Remote access software is essential for remote work, IT support, and personal access. With many options available, finding the right balance of performance, security, and ease of use can be challenging. Free tools may lack features, while paid ones come with costly subscriptions. This guide compares five top remote desktop solutions to help you decide: RustDesk, ScreenConnect, Splashtop, TeamViewer, and WPS Office's remote access feature.
What Are the Best Remote Desktop Software Options, and How Do They Compare?
With today's rapidly changing work landscape, remote connection software technology for desktops is no longer a luxury but a necessity. However, with so many options, how can you tell which solution strikes the right balance between security, usability, and performance? Based on extensive research and experience using numerous providers, I can highlight five top solutions for various use cases: RustDesk, ScreenConnect, Splashtop, TeamViewer, and WPS Office Remote Desktop. The former has unique benefits that cater to multiple needs – personal, IT support, or office space.
1. RustDesk
This is one of the best open-source remote desktop software, and it will give you complete control.
If you value privacy and control over your data, RustDesk is the ideal choice. As an open-source solution, it allows you to self-host your server, giving you complete control over your remote desktop environment. I've been using RustDesk for some time, and what I love most is its no-fuss setup, full functionality, and the ability to securely access devices without needing an account.
Key Features:
Free and open-source: RustDesk is 100% free for you, with no hidden charges or limitations on its core functionality.
Self-hosted option for complete data privacy: If you are concerned about security, you can host RustDesk on your server, ensuring complete control over your data.
No account required for quick access: You can start using RustDesk immediately without the need for tedious registration processes.
Why I Like It:
RustDesk gives me the flexibility I need for remote access as someone who prefers open-source software. It's fast, secure, and offers peace of mind, knowing I have complete control over my data.
2. ScreenConnect
This software solution provides IT support and enterprise remote management, which is best for you if you fall into the above categories.
For IT professionals and businesses needing a reliable remote desktop solution for troubleshooting, ScreenConnect (now part of ConnectWise Control) is the ultimate tool for unattended access. I've used ScreenConnect for remote IT support, and I can confidently say it's a game-changer for anyone managing multiple devices.
Key Features:
Used by IT professionals for remote troubleshooting, ScreenConnect is designed with advanced features tailored for your IT team's need to provide technical support remotely.
Highly customizable interface: It gives you complete control over the user interface, allowing your IT teams to get personalized experience that meets their specific needs.
Secure connections with multi-factor authentication: ScreenConnect prioritizes security, ensuring connections are encrypted and safeguarded against unauthorized access.
Why I Like It:
For businesses, ScreenConnect is invaluable. The ability to quickly troubleshoot issues, access machines unattended, and customize the platform for various IT needs makes it one of the best tools I've used for professional support.
3. Splashtop
This is a High-performance remote access that will give you multimedia support.
It is best for users who need access to high-performance applications like gaming or multimedia content. I've used Splashtop for gaming and high-definition video streaming, and the performance was flawless, even with resource-heavy applications. Whether working remotely or gaming, Splashtop delivers seamless access to your desktop.
Key Features:
Optimized for video and audio streaming: Splashtop lets you stream HD video and play games with minimal latency, making it ideal for multimedia tasks.
File transfer and multi-monitor support: Easily transfer files between your devices and manage multiple monitors remotely.
Strong security with encryption: Splashtop uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your sessions and data.
Why I Like It:
As a gamer, I find the high-quality streaming feature outstanding. Splashtop's low-latency connection is perfect for gaming remotely, and it's just as effective for professional multimedia tasks.
4. TeamViewer
Team Viewer will give you remote technical support and cross-platform access that is tailored to your needs.TeamViewer is one of the most popular and versatile remote desktop solutions on the market. I've used TeamViewer extensively for personal and professional purposes, and its wide array of features makes it the go-to tool for remote technical support and cross-platform access. TeamViewer has you covered whether you're accessing Windows, macOS, or Linux devices.
Key Features:
Free for personal use: TeamViewer offers a free version for your personal use, which is excellent if you need remote access occasionally.
Enables unattended access and file transfer: You can set up TeamViewer for unattended access, making it perfect for remote support and file transfers.
Secure connections with encryption: TeamViewer uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your remote sessions, ensuring secure connections.
Why I Like It:
TeamViewer is super user-friendly, and it works across all platforms. The free version is perfect for personal use, and you can access your desktop securely from any device without hassle.
5. WPS Office Remote Desktop
This is the best office document collaboration and remote access software you need to look at. If you are a professional working with office documents or collaborative projects, WPS Office offers a remote desktop feature perfect for accessing and managing your records. While not as feature-rich as some other remote control tools, it's an excellent choice for users focused on productivity and document management.
Key Features:
Remote access and control: Access your remote desktop and control it as if you were physically present.
Remote file management: Manage your documents, files, and folders remotely.
Online whiteboard for presentations: Great for teams working on shared documents, WPS Office offers an online whiteboard feature to collaborate in real time.
Remote screen recording: Record your remote sessions for reference or training purposes.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Open WPS Remote Desktop in WPS Office.
Ensure both computers have WPS Office and Remote Desktop enabled.
Establish a connection by entering the Device ID and Access Password.
Optional: Enable persistent access by binding your WPS account for easier future access.
Why I Like It:
While WPS Office Remote Desktop isn't a full-fledged remote desktop tool, it's fantastic for collaborative work. I've used it for managing office documents, and the added whiteboard and screen recording features make it an ideal choice for your professional work.
FAQs
1. Which remote desktop software is best for personal use?
RustDesk is a great free option for personal use, while TeamViewer offers more features but may require a paid version for frequent use.
Best remote access software for your businesses
For businesses, ScreenConnect is ideal for IT support, while Splashtop is perfect for high-performance remote access.
2. Can I use these remote desktop tools on mobile devices?
Yes, RustDesk, ScreenConnect, Splashtop, and TeamViewer all offer mobile apps for iOS and Android.
3. Is WPS Office Remote Desktop a complete remote access tool?
No, WPS Office Remote Desktop primarily focuses on office document collaboration rather than complete system control.
Summary
Choosing the best remote desktop software depends mainly on your specific needs. RustDesk offers the best open-source solution for privacy-conscious users, while ScreenConnect is perfect for IT professionals and businesses needing robust support tools. Splashtop shines with its high-performance multimedia support, and TeamViewer provides excellent cross-platform compatibility and security for personal and professional use. WPS Office Remote Desktop is a solid choice for those focused on document collaboration and productivity. To conclude, the right solution for you will depend on what you need—gaming, file management, or enterprise-level support.
