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Remote PC Access Software: Our Top Picks for Small Businesses

Our best remote PC access tools give your IT team full control over company technology, whether employees are on-site or remote.

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Written by: Jeff Hale, Senior AnalystUpdated Aug 06, 2025
Adam Uzialko,Senior Editor
Business News Daily earns compensation from some listed companies. Editorial Guidelines.

Many businesses today utilize a dispersed workforce. Some employees work from home, while others may work in different offices. Ensuring they all have updated and up-and-running devices can be challenging in this situation. To solve this problem, many organizations utilize remote access software. This software allows support teams to track, monitor, and troubleshoot company devices to ensure team members have everything they need to stay productive. This software can serve as an enterprise-grade remote access solution for IT support teams, an effective telecommuting platform for remote workers or an easy-to-use technical support system for customers. To find the best options, we spent countless hours analyzing and researching dozens of options. Solutions like Remote PC, Zoho Assist and Freshdesk check all of the boxes we were looking for. Below are the solutions we think are best.

RemotePC
Best for Small Businesses
Image related to the service.
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Links to RemotePC
  • Starting Price: $22.12/user/year
  • Free Plan: No
  • Free Trial: 7 days
NinjaOne
Best for Patch Management
NinjaOne logo
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Links to NinjaOne
  • Starting Price: Custom quote
  • Free Plan: No
  • Free Trial: 14 days
Freshdesk
Best Automated Customer Support
freshdesk company logo
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Links to Freshdesk
  • Starting Price: $14/user/month
  • Free Plan: Yes
  • Free Trial: 14 days
Zoho Assist
Best All-in-One Remote Support and Access
Zoho Assist logo
  • Starting Price: $10/user/month
  • Free Plan: Yes
  • Free Trial: 15 days
Splashtop
Best for Hybrid-Remote Access
Splashtop company logo
  • Starting Price: $5/user/month
  • Free Plan: No
  • Free Trial: 7 days
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At Business News Daily, we’ve spent years researching and testing the technology that enables entrepreneurs to accomplish their goals and scale their businesses more efficiently. Our team of small business tech specialists conducts independent evaluations of the best technology platforms to determine which best meet the needs of small business owners. We also regularly consult with technology experts. including IT professionals, developers, implementation specialists and cybersecurity professionals, to stay on top of the latest tech trends impacting small businesses. And every review we publish is evaluated by our editorial staff to ensure objectivity, accuracy and fairness are at the core of our decision-making. Learn more about our editorial guidelines.

How We Decided

To identify the best remote PC access software, our team of small business technology experts conducted firsthand testing of the best solutions available. We examined pricing and plans, as well as overall usability and core features like compatibility, security protocols, ticketing functions, automation tools and more. We also looked for software that offered detailed reports so you can review your...

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To identify the best remote PC access software, our team of small business technology experts conducted firsthand testing of the best solutions available. We examined pricing and plans, as well as overall usability and core features like compatibility, security protocols, ticketing functions, automation tools and more. We also looked for software that offered detailed reports so you can review your entire technology ecosystem and monitor for threats or security risks. Additionally, we analyzed customer reviews from IT professionals and business owners who use these platforms every day to help inform our decisions.

22

considered

15

reviewed

6

selected

To identify the best remote PC access software, our team of small business technology experts conducted firsthand testing of the best solutions available. We examined pricing and plans, as well as overall usability and core features like compatibility, security protocols, ticketing functions, automation tools and more. We also looked for software that offered detailed reports so you can review your entire technology ecosystem and monitor for threats or security risks. Additionally, we analyzed customer reviews from IT professionals and business owners who use these platforms every day to help inform our decisions.

22

considered

15

reviewed

6

selected

Compare Our Best Picks

BND Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2025
RemotePC
NinjaOne
Freshdesk
Zoho Assist
Splashtop
LogMeIn Resolve
Rating9.6/109.0/109.1/109.5/109.5/109.2/10
Best for

Small businesses

Patch Management

Automated customer support

All-in-one remote support and access

Hybrid-remote computer access

No-download live support

Free trial

7 days

14 days

14 days

15 days

7 days

14 days

Free plan

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Starting cost

$22.12 to $449.62 per year

Requires a quote

$15 to $95 per user per month

$10 to $28 per user per month

$5 to $13 per user per month

$23 to $63 per month

Add-on fees

$20 per year for integrated cloud backup; $99.50 per year for HelpDesk

None

$75 bot session

$4 monthly storage; $1 VoIP credits

Up to $1.20 per computer for Bitdefender endpoint security

$20 for mobile; $31 for camera-share

Number of plans

5

1

4

6

4

4

Platforms supported

Windows, macOS, Linux, VMWare, ChromeOS, iOS, Android,

Windows, macOS, Linux, VMWare, ChromeOS, iOS, Android,

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, VMWare

Windows, macOS, Linux, VMWare (limited), ChromeOS, iOS, Android, Raspberry Pi

Windows, macOS, Linux, VMWare, ChromeOS, iOS, Android,

Windows, macOS, Linux (limited), VMWare, iOS, Android

macOS limitations

Needs permission for screen recording & accessibility; requires user consent

Backup not supported on macOS ≤ Big Sur; remote control & file transfer occasionally unreliable; needs manual Full Disk Access

Requires agent install and permissions; “blank-screen” tool glitch on some macOS

Black screen or lag issues; “run as service” unreliable beyond Mojave; manual permission required

Dropping support for macOS < Yosemite; blank-screen quirks; permission prompts occasionally confusing

Needs Rosetta on Apple Silicon; reduced feature support on older macOS; graphics/UI glitches on Ventura+

TLS 1.2 & AES-256 encryption

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Access controls

Personal key per computer, MFA/2FA, role-based access control & permissions, session control

MFA/2FA, role-based access control & permissions, session control

MFA/2FA, role-based access control & permissions, session control

MFA/2FA, role-based access control & permissions, session control

MFA/2FA, role-based access control & permissions, session control

MFA/2FA, role-based access control & permissions, session control

Audit trails

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Compliance certifications

SOC 2, ISO, GDPR, HIPAA

SOC 2, ISO, GDPR, HIPAA

SOC 2, ISO, GDPR, PCI-DSS

SOC 2, ISO, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS

ISO, GDPR, HIPAA

SOC 2, ISO, GDPR, PCI-DSS

Ease of use

Very easy

Very easy

Easy

Very easy

Easy

Easy

Review Link
Scroll Table

Our Reviews

Editor's Rating: 9.6/10
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Links to RemotePC

RemotePC is an excellent remote access solution for small businesses that don’t have dedicated IT staff. It supports every major computer operating system, including Android mobile devices and Chromebooks, at home or in the office, and offers easy-to-implement software that doesn’t require installation before use. Team members are able to access the software with a web browser, using an access ID and a unique password for a secure connection to RemotePC. We found the software to be designed simply so anyone at any experience level can easily access and navigate their system.

The RemotePC Performance Viewer allows users with limited bandwidth to access remote computers at speeds up to 60 fps, which is helpful for team members who don’t have consistent access to high-speed connections outside of the office. RemotePC also offers RemotePC HelpDesk, a separate add-on solution specifically designed for IT administrators and managed service providers. Among the features RemotePC offers that we found to be most valuable include the ability to support customers with single sign-on, chat-based communication, file transfer capabilities, screen sharing, a performance viewer, multi-monitor display support, and the option to record sessions.

RemotePC interface

A view of remote access to a Windows machine from a Windows computer after connecting via RemotePC. (Source: RemotePC)

  • All SOHO, Team and Enterprise plans come with unlimited user accounts.
  • All plans include the same dozen essential features, including file transfer, always-on access, unlimited remote access, remote reboot, and 24/7 customer support.
  • All plans feature easy remote access to a host machine through secure RemotePC Viewer Lite, which runs in a web browser.
  • All plans require either a monthly or annual subscription, with RemotePC not offering a free tier.
  • Video conferencing is limited to 50 users at once.
  • Some users report difficulties speaking to customer service staff.

As you’d expect from one of our Best Picks, RemotePC scores highly on TrustRadius, with an overall score of 9.3 out of 10. The company received a Top Rated award from TrustRadius in 2024. However, some reviewers did note high latency between Mac and Windows machines, as well as a lack of key translation between macOS and Windows.

NinjaOne logo
Editor's Rating: 9/10
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Links to NinjaOne

NinjaOne is an intuitive and robust access management platform that especially excels at patch management and endpoint management. We especially like how prominently displayed the patch management data is on the dashboard, helping you see at a glance how up to date the devices in your ecosystem are. This is especially important for large businesses and those with remote or hybrid workforces.

It’s also easy to act on this data thanks to NinjaOne. Admins can easily deliver patches to any connected endpoint regardless of their location. So, when patching compliance starts to slip, it can be addressed right away. We like that NinjaOne also provide CVE/CVSS alerts and scoring to identify vulnerabilities as they appear, improving your team’s ability to deploy zero-day patches and conduct problem patch management.

NinjaOne dashboard

NinjaOne’s dashboard provides a helpful overview of your IT ecosystem, including patch management details at a glance. (Source: NinjaOne)

Beyond NinjaOne’s exceptional patch management capabilities, the system also excels at remote monitoring and endpoint management. This is ideal for businesses with large or distributed workforces, as it allows supervisors to stay in the loop on what each member of the team is doing. It also enables IT admins to ensure security protocol is adhered to, as well as identify when risky behaviors occur through policy-based management tools and proactive visibility alerts.

We also liked that NinjaOne offers 24/7 customer support and has great reviews from existing customers.

  • NinjaOne is an intuitive and easy to set up access management platform that doesn’t skimp on tools IT admins need.
  • The platform’s patch management tools are exceptional, helping admins keep endpoints up to date and identify when patch compliance is slipping.
  • NinjaOne does not require a contract and has no add-on fees.
  • NinjaOne does not publicly post pricing and requires you to contact the sales team for an individualized quote.
  • NinjaOne is generally priced per endpoint, which can become expensive for smaller businesses or low-device environments.
  • Employee or device minimums are unclear.

NinjaOne scored a 9.1 out of 10 across 125 reviews on TrustRadius. One user said “NinjaOne has greatly simplified our IT management. We use NinjaOne to manage all of the computers in our organization. This includes windows patch management, software patching, and remote access to those workstations.”

freshdesk company logo
Editor's Rating: 9.1/10
Visit Site
Links to Freshdesk

Freshdesk’s AI-powered omnichannel platform offers an excellent integrated remote help desk solution, making it easy to assign and link support tickets and create custom ticket statuses. When demoing the platform, we found that teamwork is simple through shared ownership of tickets, the ability to split tickets into smaller tasks, and the power to link similar issues to ensure those with expertise can efficiently handle relevant issues. We like how these intelligent assignments make ticketing easier by organizing tasks based on team members’ capabilities and capacity or using the round-robin method.

Freshdesk also helps users tailor their solution with a multitude of helpful features, including the ability to access a shared inbox for multiple agents. You can also manage your staff through features like service tasks and groups, scheduling dashboards and time tracking. Automated functions like dispatching and assigning tickets, sending out email notifications and omni-routing emails, remove painstaking tasks from employee responsibilities.

Freshdesk interface

Freshdesk functionality encompasses 360-degree customer views, AI-powered bots and a wider suite of software tools. (Source: Freshworks)

  • Works across the web, mobile devices and WhatsApp.
  • Four pricing tiers are available with monthly and annual pricing.
  • Its 14-day free trial allows you to test out the software risk free.
  • Freshdesk’s ever-expanding features lead some users to find the interface overwhelming, especially new users and smaller teams.
  • The software interface can be glitchy according to regular users.
  • Some people may not want to use an AI-powered customer service tool.

With a top-rated accolade to its name, Freshdesk scores a reassuring 8.4 out of 10 on TrustRadius from over 600 reviews. A remarkable 98 percent of customers described it as good value and 94 percent would buy it again; the few complaints related to technical factors like ticket status.

Zoho Assist logo
Editor's Rating: 9.5/10

Zoho Assist stands out as the best all-in-one remote access software thanks to its versatility, affordability, and seamless cross-platform support. Designed for both attended and unattended access, it empowers IT teams to troubleshoot devices running on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, and Chrome OS. Technicians can initiate sessions directly through a browser—no software installation required—streamlining support for clients and end users.

Zoho Assist includes essential features like multi-monitor navigation, clipboard sharing, voice and text chat, idle session timeout, and two-factor authentication on every plan. Its Remote Audio capability allows real-time audio troubleshooting, while AI-powered tools like Zia enhance productivity with intelligent suggestions and automated session summaries. Whether you’re supporting a global team or managing client systems, it delivers unmatched value and functionality.

Zoho Assist screen recording

Screen recording on mobile devices may be useful for quality control and training. (Source: Zoho Assist)

  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi and Chrome OS.
  • Zoho offers a full suite of software integrations and support for third-party applications.
  • The platform integrates with Zoho's AI assistant, Zia, to provide chat suggestions and automatic session summaries.
  • While Zoho Assist supports file transfers up to 5GB, some lower-tier plans may offer more restrictive limits or lack advanced transfer features compared to premium competitors.
  • Zoho Assist integrates best with other Zoho products (like Zoho Desk and Zoho CRM), so businesses not already using the Zoho suite may find less synergy and fewer workflow benefits.
  • Although Zoho offers global support, 24/7 live customer support isn’t included in all plans.

Zoho Assist performs well on TrustRadius, where it has received a score of 8.6 out of 10 from more than one hundred reviews and ratings. Users praised its simplicity and file transfer capabilities, while citing concerns over delays and response times.

Splashtop company logo
Editor's Rating: 9.5/10

Splashtop’s offers great remote access solutions for creative professionals and businesses with hybrid or remote employees and hot-desk setups. We were impressed with the array of collaborative features, in particular, the option for two users with separate accounts to remotely access the same machine — something that is rare among competitors. This feature makes Splashtop more accessible for smaller, budget-conscious teams.

All Splashtop plans and basic features are compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS, Android and Linux; it’s also compatible with accessories that connect to your devices, such as styluses and pen tablets — with Wacom tablets delivering an ultra-fast and seamless drawing experience.

We like how Splashtop lets you share your desktops through a web browser, transfer files and chat during remote sessions. Users can also access remote microphones for audio recording and enjoy HD-quality video and high-fidelity audio. With 4K/5K multi-monitor streaming at up to 240 fps and low latency, Splashtop can support powerful programs for graphic design, video editing and 3D animation. For added security, we found it valuable that users can take advantage of Splashtop Antivirus powered by Bitdefender, an add-on service, as well as purchase advanced WiFi protection or Zero Trust access solutions. The anti-malware and antivirus security capability offers users a better way to protect their devices, particularly when securing endpoints and enabling secure remote access.

Splashtop stylus

An example of a stylus being used during a remote access session. (Source: Splashtop)

  • The high-tier Performance plan only costs $13 per month.
  • Splashtop is highly rated by end users, who have few (if any) complaints.
  • High-performance connections support up to 240 frames per second.
  • Users need to install apps on both local and remote machines.
  • All plans require an annual billing commitment.
  • Third-party integrations are somewhat limited and can’t be accessed directly during a trial.

With more than 750 reviews and ratings, Splashtop achieved a healthy 8.8 out of 10 score on TrustRadius. Users praise the customer service and value, with many people indicating they have no criticisms at all – unusual in this sector.

Resolve logo
Editor's Rating: 9.2/10

LogMeIn Resolve (formerly GoTo Resolve) is a great remote access option for business owners who need a product that offers unlimited live support without requiring customers to download software. We found it to be a cost-effective solution for IT service companies and large businesses that combines remote access features with live ticketing and IT management functions. We like how LogMeIn Resolve provides a secure connection through any standard web browser and allows users to download an unattended installer onto end-user devices or add the LogMeIn Resolve toolbar to their computer. Note, however, that clientless support through the browser requires the Remote Support Plus tier or above.

The platform is both customizable and compatible with a variety of devices. With a camera-share add-on, a variety of help desk features and key integrations, we like that LogMeIn Resolve gives businesses the tools they need to be successful. Users can submit tickets through a portal or by sending an email. Integrations with Microsoft Teams let team members submit tickets directly from their messaging solutions, and LogMeIn also plans on rolling out additional integrations for a wider range of third-parties. Customizations also allow admins to set triggers for automation, add branding elements and define team member access levels.

 

GoTo Resolve session invites

Scotching the myth that remote access platforms are confusing, LogMeIn Resolve simplifies the process of seeking remote support on any device. (Source: LogMeIn Resolve)

  • Remote support and unattended access platforms are very easy to set up and use.
  • The conversational ticketing system helps streamline IT support.
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM) facilitates setup, manages personal and company-owned devices, and secures data.
  • Mobile support is a paid add-on feature, and prices can climb quickly.
  • Customer support complaints are common among LogMeIn Resolve users.
  • LogMeIn Resolve is currently lacking integrations to popular tools like Slack.

Another top-rated platform on TrustRadius, LogMeIn Resolve scores a 8.3 out of 10 overall from 245 reviews and ratings. In total, 88 percent of users were happy with the feature set, but some less positive reviews mentioned system glitches and limited customer support.

Alternatives to Consider

If the six platforms above aren’t ticking the right boxes in terms of remote PC access software, we’ve highlighted additional options below that might be better suited to your business’s needs:

ISL Light

Combining an extensive roster of over 80 features with extremely low starting prices, ISL Online has ticked many boxes with its Light remote access package. The platform is Windows, Mac and Linux compatible and works on Android and iOS devices, supporting multiple monitors, session recording and a black screen mode for protecting sensitive information. A generous 15-day free trial is offered, while prices are tiered depending on frequency of use. The Pay Per Use package costs just $0.25 per minute over 500 minutes, supporting five users; the most affordable unlimited users/devices/access package is the $34.90 Standard service. This also includes additional features like device permissions and user management.

ConnectWise Control

An excellent solution for remote troubleshooting, ConnectWise ScreenConnect (formerly ConnectWise Control) offers scalable remote access and custom security features. It can work across multiple platforms with most major browsers, while the Premium-level ConnectWise View plan gives users an array of valuable tools. The camera-sharing extension makes resolving on-site issues, such as hardware malfunctions, possible without the inconvenience of sending an in-person technician. ConnectWise Control offers more than 100 integrations and allows connections to third-party apps like Zendesk and Microsoft Outlook. Users can also utilize advanced reporting, diagnostics, automation options and VoIP for business. Each plan, which includes security features and packages for remote support and unattended access, ranges from approximately $45 to $55 per concurrent technician per month.

Wrike

Wrike is a collaborative solution for remote and distributed work that operates on a cloud-based platform. It is not a remote access tool, and does not offer remote control of Windows, Mac, Android or iOS devices. Its mobile app lets users access tasks, share files and collaborate on projects. The solution features valuable file and video proofing tools, visual markup tools, multi‑stage approvals and interactive Gantt charts. Wrike has an appealing free plan for unlimited users, with numerous project templates, and paid Team, Business, Enterprise and Pinnacle tiers. Users can also connect to over 400 integrations and build custom workflows.

Impero Connect

Formerly known as Netop, this comprehensive and secure remote PC access solution is available as a cloud or on-premises service. With classroom management, advanced logging, user-board permission and audit logs for oversight of remote activity, Impero offers a variety of features that make it easy for large businesses to confidently navigate their projects while remaining in compliance. Impero can support a variety of devices and manage large-scale businesses. The solution works with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and all major browsers; it also supports specialized machines like medical devices. The three cloud packages all have the same features; pricing depends on the number of devices you need access to. For example, access for 5-49 devices means you’ll pay between $33 and $27 per year per device (the price decreases the more devices you have).

Jamf

Baked into a more comprehensive suite of software tools, Jamf Remote Assist is a Mac-only platform that enables administrators to troubleshoot enrolled devices remotely. As part of the Jamf Pro platform, it supports connections outside internal networks, and PCs can connect to Macs using the most popular web browsers. It’s important to note that Jamf Pro includes features that aren’t directly relevant to remote access, such as app lifecycle management. A 14-day free trial is offered, while basic packages start at $4 per user per month.

Remote Access Software Costs

The average cost of remote access software can be challenging to determine since vendors often use different pricing structures. For example, some companies charge based on the number of individual user licenses, whereas others go by the number of devices accessed or concurrent sessions. Most plans are billed annually, often offering first-year discounts. Most remote access providers give seven- to 15-day free trials for your team to test out the software.

For some insight into the going market rates, here are the pricing structures for some of our best picks.

  • RemotePC: Plans have unlimited concurrent access and range from $22.12 (one user license, access to one computer) to $449.62 (unlimited user licenses, access to 100 computers) annually.
  • Zoho Assist: Unattended access plans cost $10 to $15 per month (access to 25 computers), billed annually, while remote support plans cost between $10 and $24 per technician per month.
  • LogMeIn Resolve: The basic plan for one agent costs $23 per month, billed annually. Full mobile support to remotely view Android and iOS devices and control Android devices is available as an add-on for $20 per monthly agent; the camera-share add-on costs $31 per month.
  • Splashtop: The small business packages cost between $5 and $13 per month, billed annually. Volume discounts are available for larger teams.

Pricing may differ based on available discounts or pricing adjustments. Be sure to factor in additional taxes or fees vendors may charge. Most of these companies have additional plans for remote support and sometimes for mobile device access as well. The best plans to purchase are easily scalable and include automatic updates.

Key TakeawayKey takeaway
Prices vary widely for remote access software, depending on the vendor’s particular pricing model, fees and available discounts.

Remote Access Software Features

Depending on how you plan to use your remote access software, whether as an IT support tool or a remote-work solution, some features are more important than others. In general, though, the below features and functions are highly desirable in any remote access software.

  • Quick and convenient access options (e.g., web browser links)
  • Cross-platform access to connect to any type of device (Windows, Linux, Mac, Chrome OS, Raspberry Pi, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile)
  • Integrations with other platforms and software (e.g., Google Workspace, Jira, Zendesk)
  • High-end security measures (AES 256-bit encryption, brute-force protection, screen blanking, keyboard locking, HIPAA and GDPR compliance)
  • Session scheduling, recording, reporting and management
  • Monitor grouping, control exchange and mass deployment
  • Collaboration and communication tools (drag-and-drop file transfer, text chat, voice, video, annotations, whiteboards)
  • Scalability to support business growth
  • Personalized branding for unique customer experiences
  • Knowledgeable customer service team and other resources

Connectwise integrations

The best platforms offer extensive third-party integrations. ConnectWise, shown here, has over a hundred integrations on offer. (Source: ConnectWise)

When comparing pricing amongst different software, be sure to also compare the features available in each specific plan you’re considering. Many remote access software plans are tiered – lower-cost plans tend to have very basic features.

TipTip
Ask vendors whether their remote access software integrates with the best CRM platforms and other business software to help streamline operations. For example, Zoho Assist is capable of integrating with Zoho CRM.

Advantages of Remote Access Software

Large businesses with a significant number of in-office computers to manage and small businesses supporting hybrid or remote workers can both benefit greatly from remote access software. Here are the biggest advantages.

  • Computer access from anywhere: During an unattended access session, remote workers can access licensed software on their office desktop computers, transfer important files between devices and collaborate with co-workers on the same computer with the same data, regardless of each person or machine’s location. Once you configure an office computer for unattended access, you and your team will be able to access the computer’s data and applications from any internet-connected device, including web browsers in most cases, as if you were taking your office machine and everything on it with you wherever you go.
  • Easier, cheaper IT support: Another benefit is that IT departments also use secure remote access and support software to provide tech support, troubleshooting, mass deployment and file implementation. This allows a smaller and potentially off-site team to provide basic IT services and support for your company at a greatly reduced cost. With a network of unattended machines, technicians can easily deploy software and security updates in the background without disturbing the end users’ work. For major updates and changes, some systems provide scheduling tools to run company-wide updates automatically during off-hours, ensuring no work is disturbed.
  • Robust security and compliance guarantees: With strong security measures including encryption, two-factor authentication, private security keys and screen blacking for privacy, this class of software is often safe and secure enough to adhere to HIPAA and other compliance-related standards.

Read related article: Is a Remote Desktop Right for Your Business?

Choosing Remote Access Software

Follow these general steps to choose the best remote access software for your business.

1. Define your use case.

Many software providers in this sector offer a mix of remote access and IT support solutions since the underlying technology is fairly similar between the two services. For businesses that need both, there is no shortage of options for all-in-one systems. However, many shoppers in this category are strictly looking for remote access platforms and will want to make sure they don’t pay for features they don’t need. Carefully consider what your organization needs to get out of the system so you know exactly what you’re looking for and can find a solution that fits your use case.

2. Determine your number of users and unattended devices.

Since pricing for this category is largely dictated by the number of users and remote computers, it’s important to take a detailed inventory of the individuals and devices you’ll want to access and support. Most of the vendors we reviewed will let you adjust your plan to a higher number of both items should your business grow. However, many companies only offer annual subscriptions and will not let you downsize in the middle of your contract. To avoid buyer’s remorse, consider not just where your business is today but where it may be in 12-24 months to find the right-sized plan.

3. Decide on an annual or monthly term.

If your organization is permanently hybrid or remote, you may feel comfortable signing an annual contract. However, if you’re unsure whether you will continue to have a distributed workforce or expect virtual employees to be back in the office in the relatively near future, you’ll likely want to limit your search to companies that offer monthly subscription options, which are typically priced a bit higher than the annual equivalent.

In other words, while annual agreements can save you money, you may not appreciate being locked into a year-long contract if it’s unclear how, and where, your company will operate going forward. Monthly terms allow more flexibility.

4. Find the best deal.

Once you’ve determined your ideal use case, the amount of people and equipment you want to support and your ideal term length, you’re ready to research specific vendors and shop the market. This process should include participating in demos and free trials, reading online customer reviews and speaking with sales representatives. Finding the best deal doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the plan with the lowest monthly or annual fee. Rather, it means finding the best price for the features most valuable to your business.

Once you’ve made a selection and implemented the solution, it’s essential to periodically assess how the product is serving you. As your contract is nearing its end, you may want to reevaluate your needs to ensure the remote access software you’re using is still the best platform for your business.

Did You Know?Did you know
Chatbots can help your small business grow by facilitating more efficient customer service. You’ll find them included in some remote access solutions, like Freshdesk.

Methodology

At Business News Daily, our team of small business technology experts have been researching and testing remote PC software for years, comparing some of the leading solutions across more than 25 key metrics. We considered 22 remote PC software platforms and closely reviewed and tested 15 of them before selecting our six best picks above.

Below are the factors we considered when determining our best picks. Each is weighted according to how much the criteria typically influences business owners’ buying decisions.

  • Pricing (30%): We considered not just the base cost of the software but also the number of pricing plans, per user fees, and add-on costs to determine which provide the most value per dollar.
  • Features (25%): We particularly evaluated the dashboard and tested features like remote access, antivirus support, security measures, session recording and cross-platform support. We also looked for third-party integrations with popular business software, especially help desk and ticketing systems.
  • Usability (25%): We paid close attention to the ease with which the software could be set up, how intuitive we found the navigation and use of key features, and the training and informational resources available to new users. We also considered whether the software offered a responsive mobile app or mobile browser.
  • Customer Support (20%): We examined the ease with which customers can contact the team in need of help. We reviewed customer feedback to determine how well the customer service team meets the needs of existing customers.

In addition to scoring each remote PC software we reviewed based on this criteria, we also determined the best use case scenarios for each. No two businesses are exactly alike, so we put ourselves in the shoes of different types of small business owners and identify the best remote PC software for a variety of needs.

To learn more about how we review and test tech products and services for small businesses, read about our editorial process here. 

Remote Access Software FAQ

Remote desktop software, also known as remote access software, is helpful because it has many uses that can benefit your business. For example, your staff can use the software to remotely access their office computers at home or out in the field. This is helpful for efficiency and sometimes necessary for companies that rely heavily on off-site workers.

Another reason remote desktop software is helpful is because it gives IT departments the ability to deploy various protocols across several devices and lets customer service teams assist staff and clients in troubleshooting tech problems. This use can increase your desktop security, team efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The most common uses for remote desktop software are for employees to use it to access their office computers remotely and for tech teams to use it to remotely provide on-demand issue resolution for colleagues and customers. Functions like file transferring, screen-blanking and keyboard-locking are great for remote workers, and monitor grouping, mass deployment and control exchange are useful for tech support teams.

Tech support teams and IT departments need remote access software to connect to other users’ devices. Without it, they would not be able to provide remote tech support to their co-workers and customers. So while any team can benefit from remote access software, these kinds of teams heavily rely on it.

Businesses that depend on off-site staff to access on-site devices also need a remote access solution. Instead of physically going to the office to use their devices, out-of-office workers can access their work computers from wherever they are via remote access software. Educators may need remote access for similar reasons, and it can be a valuable tool for teaching remotely and collaborating with students from afar.

The best free remote access software depends on your specific needs, but several excellent options stand out. TeamViewer offers free remote PC access for personal use with enterprise-grade AES-256 encryption, cross-platform compatibility, and intuitive interface. AnyViewer provides versatile, user-friendly remote access with cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, offering stable performance even on slower networks.

Zoho Assist’s free plan includes one remote technician, five unattended PCs, instant chat, clipboard sharing, multi-monitor navigation, two-factor authentication, and supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook OS with no session time limits. The platform offers robust security with 256-bit AES encryption.

Other notable options include Chrome Remote Desktop (free and simple for Chrome users), RustDesk (open-source with end-to-end encryption), and DistantDesktop (no registration required, works on Windows and Android).

For most users, TeamViewer’s free personal plan offers the most comprehensive features and reliability. AnyViewer excels for those wanting simplicity, while Zoho Assist provides excellent value with its generous free tier including unattended access capabilities. Chrome Remote Desktop works best for users already integrated into Google’s ecosystem.

What to expect in 2025

Although remote PC access software has been available for years, many are maintaining a hybrid or flexible work model in 2025 and beyond. Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work report found that 71 percent of employers would allow arrangements for at least partial remote work on an ongoing basis. This shift also accommodates an increasing number of employees seeking flexible working arrangements: The same Buffer study found that 98 percent of respondents would like some remote work for the rest of their careers.

With artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) becoming increasingly commonplace, these technologies can potentially transform remote collaboration in 2025. AI- and VR-powered solutions can help streamline project management, improve team collaboration and foster real-time communication.

As remote desktop access and other work-from-home technologies continue to develop, the market is expected to continue its growth. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global remote desktop market was valued at $3.33 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $11.98 billion by 2032. North America is poised to be a dominant force in the market share because of the aforementioned adoption of remote work, as well as the United States and Canada’s big-name software providers. The Asian Pacific region and Europe are also expected to see major growth in this sector.

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Written by: Jeff Hale, Senior Analyst
Jeff Hale is a communications and content marketing expert with extensive experience leading teams as a managing editor. He has deep knowledge of B2B communications technologies, including business phone systems and customer relationship management (CRM) software. Jeff is also an entrepreneur who knows the realities of launching and managing a small business, where he serves as a Content Director and SEO Consultant. At Business News Daily, Jeff primarily covers business technology, including VoIP phone systems, remote PC access software and CRMs. Jeff is also an entrepreneur who knows the realities of launching and managing a small business, where he serves as a Content Director and SEO Consultant. In his role as an entrepreneur and professional, Jeff has identified new market opportunities for Fortune 500 clients and developed communications strategies and digital branding for tech startups and small businesses. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, and an MBA from Chapman University.