This post primarily introduces ten free Remote Desktop alternatives and analyzes the pros and cons of each. Choose the one that suits you the most.
Microsoft Remote Desktop is a software application that allows users to remotely access and control a Windows-based computer or server from another device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It enables users to work on their computer from a different location, accessing files, applications, and resources as if they were physically present at the remote machine.
Remote Desktop empowers users to:
While Remote Desktop boasts numerous advantages, such as bandwidth reduction, smart card authentication, and robust encryption, it's crucial to consider its drawbacks. Here's why exploring alternatives to Microsoft RDP is essential:
Limited Administrative Access: Acquiring RDP access without administrative privileges presents challenges. The ideal solution involves setting up a Remote Desktop Protocol server or requesting specific software installation from the provider.
Complex Setup Process: Setting up RDP can be daunting, especially for extending its usage beyond a local network, such as in remote work scenarios. Its lack of scalability adds to the complexity.
Absence of Multi-Monitor Support: Unlike platforms like TeamViewer, RDP cannot utilize multiple screens within the terminal server environment, hindering seamless display switching.
Impaired Multimedia Performance: RDP is optimized for text and image transmission, making it less suitable for tasks requiring advanced graphic capabilities like 3D rendering or video editing. Basic audio and video playback may suffer from performance issues, affecting the user experience.
Compatibility Limitations: RDP functionality is limited to specific Windows editions like Pro, Business, and Ultimate, excluding Windows Home editions from accepting remote desktop connections.
Single User Restriction: By default, RDP restricts access to a single user for a remote desktop session, posing challenges for collaborative scenarios or accommodating multiple users.
As the pioneer in remote desktop software, Remote Desktop has faced growing competition from several emerging competitors in recent years. Here are the top 10 Windows Remote Desktop alternatives that you can choose from.
Topping the list of top remote desktop alternatives, AnyViewer excels in every aspect. With high performance, 4:4:4 color mode, minimal latency, and advanced security powered by end-to-end ECC-256 encryption, it’s a standout choice for any professional setup.
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Chrome Remote Desktop is a remote control software developed by Google. It is widely compatible with different operating systems, like macOS, OS X, Chrome OS, Windows, and Linux. It only requires you to have Google Chrome installed on both computers and have a Google account, you can add Chrome Remote Desktop as an extension and start remote connection via it.
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Jump Desktop is made to function flawlessly on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android-based devices. While it is paid for Mac, iOS, and Android, it is free for Windows computers. So if you use a Windows system and need to connect to a Windows computer, you can choose Jump Desktop.
But Jump Desktop for Mac, iOS, and Android charge differently, and the payments don’t share. That means if you need to connect to a Mac from an iOS device, you need to purchase it twice. This is not very friendly for multi-device users.
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TeamViewer is another application that can be used for remote control. It has a free version for private use. But if you use it for commercial purposes, you need to buy a paid license.
We should note that situations like a customer paying you for providing support and accessing a company computer for work-related activities will be detected by TeamViewer for a commercial purpose. It will block your connection after a few minutes. Therefore, if you need to work from home, TeamViewer may not be the best choice.
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This RDP alternative is designed to provide innovative solutions for organizations, ensuring they meet HIPAA, FERPA, and PCI compliance requirements with strong security measures like TLS and 256-bit AES encryption.
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FreeRDP, released under the Apache license, provides seamless remote access to your data and software from any device, standing out for its impressive interoperability.
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SupRemo is a versatile desktop solution available on both the Play Store and App Store. It’s UAC-compatible and provides free support to address customer concerns.
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Remmina is another excellent remote desktop alternative, known for its unique features like kiosk mode and copyleft. Best of all, it’s completely free to use.
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Parsec is a top-tier remote desktop app, delivers secure and effortless connections with 4K streaming at 60 fps. Its standout features include audit logs, SAML single sign-on, and advanced management tools for groups and computers.
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Zoho Assist is a feature-rich remote access solution, offering everything from consulting and customization to onboarding users with enterprise-level tools. Its seamless integration and compatibility across Linux, iOS, Windows, Mac, Android, and Chromebook make it a versatile option.
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When it comes to selecting the best remote desktop solution, our top pick is AnyViewer! It offers blazing-fast connection speeds and cutting-edge features like file transfer, screen sharing, and unattended remote access.
Here’s how to get started with AnyViewer:
Step 1. Install and run AnyViewer on both of your computers. Navigate to Log in and then Sign up on the Controller computer (if you have already registered on the official website, you can log in directly).
Step 2. You should now see that you have successfully logged into AnyViewer. Your device will be assigned to the account to which you have logged in automatically.
Step 3. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices. On the Controller computer, you can click One-click control to achieve a direct connection to the remote computer, or click File transfer to share files between computers.
That wraps up our guide to the best Windows remote desktop alternatives! Each option has its unique strengths and weaknesses, but AnyViewer truly shines. With End-to-End ECC-256 encryption, ultra-low latency, and multi-resolution support, it simplifies remote work like no other. We hope you found this information useful—stay connected for more insights!