The desktop software tools are used by users to get access to other desktops remotely and see what is there on that desktop screen. The notion of the remote desktop protocol has flourished significantly since its initiation in the 1980s. There were times when the connection used to be fussy, leaky, and unsafe. Now with the remote desktop software, people can effortlessly and steadily access other computers distantly, as if they are using it from the front. TeamViewer is one such big name in the industry of remote desktop software, which is widely regarded for its broad set of capabilities and functionalities.
The working of the desktop software tool is very simple and it can be useful on numerous occasions. For example, if you’re an IT personnel, you can use it to offer support to the clients. Or, if your friend is facing an issue, you might remotely access his/her computer and help them by solving the ongoing issue. TeamViewer is a very decent tool but like every other tool, it too does have some flaws. There are several factors and due to this many users have been looking to find an alternative tool to TeamViewer.
In this article, we’ll be talking about TeamViewer alternatives, what are their special features, their pros, and their cons. Most of the TeamViewer alternatives are free for personal use but they have limitations as well. However, you might require paying a hefty amount of money to use their advanced features and also to use them for commercial purposes.
Why is an alternative to TeamViewer needed?
If you’re a beginner, you might face a lot of security-related problems while using the TeamViewer software as its configuration process is not so easy. The system will become very much risk-prone if the user doesn’t configure the software properly. The free version of the desktop software tool typically exhibits the ability of the software only and if you wish to use the software for commercial or business purposes, you would require paying a hefty amount of money. These two are the primary reasons which lead most users to look for an alternative to TeamViewer. Besides these, there are also a host of inconsequential criticisms that have forced many users to shift from using TeamViewer to other software tools. The other reasons to look for an alternative are as follows:
- They form a channel for the user to communicate besides having a full view of the desktop
- The skill to create a secondary connection to get access to the operating system
- Free trial period
- Features like Technician activity logging that will help in security tracking
- A decent swap deal between price and facilities
The 15 Best TeamViewer Alternatives
Following is the list of the 15 best TeamViewer alternatives and now without further ado let us get into each of them one by one.
1. AnyDesk
If you’re looking for an alternative to TeamViewer, the first name that comes to the mind of most users is AnyDesk. AnyDesk bags a plethora of valuable features, allowing them to become one of the best remote access tools in the market. It offers a high transmission rate which allows the user to access other devices remotely.
Key Features:
- Supports both audio and file transfer
- Allow the user to record the other desktop screen remotely
- Users can customize the configuration of the tool
- Effectively runs on Linux, Android, Raspberry Pi, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices
Pros:
- Excellent user interface
- Auto-update feature
- Straightforward functionality
- Only 4MB in size
- Easy to download and install
Cons:
- The auto-update features lag sometimes
- The connectivity delays when transferring files
- Difficult to transfer large files
2. LogMeIn Pro
LogMeIn Pro is not only known for providing users to get access to their computers from other devices but also for storing and transferring files with a single click. The main motive of LogMeIn Pro is to provide the users’ free access to their computers from wherever they are. Users can install this software like any other regular program.
Key Features:
- Offers the 256-bit AES encryption for security purposes
- Provides 1TB free cloud storage
- LogMeIn Pro gives a complimentary LastPass Premium license with a subscription
- Effectively runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
Pros:
- Remote Access/Control
- Allows Drag and Drop file transfer
- Supports the whiteboard feature
- Easy setup
Cons:
- The free version of this tool is not available
- Absence of web conferencing feature
- Poor audio and chat features
3. Splashtop
Splashtop possesses many remote applications and very secure software that is known for its scalability and premium performance. Many business organizations and firms use Splashtop because of its remote computer access and the support solution that it provides remotely. IT professionals and individuals opt for it due to its easy set-up, fast implementation, simple user interface, and speed.
Key Features:
- Provides gesture support on the mobile application
- The data transmissions are protected with 256-bit AES encryption and Transport Layer Security
- Useful for individuals, teams, and enterprises
- Effectively runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
Pros:
- Direct and easy functionality
- Superior audio and video quality
- Highly secured with multi-level password security
- Fast connections
Cons:
- The free version of Splashtop is only useful for local and non-commercial networks
- Overall performance of the software could have been better
- Large scaling rollout and deployment features can be improved
4. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is basically an extension of the Google Chrome browser. The perks of using Chrome Remote Desktop as an alternative to TeamViewer is that it is completely free and also available across all the major platforms. It provides end-to-end encryption.
Key Features:
- Chrome Remote Desktop operates on a Chromebook without any hassle
- Provides the multi-monitor support
- Effectively runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
Pros:
- Secured set-up
- Simple user interface
- Excellent connectivity and stability
- Completely free
Cons:
- Slow internet connectivity
- Users using this software must have a Google account
- Absence of advanced features
5. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is pretty fast and is well-regarded for providing a seamless feature to transfer files in the course of a live session. The upgraded voice and video chat facility of Zoho makes it more convenient to use. With the SSL 256-bit AES encryption facility, Zoho Assist has the capability to match with TeamViewer.
Key Features:
- The interface of Zoho Assist is very intuitive
- Comes with special features like SSL and 2-Factor Authentication
- Offers quick communication facility with multiple chat options
- Zoho Assist enables users to transfer files effortlessly
- Effectively runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS devices
Pros:
- Easy and fast connectivity
- Cheaper than other remote desktop software
- Superior functionality across all systems and devices
- High-quality audio and video
Cons:
- Doesn’t have its own application
- Absence of social media connection and integration
- No performance metric
- A bit pricey
6. Dameware Remote Everywhere
Dameware Remote Everywhere has pretty good remote-access competencies. This Remote software system generally comes in two variations: Dameware Remote Support for On-premises solutions and Dameware Remote Everywhere for Cloud-based solutions. If you’re looking for remote desktop connections, then you might opt for this software as it provides better distinctiveness and verification management.
Key Features:
- It comes with powerful features like Command-Line behind the scenes and FTP Uploads
- Features like automating help desk and IT support tasks saves a lot of time and money
- Effectively runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
Pros:
- Highly secured
- Easy installation
- Makes the file transferring process very simple
- It can run PowerShell remotely via the client
- Easy deployment methods
Cons:
- It gets a little bit complex sometimes
- Highly inconsistent
- Quite expensive
7. Mikogo
Mikogo is a very useful tool for desktop screen sharing that offers several facilities including online sales demos, web conferences, individual training, and group training. Mikogo has three different variants: Mikogo Standard, Mikogo Professional, and Mikogo Team. With remote keyboard and mouse control, Mikogo helps you to communicate with other customers effortlessly.
Key Features:
- In real-time, it allows transferring files and documents to up to 25 users
- Provides the option to schedule your next meeting
- Effectively runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
Pros:
- The interface is straightforward and simple
- Provide remote support to others
- Encrypted Sessions
- Inexpensive
- Clear menu and prompt buttons
Cons:
- The free version is limited
- It lacks some useful features
- Doesn’t work well on several customer sites
- A bit slow
8. RealVNC Connect
RealVNC Connect is another remote desktop tool that has the ability to match the prowess of TeamViewer. The straightforward and instinctive user interface of this software makes it very convenient to use. The remote stream audio and video quality are also very good. RealVNC Connect charges per device instead of per user.
Key Features:
- Extensively used across 90,000 enterprises
- Effectively runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Raspberry Pi, and Linux devices
Pros:
- Easy recording
- Simple user interface
- Supports 256 bit AES encryption
- An extensive set of features
Cons:
- Can lag sometimes
- Absence of drag-and-drop file transferring facility
- Separate server and viewer applications make things complicated
9. Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant
Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant is a great alternative to TeamViewer. It helps the user to get attached with other Windows devices remotely. Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant supports the touch input feature in case you won’t use it on a touch screen device.
Key Features:
- It has an official application from Microsoft
- Connections to machines are done via a remote desktop gateway
- It enables the user to get access to files and documents seamlessly on their mobile devices
- Effectively runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Free to use
- Easy screen recording and viewing facility
- Good overall performance
Cons:
- Lacks some of the advanced features
- Absence of Pro, Business, or Ultimate versions
- Can get complicated at times
10. UltraVNC
UltraVNC is a remote access tool that can be ideally used as an alternative to TeamViewer as it allows the user to remotely access other devices securely. It is best suited for IT personnel who have a vivid knowledge of computers and remote access. UltraVNC is ideal for small IT companies, Businesses, and MSPs that require remote access and monitoring.
Key Features:
- UltraVNC enables dual installation
- It supports cursor tracking that makes the file transferring easier
- Available on Linux and Windows devices
Pros:
- Excellent file transferring capability
- UltraVNC can be used through a browser
- It supports the clipboard synchronization feature
Cons:
- Unavailability in all major platforms
- It sometimes lags when auditing
- Outdated user interface
- Absence of advanced features
11. ContentWise Control
Known for its scalable experience, ContentWise Control is yet another desktop software tool that can be used as a TeamViewer alternative. It works with several third-party applications like Slack, Google Analytics, FreshDesk, and many more.
Key Features:
- Supports powerful security features like 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication
- It provides limitless unattended access
- Effectively runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS devices
Pros:
- Supports third-party integration
- Flexible premium plans
- Easy upgrading
- Cheaper
Cons:
- Not ideal for individual usages
12. ISL Online
ISL Online allows users to get remote access to other computers swiftly, firmly, and consistently. The simple and straightforward interface of ISL Online makes it easier to use even for a user who is not well-aware of the latest technologies. With its huge advantages, this is something that you will surely like to use as an alternative to TeamViewer.
Key Features:
- Comes with powerful security features like AES 256-bit end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication
- With one license, the user will get limitless endpoints and workstations
- Effectively runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices
Pros:
- Automatic session recording
- Transparency
- Firewall friendly
- Simple interface
Cons:
- No touch-input facility
- Chat functionalities could have been better
13. GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC is one such remote desktop software that provides the user the option to work from home. It enables the user to access their files, documents, application, and network connections without any aggravation and stress.
Key Features:
- For security purposes, GoToMyPC uses 256-bit AES encryption
- Can be easily accessed from Android, Kindle, iPad, and iPhone devices
- Supports multi-monitors
- Effectively runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices
Pros:
- Very fast connection speed
- Automatically record support/remote sessions
- Easy to install
- Prompt support
Cons:
- Re-establishing a lost connection is troublesome
- Printing feature becomes quirky sometimes
- Larger fonts/ screen viewing
14. BeyondTrust
If you’re looking for high security, then BeyondTrust is the obvious answer for you. It protects the devices from malware attacks and ransomware by conveying just-in-time rights. Overall, BeyondTrust provides a highly secured working environment.
Key Features:
- Comes with high-quality security integration like the SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)
- Compatible with several operating systems and their associated devices
- Effectively runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, SSH/Telnet, ChromeOS, and WebRep Console devices
Pros:
- High security
- Unattended remote access
- User friendly
- Ease of use
- Robust options
Cons:
- LDAP issues
- Quite expensive
- Steep learning curve
- Automation is a problem
- Chat session functionalities can be improved
15. Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 enables the user to enhance their business productivity. Perimeter 81 is a cloud management platform that enables the user to securely access other networks comfortably.
Key Features:
- Excellent security features and grant user access only from trusted sources
- Provides activity and auditing reports
- Effectively runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux devices
Pros:
- Provides unlimited bandwidth and data
- SMB-optimized
- Cost-Effective
- Highly scalable
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- No free trial
- Password management and synchronization can be improved
Conclusion
The remote desktop software is required to be installed on both the client end and the server end. This software implements the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to get associated with various Windows systems. We tried to list down the alternatives that should fill the requirements of the majority of the users and according to us, these were the list of the best TeamViewer alternatives that are currently available in the market.
People are also reading: