The Best Remote PC Access Software of 2024

Hybrid and remote work has introduced novel difficulties for IT departments and workers, such as how to access resources or troubleshoot issues when employees are geographically dispersed. Fortunately, remote PC access software can ameliorate these issues. This software provides employees with off-site device access, offering remote technical support, facilitating onboarding and improving collaboration for distributed teams. The best solutions are easy to use, provide high-speed performance and can successfully scale to match various business needs.

Remote access software provides numerous features intended to increase employee productivity and help with IT-related issues. Here, a user of remote access software Splashtop uses it to seamlessly transfer files between devices. (Source: Splashtop)

Remote access software allows one computer to remotely connect to and access another device, regardless of where both devices are physically located. Remote access software is commonly used by IT departments that need to access company devices to remotely configure machines, install software, and manage updates. It is also used by businesses that want to provide their team or customers with remote support and virtual help desk capabilities, as well as employees who need to access office devices when they are working off-site.

The ability to connect two devices with different operating systems (e.g., PC, Mac, iOS or Android) will depend on the software you use. While some applications require you to install the software on one or both devices before you can make a connection, other software is web-based and allows you to connect multiple devices via a web browser. Depending on the software and plan you purchase, the remote device may have to be turned on before you can make a connection. However, some software programs can remotely “wake up” devices before accessing them if they are connected to a local area network (LAN).

Once you remotely connect to a device and have permission to access its data, most remote access software allows you to easily drag and drop or copy and paste files from one device to the other. There are often chat capabilities, multimonitor navigation, and remote functions like printing or session recording.

Whether your employees work from home or your IT department needs a software solution to control and troubleshoot devices remotely, remote access is a key component of many businesses. Remote access software is often used in the following ways.

Off-site Device Access

Many platforms offer a host of convenient features, such as desktop shortcuts and drag-and-drop file transfers, to access and transfer information. This makes it easier than ever to quickly reach an office computer from a mobile device or desktop.

Some companies go even further and attempt to fully mimic your office environment by providing multimonitor access, the ability to choose a preferred screen resolution, and even an option to use a remote microphone or capture sound. Many providers prioritize offering a high-speed connection with minimal latency to ensure a seamless remote experience.

Remote Technical Support

Remote access software is ideal for IT work. With it, your IT staff can remotely connect to verified computers to update programs or troubleshoot connection problems. Many of the programs we evaluated have enough advanced features to suit the IT team’s needs while remaining user-friendly enough for general employees to use as well.

Remote Customer Support

A remote access solution is essential for companies that want to provide remote customer support. Many solutions offer an option to share a screen (both for the customer and the agent), add annotations so that the customer can recreate the solution if they ever encounter the same problem in the future, and jump on an audio call to cut down on the back-and-forth email communication.

Some remote access software also offers ticketing features to keep track of client needs, as well as tracking data about agent workload and efficiency. Here, a user surveys the Freshdesk dashboard, which captures and displays a wide range of data about remote customer assistance. (Source: Freshdesk)

Virtual Courses and Collaboration

Some programs even allow for web conferencing and whiteboard drawing, which you can use for demos, classes or group projects. The video recording feature on most remote software enables you to record these sessions for future reference and training.

Remote access software typically starts around $5 to $10 per user per month, although you may pay more for a comprehensive tiered plan that supports your whole business. When looking at the cost of remote access software, pay attention to how it is priced; remote access companies vary in how they charge for their software.

For example, you might see one company offer tiered plans with monthly rates based on the number of users or licenses you need, while another company might charge based on the number of concurrent sessions you want to allow. Also, make sure to note whether a company offers a monthly or an annual plan; even when offering a monthly subscription, most providers offer discounts if you pay on a yearly basis.

Remember that some companies charge separately for features like unattended and mobile device access, so factor additional fees like these into your budget.

As you evaluate remote access software solutions, be sure to ask the company questions related to the following topics:

• Free trials or special discounts: Many providers offer a seven- to 21-day free trial, as well as other promotions and discounts. They are often flexible with their pricing too. Don’t hesitate to ask what discounts your business may qualify for.
• Fees: Some providers charge extra for additional users, mobile device access or advanced features like camera share. Ask the companies you’re strongly considering for a breakdown of all their additional costs.
• Single-license limitations: If you want to purchase a single license, carefully compare the specific features in that plan with those in other remote access providers’ single-license plans. Single-user plans often have limited features compared to multiuser business plans. That said, some solutions offer a free plan for a limited number of users.
• Software upgrades or downgrades: Some companies offer prorated prices if you need to upgrade your plan, while others do not. Some plans make downgrading a simple online process, whereas others have specific requirements for it, such as mailing or calling the company.
• Updates: Most software platforms automatically update your plan as new technology rolls out. Some, though, may require you to upgrade your account to be compatible with these updated features. If you buy the software outright (i.e., on-premises software) instead of signing up for a subscription, you may have to pay for updates.

Most companies are transparent about their cost structures and plan details. Carefully review the agreement. Finally, make sure the contract has a clear cancellation policy and there are no built-in price increases.

The process of choosing remote access software is similar to the buying journey for any kind of business software. You should outline what features you require, how many devices you need to access and your overall budget. Next, research top-rated platforms to develop a list of strong candidates.

When you’re finally ready to compare top choices, it can be tough to know which one is the best for your business. To help you pinpoint which key factors to consider during the buying process, we spoke with business leaders and IT professionals to gain firsthand insight.

Assess software security.

Arguably one of the most important factors to consider when choosing remote access software is security. Your remote access software should protect your data and your end-users’ data.

When Kevin Shahnazari, founder and CEO of FinlyWealth, selected Splashtop for his business, security was a top reason why.

“Security was a significant aspect of choosing our distant PC access software, as we handle a lot of financial information that needs to be kept safe,” Shahnazari told us. “So, we needed robust and multi-factor authentication and encryption for our solution. Splashtop highlighted some robust security features with its TLS and 256-bit AES encryption.”

Weronika Gasperczyk, a self-employed certified photo manager at Bank Wspomnien, also chose Splashtop with her focus on security.

“When selecting remote access software, my top priority was ensuring the safety and security of both my clients’ data and my own,” said Gasperczyk.

Verify cross-platform capabilities.

If you want the ability to access and control various devices (e.g., Windows, Linux, Mac, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, etc.), then you will need a solution that offers cross-platform access. Each software option varies in what it can connect to, so it’s important that you find a solution that can connect the devices that you will be using. Without this capability, you will be limited as to what devices you can access or control.

“Our team uses a combination of Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, so a tool that was compatible across all these platforms would be great,” said Shahnazari. “Splashtop does this well. It ensures smooth access to various devices.”

Test out the platform usability.

Platform usability was another key feature that business leaders highlighted. Your software is only useful if your employees know how to navigate its features. Look for a software that is not only intuitive, but also has all of the features your team needs.

“My key advice is to ensure the software aligns perfectly with your specific needs,” said Gasperczyk. “I strongly recommend consulting directly with a company representative to verify that the software can support all your intended use cases.”

When Steve Sacona, founder of and legal writer for Top 10 Lawyers, searched for remote access software for his organization, he paid attention to software usability as well. His advice for testing usability was to take advantage of free trials.

“Make the most of those trial periods,” said Sacona. “It’s the smartest way to ensure the software truly fits your business before committing.”

Verify plan scalability.

Ideally you will find a solution that can meet your current remote access needs, as well as your potential needs in the future. If you look for a software that has the features you need now, in addition to the features you will need as you grow, then you eliminate the need to go through this purchasing process again.

“Because your business will grow and change, your needs to do functions from a distance may vary,” said Shahnazari. “Choose scalable software along with flexible pricing models.”

Pay attention to features, device connectivity maximums, and pricing.

Below is a roundup of some of the most common features that remote access solutions offer. Many companies tier the features, offering comprehensive functionality only on the most expensive plans. Carefully review plan options and, when you pick one, take advantage of the free trial to make sure the plan includes the features you need. However, pay attention to which plan the trial gives you access to; some solutions automatically put you on a higher-tier plan during the trial and then lock some of the features when it ends.

• Always-on remote access: Configure devices for remote access at any time. You can see a list of configured devices for remote access and their current statuses (e.g., all computers, in session, online or offline).
• Browser-based vs. installation: Access devices remotely via web browser-based link, software installation or both.
• Communication: Communicate between devices using collaboration features such as text chat, VoIP, video, annotation, whiteboards and screen captures.
• Cross-platform access: Access desktop platforms (e.g., Windows, Linux, Mac, Chrome OS, Raspberry Pi) and mobile devices (e.g., iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry). Some software limits the type of platforms it can connect to.
• File transfer: Transfer files between devices. This often uses methods such as copy and paste and drag and drop.
• Integration: Integrate the software with other business applications you use, such as Google Workspace, Zendesk and Jira. This is great for simplifying business processes.
• Logs and reports: Track your remote access and web activity in easy-to-read logs and reports.
• Multimonitor support: View multiple monitors on a remote computer.
• One-time instant access: Permit one-time access to a device using a unique access ID and key.
• Reboot and reconnect: Reboot a remote device and have your remote access session automatically reconnect.
• Remote printing: Print from a device that you are accessing remotely.
• Security: The best remote access software has essential security settings that allow you to restrict user access. These security features include two-factor authentication, secure session codes, role-based security, brute-force protection and single sign-on (SSO) access.
• Session scheduling and recording: Schedule remote access sessions and record the activity.
• Invite technicians: Invite another technician to join a remote session that is already in progress. This is particularly helpful if the original technician needs a second pair of eyes on the issue or requires additional expertise.
• Transfer session: Transfer the online session in progress to another technician who is more qualified to deal with a specific issue.
• Wake-on-LAN: Use the remote access software to turn on a remote device that is sleeping or completely turned off.

Remote access software can help organizations achieve compliance by monitoring user activity on devices. Here, RemotePC stores activity logs for a device, showing times when the user logged in and logged out successfully. This can make it easy for administrators to see potential security incidents, such as multiple failed attempts at logging into a device in a row. (Source: RemotePC)

Not sure if our best picks are the right fit for your remote access needs? Consider these alternatives we reviewed, which also offer reliable, effective services.

• Wrike: 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 also liked how Wrike facilitates remote collaboration through features like personal and companywide work schedules, file and video proofing (with visual markup tools), and multistage approvals.
• Connectwise Control: Formerly ScreenConnect, 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.
• Jamf: Jamf is a device management solution focused on Apple products. 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.
• ISL Online: 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. 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.
• Impero: Formerly Netop Remote Control, we were impressed with Impero’s security measures. 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. 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. Impero Connect also guarantees your company’s compliance.

If you can access your work computer from home, is someone else able to as well?

All of the software solutions we evaluated go to great lengths to ensure security. Each software program lets you customize the security settings for your remote session. These functions typically include blanking the screen of the host machine while you access it, locking the keyboard and mouse input, pausing the session recording when entering sensitive data, and automatically disconnecting if the session is inactive for too long. You can adjust these settings and create or change credentials.

Secure transmissions are a must when you’re remotely accessing another computer, especially when sensitive or proprietary information is involved. The industry standard is 256-bit AES encryption, which offers robust security. Further, many remote PC access solutions explicitly comply with industry and government standards and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE).

Passwords are a given for remote access software, and users often need to enter a unique personal key to access a remote machine or session. Many companies also offer a second layer of security, such as IP filtering. IP filtering blocks access from specific computers, even if a valid password is used. This feature is particularly helpful in blocking access to unauthorized information.

Different remote access software handle the process of initiating a remote support session differently. Here, a user of GoTo Resolve is initiating a remote session by sharing a direct link to enable access through the recipient’s browser. For security, the recipient must also enter the nine digit support key. (Source: GoTo Resolve)

To determine the best remote access software on the market, our team of technology experts and software analysts evaluated an initial list of 22 programs. We examined each to compare pricing plans and available features, as well as the usability of associated software and the responsiveness and quality of customer support.

After narrowing our list down to 15 we scheduled live demonstrations and conducted free trial testing to get a firsthand look at each platform. Our experts and analysts studied each software’s functionality and evaluated the products on nearly 25 factors. Ultimately, we chose five remote PC access solutions as our top recommendations.

These factors were weighted differently in our overall conclusion. The weights were determined based on how much business owners prioritize these criteria when shopping for business software and services and making purchasing decisions.

• Pricing (25%): Our experts and analysts compared and contrasted each vendor’s plans, judging which packages offered the best bang for your buck. They took into account monthly subscription fees, flat rates versus per-user pricing, the number of concurrent sessions allowed, costs of add-on services and the availability of free trials.
• Features (25%): We looked for standard remote PC access functions like always-on access, remote desktop viewing, file transferring, activity logging and security tools. We also assessed the available integrations and awarded extra points for advanced services, like AI-powered collaboration tools.
• Security (20%): Security is paramount, so we prioritized strong encryption protocols like AES-256. We also looked for multi-factor authentication (MFA), session logging, time-based access controls, and other features designed to enhance software security.
• Ease of Use (20%): We tested the software ourselves, gauging each solution’s learning curve, user-friendliness and customization options. We also considered whether there was cross-platform compatibility and mobile device access.
• Customer Service (10%): We evaluated the range of customer service options, including whether phone assistance was provided with all package tiers. We also examined each vendor’s online resources for businesses interested in self-guided help.

Based on these criteria, we not only determined which remote access software our readers could trust but also the ways in which each solution could best serve different business needs. Some solutions were better at certain tasks than others or more suited to a particular type of company. These takeaways informed the “Best for” use cases you see on this page.

To learn more about our methodology, see our full editorial process.

Though remote PC access software has been around for years, its use is becoming increasingly commonplace as more companies adopt hybrid or flexible work models as part of their new norm. According to Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work report, 98 percent of employees expressed a desire to work from home at least part of the time, and 71 percent of employers planned to allow some degree of remote work permanently. Therefore, we anticipate telecommuting — and the software that makes it possible — will only continue to grow in the coming years.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) technologies saw significant growth in 2023, something we expect to continue in 2024. AI and VR have the potential to transform the process of working with remote software, facilitating real-time communication, collaboration and project management across teams.

With this in mind, it makes sense that the global remote desktop software market is projected to grow to nearly $6 billion by 2028, according to Fortune Business Insights. North America is expected to emerge dominant in the remote desktop market share due to its adoption of work-from-home technologies and big-name software providers in the United States and Canada. Europe and the Asia Pacific region are also slated to see growth in this sector.