voice and video chat features make it more convenient for you to interact with customers and solve problems. In addition, it allows you to restart a connected remote desktop and immediately reconnect to the session with a single click. Perfect for the times when you’re helping customers solve any stubborn problems. In this regard, Assist once again outperforms TeamViewer.
That’s not all. With seamless file transfer during live sessions, Zoho Assist ensures that you can easily send updates, patches, or any important files to your remote desktop. When it comes to providing security for personal information during file transfers, Assist is on par with TeamViewer’s strength thanks to SSL 256-bit AES encryption.
merit
- Seamless file transfer capabilities during live sessions
- Voice and video chat features
- Quick connections
- SSL 256-bit AES encryption
shortcoming
- A bit pricey
- Requires a steep learning curve
Pricing: 15-day free trial, premium starting at $10/month ($120/year)
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome OS, Web
7. ISL Light
Best Remote Desktop Software Download: Another easy-to-use remote desktop control solution is ISL Light. This feature-rich service provides multiple ways to connect to remote desktops and supports unattended system access. ISL Light allows users to connect through their desktop app, browser, links, and a plethora of other options that you can use as needed.
For security, ISL Light uses AES 256-bit encryption to transfer data between the client and the carrier. It also uses RSA 2048/4096-bit and Diffie-Hellman key exchange, 2FA, code signing, and more. You also get user access management tools and many other features for fine-tuning how you want to use ISL Light to manage the computers on your network. For more sensitive use cases, ISL Light even comes with an intranet (LAN only) mode, as well as security features like brute force intrusion protection.
Businesses will also appreciate support for custom logos, WebAPI2 support for integration with third-party apps and services, and a variety of other customization options. In addition, ISL Light supports connectivity via RDP and SSH, as well as administrator mode that allows remote users to reboot remote computers and easily resume sessions.
Merit:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Multiple options for easy connection
- LAN mode only
Shortcoming:
- Quite expensive
Pricing: 15-day free trial; Plans start at $500/year
per 149 minutesPlatform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone
8. Supremo Control
Which is better remote desktop software? Supremo positions itself as a powerful, simple, and complete remote desktop control and support solution. It allows users to access a remote PC or host a meeting in a matter of seconds. One of the good things about this software is that you don’t need to install or patch anything. Only one executable is small and doesn’t require any installation.
Supremo is also secure to use and supports reliable AES 256-bit encryption, as well as the IT management console, USilio. If you’re a business, you’ll also appreciate that Supremo allows you to customize its user interface to display your company’s logo, while TeamViewer doesn’t allow you to do so.
The ability to display a personal logo can be very handy for anyone who wants to increase brand awareness. Supremo is also easy to use. It uses a strong data transfer protocol and doesn’t require any router/firewall configuration, allowing users to connect to everyone with just a few clicks. Plus, Supremo is free to use on local networks. However, if you want to access your PC from anywhere, you’ll need to purchase a license.
merit
- No configuration or installation required
- Unattended remote access
- Conferencing support
- Comprehensive address book
- Modern and easy-to-navigate user interface
shortcoming
- There is no voice support
- Remote printing is not supported
Pricing: 21-day free trial, starting at $6/month/user (paid annually)
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSVisit
9. Splashtop
Splashtop positions itself as an all-in-one solution for all your remote access needs. The service allows individuals and teams to easily access their personal and shared computers at any time, using any device. Splashtop focuses on security and ensuring that your remote connection is always secure.
As a result, all remote sessions are encrypted using TLS and 256-bit AES encryption (you can learn everything about AES vs. TKIP in our article). Access is further protected by device authentication, two-step verification, and multiple second-level passcode options. Splashtop appears to be geared towards companies that provide on-demand support, allowing MSPs, help desks, and service providers to provide attended/ad-hoc support to their customers.
The best part is that the client doesn’t need to install any software. The software allows companies to connect to their customers’ desktops and mobile devices with the help of a simple 9-digit code. Another great thing about Splashtop is that the software is basically free for personal use. Just like Supremo Control, you can use it to remotely access devices on your LAN without spending a dime.
Yes, this makes Splashtop one of the cheapest remote access software for personal use, especially when compared to TeamViewer. The best part about this deal is that you won’t lose functionality by getting a full-fledged remote desktop experience.
merit
- High-quality video and audio
- Gesture support on the mobile app
- Good ease of use
- Great portable version
- Good for business
shortcoming
- The free version is only available for local networks
- Complex variants of software and planning
- CPU usage is a bit high
Pricing: Free trial for 7 days, business plan starts at $60/user/year
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, LinuxVisit
10. LogMeIn Remote Access
What are the best TeamViewer alternatives? LogMeIn Pro is another popular TeamViewer alternative that allows users to not only access their computers from any device, but also store and collaborate on files. In addition, it allows one-click file sharing. Unlike TeamViewer and AnyDesk, where the primary focus is on providing support using remote desktop control, LogMeIn Pro provides users with remote access to their personal computers. That way, they can get their work done no matter where they are.
While you can use any of these three services for both use case scenarios, LogMeIn Pro focuses on the latter. As a result, it’s a great option for any professional who has to work remotely.
LogMeIn Pro’s features include the ability to remotely access devices, 1TB of free cloud storage to share files with anyone quickly and securely. If you use your own audio editing software to create music, you can use files stored on your remote PC to stream high-quality audio on nearby devices. You can also use its iOS and Android mobile apps to allow remote desktop access, remote printing, and more on the go.
With LogMeIn Pro, you can also control your Windows PC from Android. As you can see, LogMeIn Pro brings a fairly wide set of features, which is especially useful for people who have to access files remotely. It saves them from the pain of carrying all their important files with them while allowing them instant access to them.
For security, LogMeIn Pro uses 256-bit AES encryption as well as dual passwords and end-to-end authentication. If the description matches your use case scenario, you should definitely check this service. You can even get a free LastPass Premium license with a LogMeIn Pro subscription, however, due to the recent alleged LastPass leaks, you’d better consider a LastPass alternative.
merit
- Easy to install and use
- Drag-and-drop file transfer
- Whiteboard support
- The ability to record sessions
shortcoming
- The sound and chat features are not very good
- There is no free version
Pricing: Free trial for 14 days, starting at $30/month
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOSVisit
11. RealVNC connect
Collection of Best Remote Desktop Software: RealVNC connect is another popular remote access software that you can use as an alternative to TeamViewer. The software is used by a large number of users, including more than 90,000 businesses. RealVNC supports a variety of platforms, including Android, Mac, Windows, and more. As a result, you can easily use it to remotely access almost any device you own.
Among its many features, what makes RealVNC stand out is its simple and intuitive user interface, as well as the fact that it can stream audio and video from remote computers. It also uses 256-bit AES encryption to ensure your connection is private and allows both attended and unattended access. Unlike other apps like TeamViewer, RealVNC doesn’t charge per user. Instead, it charges you per device, which means that any number of users can use a single server with RealVNC at no additional cost.
merit
- Pricing per device, not per user
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Easy to use and intuitive user interface
shortcoming
- The multi-screen feature isn’t the best
- Sometimes things can be problematic, especially when using an iOS device
Pricing: 30-day free trial, paid plans start at $3.39/computer/month
Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Raspberry Pi, Linux
12. NoMachine
The next TeamViewer alternative on our list of recommended remote desktop software is NoMachine, which is also a fairly powerful remote desktop software. NoMachine uses its NX technology to bring you one of the fastest, highest-quality remote desktop experiences ever. NoMachine allows users to stream real-time audio and video from remote PCs. You can also access files, transfer files, and record sessions for future reference.
NoMachine is also available for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. But if you’re still not impressed, how about the fact that it’s a free-to-use tool. There are no ads and no restrictions. If you don’t want to pay for your remote desktop needs, check out this software today.
merit
- Easily stream video or audio from your remote desktop
- Record with ease
- There is very little lag
- Extensive feature set
- Free for personal use
shortcoming
- A little bit of learning is needed
- Limited compatibility with mobile devices
Pricing: Free, $44.50 per year for Enterprise subscription Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ARM boards
13. ConnectWise Control
Best Remote Desktop Software Download: ScreenConnect used to be a separate entity until ConnectWise acquired it and renamed it ConnectWise Control. Fortunately, the service has become better after the acquisition. The company offers ConnectWise Control as a remote desktop product to companies that provide remote assistance to its customers.
While no one is stopping you from using the product as an individual, looking at how companies market their products, it’s better suited for businesses. The best part about ConnectWise Control is that it offers a scalable experience for individuals and teams large and small.
Users can start using the features they need and then upgrade their plans as their business scales. ConnectWise Control also has out-of-the-box security features, such as AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication, allowing users to securely connect to clients’ computers.
It also works with a variety of third-party apps, including Slack, Google Analytics, FreshDesk, and more, making it easy to manage your business. ConnectWise Control’s third-party integrations are undoubtedly a huge advantage. If this is what you need, you should definitely check out this TeamViewer alternative.
merit
- Seamless 3rd party integration
- Flexible paid plans
- Unrestricted unattended access
- Unattended access, remote support, and remote meeting support
shortcoming
- Not available to individual users
Pricing: Free trial for 14 days, starting at
$24 per month Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS
14. Microsoft Remote Desktop
Which is better remote desktop software? If you only want to connect Windows devices, why not use Microsoft’s own solution? Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant provides all the features you need to remotely control other Windows PCs. It’s a great TeamViewer alternative for PCs running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. It should also be a reliable Windows 11 remote desktop software. Note that while you can use this software on other platforms like Mac, Android, and iOS, it will only give you remote access to your Windows PC.
With Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant, you’ll be able to easily connect remotely with other Windows PCs. The software also allows you to access remote resources using Windows Virtual Desktop. What’s more, if you have a touchscreen device, Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant supports touch input, as well as all Windows gestures. Obviously, it’s also secure, and you don’t need to worry about the unencrypted connection here.
merit
- The official Microsoft app
- Very well behaved
- Allows seamless access to files and even function keys on mobile devices.
shortcoming
- It doesn’t offer some of the more advanced features that businesses might need
- It feels a bit complicated
Pricing: Free
Platform: Windows
15. Remmina
For Linux users who want a proper alternative to TeamViewer, I highly recommend Remmina. It is a free and open-source remote desktop application that supports file sharing, shell access, multi-monitor support, and more. Remmina is one of the few remote desktop programs that supports a large number of remote access protocols such as SSH, HTTPS, RDP, VNC, and more. Basically, you can connect to any client without any problem.
In addition to that, Remmina includes features like clipboard syncing, display zoom, screenshot shortcuts, SSH tunneling, printer sharing, and more. As I said, Remmina is packed with a lot of features and is available on more than 50 Linux distributions. So go ahead and check Remmina on your Linux machine.
merit
- Best for Linux users
- Supports multiple remote access protocols
- Multi-monitor support
- Clipboard syncing
shortcoming
- Connectivity issues with the RDP server
Pricing: Free
Platform: LinuxVisit
16. Dameware Remote Everywhere
As an alternative to TeamViewer, SolarWinds’ Dameware Remote Everywhere is a remote access software for those looking for a fast and secure remote connection. Dameware’s interface may be a bit intimidating at first, but it is a service that offers a very high level of security. In fact, Dameware meets the requirements set forth by the U.S. federal government by using the BSAFE Crypto-C Micro Edition cryptographic module, which meets federal standards for information processing.
Aimed at large enterprises, Dameware is far from anything that individuals or small and medium-sized businesses can afford. However, it offers advanced encryption and supports multi-factor authentication. It also brings a monitoring feature that can also send alerts if you set it up. It even allows access to computers that are sleeping or turned off through Wake on LAN support. You can also get support for in-session chat and VoIP calls, as well as video calls.
merit
- High level of security
- Wake-on-LAN support
- Monitoring and alerting
shortcoming
- Quite expensive
Pricing: Try it free for 14 days, paid plans start at $
540 Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOSVisit
Which TeamViewer Alternative Software Should You Choose?
What are the best TeamViewer alternatives? These are more than 15 of the best alternatives to TeamViewer you can consider for remote desktop connections. I’ve tried adding free, easy-to-use, and open-source programs for regular users. However, the list includes several enterprise-level programs that come with tons of cool features and top-tier security for businesses. Depending on your requirements, you can choose any one of the programs from the list. In any case, it’s ours. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below.
