TeamViewer is one of the most popular, free, and feature-rich apps to connect to a desktop remotely. However, it is not the most secure. TeamViewer was hacked back in 2016 and then used again in another hack in 2022. There are many who are looking for TeamViewer alternatives for remote access. If you are also looking to jump ships, here are some of the best alternatives to TeamViewer.
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Best TeamViewer Alternatives
These are some of the best TeamViewer alternatives that we tested and used. There may be others but for most home and even enterprise users, this should suffice. Having said that, let’s begin.
1. Remote Access Plus
ManageEngine, from Zoho, offers a HIPPA-compliant remote desktop manager for enterprise users called Remote Access Plus. More suitable for IT admins who are overseeing a vast number of computers located across the globe and need to provide remote assistance to them. Like TeamViewer, you can control systems remotely and transfer files, and also impose user-level restrictions.
Pros:
Supports video and voice chat, detailed reports, file transfers, and record sessions for future support and troubleshooting.
Cons:
The UI can be a bit challenging for novice and first-time users.
2. Zoho Assist
Interestingly, Zoho has another remote access software called Assist. It offers TLS 1.2 and AES 256-bit encryption while being cloud-based. That means technicians don’t have to install the app and can offer assistance on demand. Just sign in and open a remote session. They have white-label plans for rebranding and custom domain solutions so you can start your own remote assistance company. They also offer unattended access which means you can access your work computer from anywhere in the world by login in remotely.
Pros: Zoho Assist offers cloud-based unattended remote assistance. It supports almost all popular operating systems.
Cons: They have a 5GB file transfer limit in the paid edition.
Get Assist
3. Windows Remote Desktop Connection
If you are running a Windows PC and want to remotely access a Windows PC, then you don’t have to download a 3rd party application. In Windows 10 and 11, you get a free remote access software called Remote Desktop Connection that enables you to quickly connect to any Windows system with just a few clicks. Of course, you can access all your files and can even perform almost any Windows troubleshooting on the remote desktop.
Pros: Free, powerful, highly customizable, and comes built-in on Windows 10 and 11.
Cons: The Home version of Windows doesn’t have the server component for the Remote Desktop. This simply means that you can use it to connect to other computers but others cannot connect to your computer as long as you are using the Home version.
4. Anydesk
As the name suggests, AnyDesk works on popular platforms be it Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone. In fact, it even works on obscure ones like Raspberry Pi, FreeBSD, Linux, and ChromeOS.
It offers Military-grade TLS 1.2 security and 256-bit AES transport encryption in a lightweight client that’s pretty fast. It is completely free for personal usage without any ads but has plans for commercial users.
AnyDesk plans begin at $11 for individual users and $14.99 for teams if you are running a business providing remote assistance with unattended access to customers. Other features include file transfer, privacy mode, and remote printing. One of the better alternatives to TeamViewer app.
Pros: The setup process is really easy and quick. And so is using the app to control your PC remotely.
Cons: Sometimes, it lags if you are facing network issues but that’s true for any remote assistance software. So no real cons as of now during our testing.
Download Anydesk
5. RealVNC
RealVNC works a lot like TightVNC and allows you to connect and control remote Windows 10 and 11 computers. However, it is much easier to use than TightVNC. But, you still need to install the server and client applications as needed. RealVNC works on VNC (Virtual Network Computing) protocol, and the connection between systems is much more stable than when using the TeamViewer which is a plus.
Pros: RealVNC is cross-platform and the connection between your systems is encrypted.
Cons: The free version of RealVNC only offers basic functionality like viewing and controlling the remote system.
Download RealVNC
6. Splashtop
Splashtop is one of the most popular remote desktop apps out there. It lets you do almost anything on a remote desktop like providing remote assistance, file sharing, accessing installed programs, playing games, etc. The good thing about this remote desktop app is that it supports all popular desktop and mobile OS like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire. Moreover, setting up Splashtop is as easy as installing an application on both machines and entering the login credentials.
Pros: Splashtop is easy to install and use. It is also free for home and non-commercial usage.
Cons: The free version of Splashtop is limited to accessing local computers. If you want to access systems over the internet, you need to buy a premium license.
Download Splashtop
7. Chrome Remote Desktop
If you are using Chrome browser on your Windows, there is no reason for you to go through complex configurations for a simple remote desktop connection. All you have to do is install the remote desktop extension for Chrome on both systems and you are good to go. The Chrome Remote Desktop is perfect if you just want to share your screen for remote assistance. However, do keep in mind that you cannot share files and folders in the Remote Assistance mode.
Pros: The Chrome Remote Desktop is pretty lightweight and easy to use.
Cons: Chrome Remote Desktop doesn’t have any extended functionality like the other apps shared here. So, no file sharing, whiteboards, annotations, chat, etc.
Download Chrome Remote Desktop
Best Alternatives to TeamViewer
That brings us to the conclusion. Chrome Remote Desktop is good for most home users who want to keep an eye on their home computers. Splashtop is better for advanced users who want more features like file sharing or the ability to control apps remotely. Enterprise users should look at ManageEngine’s Remote Access Plus and even Zoho Assist for serving businesses or offering business solutions themselves.
