Best remote desktop software 2026

January 16, 2026

In recent years, remote access has become a fundamental part of the digital infrastructure of businesses and professionals. The need to quickly intervene on systems, provide remote technical support, manage distributed servers, or access devices from anywhere has made remote desktop an essential tool.

Whether for remote working, customer technical support, or remote management of company servers, today’s remote desktop solutions offer advanced features for secure and efficient remote connection. Integrated tools like file transfer, chat, and multi-screen support facilitate remote collaboration. Below, we analyze the 5 best remote desktop software of 2026 , highlighting their advantages, compatibility, and recommended users (SMBs, individuals, IT technicians) to help you find the ideal option for your needs.

1. Iperius Remote

Iperius Remote is establishing itself as an excellent remote support platform, thanks to the perfect combination of ease of use and advanced features. It offers unlimited devices and access across all plans, placing security at the heart of the experience: every connection is protected by advanced end-to-end encryption and supports two-factor authentication (2FA). It is fully cross-platform compatible (Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS), allowing for seamless control of PCs and mobile devices. The intuitive interface natively includes useful features such as integrated chat, fast file transfer, and unattended access to remote computers. Subscription plans are competitively priced (starting at ~€8 per month) with all features included, with no hidden limitations on the number of managed endpoints. A free version is also available for personal, non-commercial use. Thanks to these features, Iperius Remote is ideal for SMBs, IT professionals, and even large companies looking for ayet equally complete and secure alternative to TeamViewer .

2. TeamViewer

TeamViewer is perhaps the most famous remote desktop software in the world, synonymous with remote control itself. Its strength lies in its broad cross-platform support : it is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and even with special devices (e.g. support for Samsung DeX). Computers and servers can be controlled from any device, with advanced features such as 4K display support , simple file sharing and even a built-in VPN for secure connections. In the professional field, however, it stands out for its completeness: it includes modules for online meetings, unattended access, chat, two-way file transfer and high enterprise-level security (AES 256-bit encryption and 2FA). On the other hand, TeamViewer’s plans are quite expensive compared to other solutions, and commercial licenses impose limits (e.g. number of devices or users) that can be a burden for small businesses. In summary, TeamViewer is recommended for those who need a complete and reliable suite – typically large organizations or structured IT departments – while those looking for a cheaper alternative may want to look elsewhere.

3. AnyDesk

AnyDesk is one of the best lightweight alternatives to TeamViewer, appreciated for its speed and simplicity . This software is cross-platform (works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android/iOS mobile devices) and allows quick connections with minimal latency. It includes the essential features for remote support: a built-in file manager for transferring files between host and client (although direct drag-and-drop is missing) and collaboration tools such as text chat and a virtual whiteboard for highlighting items on the screen. You can configure unattended access and manage a remote device address book to organize contacts. AnyDesk’s philosophy favors a streamlined and easy-to-use toolset, ideal for occasional users, freelancers, or small businesses that need to remotely control PCs without too much complexity. In larger or more advanced enterprise environments, it may reveal some limitations in functionality compared to more comprehensive solutions.

4. Splashtop

Splashtop is a versatile remote access software with a focus on performance and security. It features a highly intuitive interface and seamless connections, while still ensuring high standards of data protection. Splashtop stands out because it offers several specialized plans for different audiences: for example, Business Access for individuals or small teams, Splashtop SOS for on-demand IT support (on both attended and unattended devices), and the Remote Support plan for MSPs and businesses needing to manage dozens of computers. Each package includes a free trial, albeit a short one (7 days), to allow users to test the features. Splashtop’s advantages include its low entry cost (the basic plan is competitively priced) and the availability of business features such as remote printing, fast file transfer, integrated chat, and multi-monitor support. On the other hand, the variety of versions and options can be confusing at first, and some advanced features vary by device (for example, certain mobile features are limited). Splashtop is recommended for SMBs, IT teams, and professionals looking for a high-performance, lower-cost alternative with the flexibility to choose a plan that fits their use case.

5. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is Google’s free remote desktop solution, ideal for those who need occasional access at no cost. It works as a Chrome browser extension and is completely free forever . From a compatibility standpoint, it’s surprisingly versatile: it allows you to connect to/from Windows, Mac, Linux, and even mobile devices (via the Android/iOS app). Setup is extremely simple and requires no technical skills: just install the appropriate extension and in a few clicks you have the desired remote control. Chrome Remote Desktop offers good performance and great accessibility, but its features are limited compared to paid products. It lacks advanced tools such as direct file transfer, support chat, centralized management, or full multi-monitor support, and it requires the use of the Chrome browser (a factor to consider in corporate environments). In short, it’s an excellent option for personal use or for small, ad hoc support requests , especially in home or small business environments where simplicity and free availability are priorities. For more complex professional needs, however, its functional shortcomings make it suitable only as a complementary solution.

Conclusions and recommendations

Choosing the best remote desktop software in 2026 depends on your specific needs. Generally, free solutions like Chrome Remote Desktop are sufficient for occasional personal use, while professional tools like Iperius Remote, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Splashtop offer greater security and features for business environments. It’s important to consider factors such as security level, scalability (number of devices/users supported), compatibility with existing systems, and budget.

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