Remote PC Access Software: Our Top Picks for Small Businesses

If the five 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 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 $27 to $52 per month.

Wrike

Wrike is a collaborative solution for remote workers that operates on a cloud-based platform. Remote access is available through Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices to help businesses collaborate externally and internally and view interactive boards and spreadsheets. Wrike also offers a mobile app that lets users remotely access their tasks, share files and collaborate on projects. The solution features a valuable file and video proofing tool, visual markup tools and multistage approvals. Wrike’s interactive Gantt charts also make it easy for users to schedule tasks, manage deadlines with drag-and-drop tools and visualize projects. Wrike has an appealing free plan for unlimited users, with numerous project templates and mobile app access. There are paid Professional, Business, Enterprise and Pinnacle packages to suit different business sizes and needs. Users can also connect to more than 400 integrations and build a custom solution.

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 two-week free trial is offered, while basic packages start at $4 per user per month. Additionally, it’s possible to manage three devices for free. More sophisticated packages have 25-user minimum totals and extend to threat prevention and identity-based access.

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 30-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: Small business plans have unlimited concurrent access and range from $29.25 (one user license, access to 10 computers) to $449.25 (unlimited user licenses, access to 50 computers) annually.
•  Zoho Assist: Unattended access plans cost $10 to $15 per month (access to 25 computers), billed annually.
• GoTo Resolve: The basic plan for one agent costs $55 per month if billed annually or $69 per month if billed monthly. 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 $5 (one user, access to two devices) and $8.25 (three users, access to 10 computers per user), billed annually. Volume discounts are available for larger teams – as low as $6.19 per monthly user.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

COVID-19 forced many organizations to embrace the tools needed for remote work, such as remote access software. If you have now permanently committed to hybrid or fully remote setups, 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.

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 five 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 (20%): 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 (15%): 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.
• Expert Insight (10%): Our product reviews are conducted by software and industry experts who are deeply familiar with remote PC solutions. Given their institutional knowledge of different platforms and firsthand experiences using these programs, we take their judgment into account when determining our best picks.

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. 

Although remote PC access software has been available for years, many are maintaining a hybrid or flexible work model in 2024 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 2024. 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 size was $1,753.2 million in 2020. It increased to $2,022.9 million in 2021 and is slated to spike to $5,994.8 million by 2028.

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.