The Best Remote PC Access Software of 2019

by Skye SchooleyLast Modified: March 4, 2019

Remote PC access software can be a very valuable tool for businesses today. This software enables you to accomplish a number of tasks, such as remotely accessing your work computer from home and dialing in to another computer to troubleshoot a problem. With such a large variety of paid and free remote desktop control software available in 2019, finding the right remote PC access software to fit your business's needs can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider when choosing remote desktop software, including security, cost, functionality and sharing features. To help you narrow down your options, we've studied and evaluated the top remote PC access software on the market.

Best Picks

Easy Implementation

Small Business

Mac

Cross-Platform Access

RemotePC

Easiest Implementation

RemotePC by IDrive is extremely easy to implement. This remote PC access software has an easy-to-use web browser interface, and it only requires installation if you are using the platform for unattended access. Your devices connect via TLS 1.2/AES-256 encryption and work over internet/LAN and firewall proxy servers. The two-factor authentication is quick to set up and includes an access ID and a unique password. RemotePC is available across multiple platforms and devices, which reduces time spent verifying devices. The ability to chat between computers and drag and drop file transfers makes working within the platform convenient.

In case you have questions while implementing RemotePC, the homepage has video tutorials, FAQs and a blog as additional resources. If you need to contact a support agent specifically, RemotePC has a customer support line and a live chat feature.

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Zoho Assist

Best for Small Business

Zoho Assist is remote PC access software whose niche demographic is primarily small and midsize businesses. It offers a free plan for personal or commercial use, three remote support plans, and an unattended access plan. This gives you a variety of options to fit your small business's needs.

The cost structure for remote access is a monthly fee based on the number of users you have. Unattended access is a little different, as it's just a monthly fee for one user with 25 computers. There is no limit on how many users you can purchase access for, and Zoho Assist allows you to pay monthly or annually. If you are unsure of what features you need, you can test out the software with a free 15-day trial. You can contact the customer support team with any questions you have about the process.

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TeamViewer

Best for Mac

TeamViewer is convenient remote PC access software that's available across all devices – even Mac and iOS. It gives employees the opportunity to work remotely with their IT department, clients and work computers, regardless of the type of device they use. The software comes in plan sizes suitable for single users, multiple users and teams.

The cost structure for the desktop device remote access is a monthly fee, billed annually. The plan you should select depends on the number of concurrent sessions you need, along with whatever remote features your business requires. The Single User plan provides one user license and access to an unlimited number of computers with one concurrent session and limited capabilities. The Multi User plan provides multiple user licenses and access to an unlimited number of computers with one concurrent session, as well as all of the remote capabilities you will likely need. The Team plan includes multiple user licenses and access to an unlimited number of computers with three concurrent sessions and extended remote capabilities. Keep in mind that mobile capabilities are a separate package, with costs based on the number of concurrent sessions your plan has. If you are unsure of what features you will need, you can sign up for a 14-day free trial to see what works for you.

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ConnectWise Control

Best for Cross-Platform Access

ConnectWise Control is remote PC access software that offers high performance and outstanding security. This software is suitable for personal users, telecommuters, collaborators and IT technicians. It is especially useful for cross-platform access, which is an essential feature lacking in many competitors. There are many service plans available, including a free plan for personal use, three all-inclusive plans for business use and an unattended access plan primarily for IT use.

The free remote access plan is great for personal use and contains all the features necessary to connect remotely with friends and family. The cost structure for the paid plans is a monthly fee based on the number of concurrent sessions you need. You can pay monthly or annually. The One plan allows one user to make one connection. The Standard plan allows one user to make three connections, while the Premium plan allows one user to make 10 connections. The Access Only plan is a restricted-access package and allows unlimited users to connect to unattended devices. This plan is often used on its own or in addition to one of the other plans. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time. If you are unsure of what features you will need, you can sign up for a 14-day free trial.

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Remote PC Access Software Pricing and Negotiation

The most complex part of choosing the right remote PC access software is comparing costs. There are many ways of packaging and charging for remote access software, which can make it difficult to figure out which program will give you the most bang for your buck.

Most companies offer multiple business packages, and the general cost structure is either a flat annual rate or a monthly rate based on the number of users or licenses. The rate you choose will depend on what features you require, how many computers you will have, how many users and concurrent sessions you will need, your budget, and your ability to pay monthly or annually.

When comparing cost, keep in mind that some companies charge separately for features like unattended access and mobile device access. Be sure to factor in any additional taxes or fees that the software provider may charge. Inquire about these when discussing pricing.

Before buying remote PC access software, ask the company these questions to help ensure you are getting the best deal possible:

Fees: Most companies don't charge additional fees; however, some may charge extra for features such as mobile device access and unattended access.
Single-license limitations: If you are looking to purchase single-license software, be sure to compare those specific features. Single-user plans often place many limitations on features that are listed for the overall product.
Upgrades and downgrades: In a scenario where your business needs to scale its remote software capabilities up or down, you want to be aware of the associated cost. Some companies offer prorated prices for upgrading, and others do not. When downgrading, some plans make this a simple online process, whereas others involve specific requirements, such as mailing or calling.
Updates: Most software platforms automatically update your plan as new technology rolls out, but be sure to ask about this. Some plans may require you to upgrade your account to be compatible with these updated features.

Most companies are transparent when discussing the cost structure and plan details. However, it is important to carefully review all written contract details before signing anything. Make sure the contract has a clear cancellation policy and doesn't have any built-in price increases.

Is Remote PC Access Safe?

You may be asking yourself, "Is a remote desktop connection secure?" If you can access your work computer from home, is someone else able to as well?

The best remote PC access software takes high safety measures to ensure your computer login security. We closely investigated the security features of each software product, including the strength and ease of setup for the security features of each platform.

Each program allows you to customize the security settings for your remote session. These features typically include blanking the screen of the host machine while you access it, locking the keyboard and mouse, and automatically disconnecting if the session is inactive for too long. You can adjust these features and create or change credentials to access either the program's dashboard or the remote computer.

Secure transmissions are necessary when you're trying to remotely access another computer, especially when accessing sensitive or proprietary information. The industry standard is 128-bit encryption, but more financial and government institutions are moving toward 256 bits. Both encryption methods offer more than enough security. The 128-bit encryption protects you from outside attacks and maintains your performance. While the 256-bit encryption offers more security, likely more than you will ever need, the longer encryption affects performance. Your reason for using remote access software should help determine the level of security you need.

Passwords are a given for remote PC access software, so many companies offer a second layer of security, such as IP filtering. This gives you the ability to block access from specific computers, even if they use a valid password. This feature is particularly helpful in protecting businesses from former employees gaining access to unauthorized information. Locking the host screen and keyboard lets you work in privacy when your host computer is in an open office. An automatic timeout feature protects your computer from someone accessing it, should you or an employee forget to log out from a session. We took these features into account when selecting our best picks, along with the ease of setting them up and changing them.

What Can Remote PC Access Software Do for Me?

There are many reasons you might decide you need remote PC access software. Whether you are telecommuting and need to access your work computer from home or your IT department needs the ability to remotely control and troubleshoot computers, remote access is a key component of many businesses.

Many remote access platforms offer convenient features, such as desktop shortcuts and drag-and-drop file transfers, to easily access and transfer information. This makes it easier than ever to quickly reach an office computer from a desktop or mobile device. Whether you need to work from home on a regular basis or you are out to dinner and remember an important task that must be completed by morning, you can access your work computer from anywhere on your personal devices.

This software is especially ideal for IT work. You can remotely connect to verified computers to update programs or troubleshoot connection problems. Many of the programs we reviewed are multifunctional enough to suit a business IT department while remaining simple enough for general employee use. Some of the programs even allow for web conferencing and whiteboard chatting, which can be used for demos, classes or group projects. The video recording feature on most remote software allows you to record these sessions for future viewing.

If you are debating between two software platforms, most companies give you the option of a free version for personal use and a free trial for business. This gives you the opportunity to try out the software and see what works best for you. Find a platform with all the features you need to simplify your work, become more productive and remain connected.

Remote PC Access Software Review Methodology

To determine the best remote PC access software for businesses, we started with a pool of vendors that included the services listed below. After some preliminary research into each program, we investigated other potential remote PC access services to add to it. Overall, we conducted research on nearly two dozen remote PC access software providers.

We settled on 14 remote PC access software options to consider as best picks: Anyplace Control, BeyondTrust, ConnectWise Control, GoToMyPC, LogMeIn, NoMachine, Radmin, RealVNC, Remote Utilities, RemotePC, ShowMyPC, Splashtop, TeamViewer and Zoho Assist.

Next, we evaluated the software on a more in-depth scale. We looked at company websites and online resources to evaluate the functionality and sharing features available, as well as the general usability of each program. After narrowing down the list to the top 10 contenders, we created a list of essential features for each use case and then ranked each program based on those necessary features. Before finalizing our best picks, we posed as small business owners and contacted each company to evaluate its customer service.

We analyzed each program based on the following criteria:

Browser-based vs. installation
Cross-platform access
Integration features
Security measures
File transfer options
Session scheduling and recording
Grouping
Monitor control exchange
Personalized branding
Communication features
Multiple languages
Scalability
Customer service and resources

Many companies are incorporating remote PC access software into their business structure to increase website usability and IT assistance. Finding the software that fits your business's needs can take some time, but there are many great options. Be sure to evaluate what software features are available and what your business requires. In addition, assess how the customer service and supplementary resources compare. The right software will enable seamless integration between you, your staff and your customers.

Reviews

In addition to our best picks, here are our reviews of other top remote PC access software providers.

Map

Zoho Assist

4141 Hacienda Drive

Pleasanton, CA

TeamViewer

5741 Rio Vista Drive

Largo, FL

Anyplace Control

244 5th Ave.

New York, NY

LogMeIn Pro

320 Summer St.

Boston, MA

NoMachine

21, Rue Phillippe II

Radmin

901 N. Pitt Street

Alexandria, VA

RealVNC

Betjeman House

Cambridge,

ShowMyPC

3031 Tisch Way

San Jose, CA

Splashtop

1054 S. De Anza Blvd

San Jose, CA

Goverlan Reach

2655 S. Le Jeune Road

Coral Gables, FL

RemotePC

26115 Mureau Road

Calabasas, CA

Services

List of the The Best Remote PC Access Software of 2019

Zoho Assist

https://www.zoho.com

Zoho Assist is great remote PC access software for companies that offer their customers hands-on technical support for their products. It's also optimal for small and midsize businesses that need to do remote computer maintenance.

Visit Zoho Assist

TeamViewer

https://www.teamviewer.com

TeamViewer is an easy-to-use remote PC access solution that offers a long list of features and security protocols so your remote interactions are efficient and safe.

Visit TeamViewer

Anyplace Control

http://www.anyplace-control.com

Anyplace Control is easy-to-use remote PC access software that works with multiple languages, making it a good option for companies that need access to computers in other countries.

Visit Anyplace Control

BeyondTrust

https://www.beyondtrust.com

BeyondTrust, formerly Bomgar, offers software to support your business's remote PC access needs. Its remote support works with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and Chrome operating systems.

Visit BeyondTrust

ConnectWise Control

https://www.connectwise.com

ConnectWise Control's easy-to-use remote PC access software works for personal users, telecommuters and IT technicians. It is compatible across all mobile and desktop devices.

Visit ConnectWise Control

GoToMyPC

http://www.gotomypc.com

GoToMyPC is remote PC access software that offers high performance and security while remaining simple to use.

Visit GoToMyPC

LogMeIn Pro

https://www.logmein.com

LogMeIn Pro is remote PC access software that quickly and securely transfers files and can be configured for multiple languages.

Visit LogMeIn Pro

NoMachine

https://www.nomachine.com

Whether you want to share desktops or access a computer remotely, NoMachine has numerous sharing options for you.

Visit NoMachine

Radmin

https://www.radmin.com

Radmin provides high-speed communication between a remote computer and multiple client computers or vice versa, allowing you to use it for telecommuting, demos and IT support. Radmin is ideal for IT specialists with Windows devices.

Visit Radmin

RealVNC

https://www.realvnc.com

VNC Connect, by RealVNC, is a remote PC access software that allows users to connect with clients, IT professionals and personal computers. It is one of the simplest remote software platforms and offers high-speed device access and instant support.

Visit RealVNC

ShowMyPC

https://www.showmypc.com

ShowMyPC is an affordable remote PC option. It offers an easy-to-install setup option that allows you to access any cross-platform device via a web browser.

Visit ShowMyPC

Splashtop

https://www.splashtop.com

Splashtop provides remote PC support solutions with fast connections and multiple levels of security.

Visit Splashtop

Goverlan Reach

https://www.goverlan.com

Goverlan Reach can easily be used to access a computer remotely to reset a password, unlock an account monitor performance and install software among other things. The business prides itself on providing a product that is secure, powerful and scalable.

Visit Goverlan Reach

Remote Utilities

https://www.remoteutilities.com

RemoteUtilities securely gives you 100 percent remote control over your IT infrastructure within your LAN and over the internet. Data is encrypted using TLS 1.2 regardless of the connection type and pricing plan selected.

Visit Remote Utilities

RemotePC

https://www.remotepc.com

RemotePC is an access solution that allows you to control your computer through the internet with just about any device. It is one of the easiest remote PC access software to implement and use.

Visit RemotePC

The Best Remote PC Access Software of 2019

by Skye SchooleyLast Modified: March 4, 2019

Best Picks

Easiest Implementation

Best for Small Business

Best for Mac

Best for Cross-Platform Access

Remote PC Access Software Pricing and Negotiation

Is Remote PC Access Safe?

What Can Remote PC Access Software Do for Me?

Remote PC Access Software Review Methodology

Reviews

RemotePC Review

Zoho Assist Review

Anyplace Control Review

ShowMyPC Review

GoToMyPC Review

TeamViewer Review

Splashtop Review

RealVNC Review

NoMachine Review

Radmin 3 Review

BeyondTrust Review

ConnectWise Review

RemoteUtilities Review

LogMeIn Pro Review

Map

Services

List of the The Best Remote PC Access Software of 2019

Zoho Assist

https://www.zoho.com

TeamViewer

https://www.teamviewer.com

Anyplace Control

http://www.anyplace-control.com

BeyondTrust

https://www.beyondtrust.com

ConnectWise Control

https://www.connectwise.com

GoToMyPC

http://www.gotomypc.com

LogMeIn Pro

https://www.logmein.com

NoMachine

https://www.nomachine.com

Radmin

https://www.radmin.com

RealVNC

https://www.realvnc.com

ShowMyPC

https://www.showmypc.com

Splashtop

https://www.splashtop.com

Goverlan Reach

https://www.goverlan.com

Remote Utilities

https://www.remoteutilities.com

RemotePC

https://www.remotepc.com

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