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Compare Remote Access Software

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Name of Software or Company
Intended User
Type of Connectable Systems
The remote access software can access various types of connectable systems.
Software License
Remote access software may be distributed under a variety of different license types.
Features for Personal Use
These features enable the remote access software to facilitate access to your personal computer.
Features for Support
These features facilitate your ability to provide support to other computers.
Platform
The platform of a remote desktop software solution is the combination of hardware and software that the software requires and uses to run.
Mobile Platform
The mobile platforms accessible via remote desktop software, in addition to the operating systems of various mobile devices supported by the software.
Free Trial
  • Smart Rating
  • Mobile Platform
  • 3 Year Price
  • Platform
  • Features for Support
  • Software License
  • Features for Personal Use
  • Type of Connectable Systems
  • What to Avoid

How to find Remote Access Software

Whether someone needs remote assistance with his or her computer, or you need to access your own computer from another location, remote access software can be extremely helpful.

When purchasing remote access software, consider these factors first:

  • Personal Use. Consider this filter if you’re primarily using the software for your home computer.

  • Features for Support. Use this filter if you own a small business with staff working remotely.

  • Software License. The type of license you choose is one of the main determinants of cost.


Use the guide below for more in depth definitions and explanations about key features.

Not long ago, remote access software was much more difficult to install and use than it is now. With 36 remote access software to choose from, we can help you find the best one for your needs.

How to Find Remote Access Software

Smart Rating
The FindTheBest Smart Rating for remote access software is a weighted average of reviews and ratings given by CNET.com and PCMAG.com
Range
MinAverageMax
Mobile Platform
The mobile platforms accessible via remote desktop software, in addition to the operating systems of various mobile devices supported by the software. For example, a remote access software solution that operates on the iOS platform supports all mobile devices that run on iOS, including iPads and iPhones.
3 Year Price
Some remote access software comes with a lifetime license; once purchased, it does not need to be renewed. Other manufacturers sell remote desktop software on a subscription basis. The "3 Year Price" is a 3-year projection of an approximated cost. If this number is identical to the number in the "Annual Price" field, then the software has a lifetime license; otherwise, if the numbers in the two fields are different, the manufacturer sells the software as a subscription.
Platform
The platform of a remote desktop software solution is the combination of hardware and software that the software requires and uses to run.
Features for Support
These features facilitate your ability to provide support to other computers.
  • Access Permission Request: The local user must accept this request before a session can be initiated.
  • Chat: Remote access software with this feature has built-in chat capability.
  • Multiple Monitors: Remote access software with this feature supports display on multiple monitors.
  • NAT Passthrough: The NAT passthrough feature enables the client’s computer to connect to the server behind a NAT (Network Address Translation) gateway. Utilizing this feature eliminates the need to configure the router for port forwarding. However, this feature can also pose a security risk, since the connection passes through a remote, or third party, server.
  • Remote Assistance: This feature allows for simultaneous viewing of the same screen by both local and remote users. This enables the local user to watch while the remote user makes changes on the local computer.
  • Reporting: The Reporting feature allows administrator to monitor usage reports and other elements of the remote desktop software's functionality.
  • Seamless Window: This feature enables the user to run applications on the server with the application window open on the local computer. Although the application is actually running on a server connected to a remote computer, it appears to the user that the application is running on the local computer.
  • Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Remote desktop software with this feature allows unlimited user access the same remote-local connection.
Software License
Remote access software may be distributed under a variety of different license types.
  • Free Software License: Free software licenses allow you to use, change, and even resell the software.
  • Proprietary: Proprietary software licenses allow only for personal use of the software.
  • Commercial: Commercial software licenses allow the purchaser limited rights to redistribute the software.
  • SaaS: SaaS (Software as a Service) Software licenses require payment on a subscription basis. Users usually pay by the month to use the software on their networks.
  • Part Free/Part Proprietary: In some cases, this software is free to use in general but has additional features that require a fee.
    Commercial, Open Source / Free , Part Free/Part Proprietary, Proprietary, Subscription (SaaS)
Features for Personal Use
These features enable the remote access software to facilitate access to your personal computer.
  • Audio Support: This feature allows you to listen to music and other audio, which is stored and played on a remote computer, through the speakers of a local computer. The remote desktop software allows you to manipulate audio files remotely.
  • Cut, Copy, and Paste: This feature, also called "Clipboard Sync", enables you to copy and paste something from one computer to another.
  • Encryption: The security of the data that passes between the remote computer and the local computer is protected through data encryption.
  • File Transfer: You can move files between the remote computer and the local computer using the file transfer feature.
  • Keyboard Locking: If you want to prevent other people at the remote location from using the remote computer, you can use keyboard locking; the mouse and keyboard of the remote computer are locked so that no one else can use them.
  • Screen Blanking: If you want to prevent people near the remote computer from seeing what you are doing while you access it, you can use the screen-blanking feature. This makes the screen on the remote computer appear blank as you work.
  • Mobile Access: Software with mobile access enables you to access a remote computer from a mobile device such as an iPad or Android Phone.
  • Remote Printing: Remote printing allows you to print files from your remote computer on a local printer, and lets you print files from your local computer on a remote printer, attached to a remote computer.
Type of Connectable Systems
The remote access software can access various types of connectable systems. For example, by selecting both "Client" and "Server" in the software's options, a user can use his or her computer to gain remote access to the server. Selecting the "listening" option lets the local user connect to and monitor a remote server, but does not permit any changes to be made to the server by the local user.

What to Watch for in Remote Access Software

  • For a secure connection, when remotely accessing your personal computer, purchase remote access software with data encryption. Under 'Features for Personal Use', checking the box beside "Encryption" will provide you with a list that have built-in encryption.


  • Unless you plan to use the software indefinitely, remote access software with a subscription license will be less expensive than software with a lifetime license. Don't buy remote access software with a lifetime license if you only plan to use the software for a one-time business trip.

Popular Side-by-Sides for Remote Access Software
This data was collected from company websites and datasheets.
Expert Ratings Sources: PCMag.com, CNET, LifeHacker
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