In the digital age, you are just a call, email, or message away from some new work. But what if your computer is far -far away? Well, if you play your cards correctly, your work machine will just be an ‘app’ away. Oh, that’s right! With these amazing and some of the best remote desktop apps for iPad and iPhone, you can quickly access your Mac or PC from anywhere in the world and get your work done with ease.
- Remote Desktop For Mac Download
- Remote Desktop For Mac Free
- Mac To Mac Remote Desktop
- Good Remote Desktop For Macbook Air
- Best Remote Desktop For Mac
- Microsoft Remote Desktop For Mac
1. VNC Viewer
VNC Viewer may not be as power-packed as some of its biggest rivals but when it comes to getting the job done with the good results; it’s up to the mark. With the help of the cloud service, it offers a fast connection to your computer.
You will make an instant connection to your PC powered by VNC compatible software. The app allows you to back up and sync your connections across the devices.
Use the advanced keys like Windows, Command to speed up your work. Even better, it also has support for a Bluetooth keyboard.
Best remote desktop app to connect to my Mac? Hi, I'm looking for a good application to use to remote connect to my Mac from my iPad Pro. So far I have been testing Jump and Screens, I did request a refund for Screens from Apple because it was so slow and laggy when I did open and closed windows on my Mac. Best Mac remote access apps. Apple’s own Remote Desktop ($79.99) software was not included because of cost and quality. The rise and fall of Back to My Mac. For some Mac users, remote. Chrome remote desktop. Your desktop anywhere. Securely access your computer from your phone, tablet, or another computer. It's fast, simple, and free. Give & get support. Get remote support for your computer, or give remote support to someone else.
Remote Desktop For Mac Download
Price: Free (Professional License $40 per year for 1 device)
2. LogMeIn
The real essence of LogMeIn exists in simplicity and the ability to deliver consistent performance. The remote desktop app allows you to get all of your computer files and edit them as desired. You can remotely run and control apps, change display color, resolution, and even network speed.
The mouse and screen settings bring about the needed convenience into the play. Make the most of the videos in HD and stream your favorite songs.
With the three-finger swipe, you can switch between monitors effortlessly. Magnifying glass and zoom slider bolster user-experience.
Price: Free (Pro for Individuals – $349.99)
3. AnyDesk
What’s great and noteworthy about AnyDesk is that it is a free remote access program for personal use. But the ‘free,’ tag doesn’t mean limited feature or access. With ultra-low latency, it enables unparalleled performance for most remote desktop operations.
Whether video or image editing or any administrative work, AnyDesk could handle it all. The app doesn’t necessitate installation and works without having to forward ports on a router.
Further, it incorporates support to unattended access, easy file transfer, sending keyboard shortcuts, fullscreen mode, and most importantly a clean and uncluttered interface.
Price: Free
4. Remote, Keyboard & Mouse
As the names suggest, the app makes your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch a remote control for your Mac or Windows PC. We have extensively reviewed the app and found that it can control almost anything and everything on your device.
From music/video streaming, app controls, to putting it to sleep remotely. And that’s not all, you can schedule actions, see the history, add them to bookmark, or assign Siri Shortcuts for easier access.
Integrate your computer into your smart home and control it even with your voice. The only limitation is the LAN restriction, you can only control the desktop when all devices are sharing the same network.
Price: $6.99
5. Splashtop Personal
In the world of remote desktop apps for the iOS ecosystem, Splashtop stands right on top. A cursory look at its accolades gives an idea of how popular the app is: it is Apple’s Top 25 Best-selling iPad apps of all time. Besides, it’s ranked #1 iPad app in more than 30 countries including the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia. This remote desktop app is recognized as the top business app in more than 100 countries.
You can quickly access your Mac or Windows PC from your tablet. View and edit Microsoft Office and PDF files. It lets you browse the web with the help of Chrome, IE, and Firefox with full Flash as well as Java support.
You will access your entire media library and documents. The app supports multiple languages like English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese. What’s more, you can also play 3D PC and Mac games right from your tablet.
Price: Free (Anywhere Access Pack – $1.99)
6. Screens
Whether it’s top of the line features or standing up to the mark in terms of functionality, Screens VNC is considered to be right on top of the ladder. The best thing about this app is that you can easily set it up.
The app comes with curtain mode to let you obscure the display of your computer for more privacy. Using the smooth trackpad gestures, you can effectively control your Mac, Windows, or Linux PC. Share text, images, URL, and more using the clipboard of your Mac.
Provide additional safeguard to your content using Touch ID. Features like shortcut keys, touch and trackpad modes, hot corners, AirPlay mirroring support help it deliver the streamlined remote desktop experience.
Price: $19.99
7. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is probably the numero uno remote desktop app across all platforms. On the iPad, it’s the best free alternative to Splashtop. It provides you the secure remote access to your Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. Thanks to the intuitive touch and control gestures, you can effortlessly control your computer.
The full keyboard functionality like Windows®, Ctrl+Alt+Del, the app makes it easier to let you carry out the task with the needed flow. It allows you to transfer and share files back and forth.
You can chat with your clients and friends. With 256 Bit AES session encoding and 2048 Bit RSA key exchange, it offers the essential shield to your data.
Even better, the app has the support of several international languages including English, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and more.
Price: Free (Business Yearly Plan – $599.99)
8. Jump Desktop
Pick out Jump Desktop to bring about amazing convenience to handle your computer from anywhere in the world. The app works with almost any computer and OS. It’s quite simple to set up and works with RDP and VNC (Virtual Network Computing).
The Bluetooth mouse support makes it very useful. You can protect the server settings using Touch ID. Being fully optimized to work with the iPad’s multitasking feature and Apple Pencil, it allows you to work with the needed flair.
Price: $14.99
9. Parallels Access
The key strength of this app is its simplicity as both the iOS and macOS app sports a user-friendly & intelligent interface. From remote file access to editing a complex document, it brings a lot on the plate. And even when you are stuck on slow 3G networks, you are privy to a reliable connection.
Another notable feature is the Lock’n’go Magnifying Glass, wherein users can lock a desired mobile screen section. Thanks to this and an optimized full-screen mode, you don’t stress your eyes a lot.
While largely aimed at users who wish to access their desktop from a mobile device, it also incorporates computer to computer connections.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $2.99)
10. Microsoft Remote Desktop
If you are in quest of a Windows-specific remote desktop app for iPad, Microsoft Remote Desktop is by far the most reliable option. The app lets you connect to your remote PC and work resources with ease. The RemoteFX ensures you are able to get your work done faster and with the required efficiency.
The remote desktop app supports both Windows Professional and Windows Server editions. You can stream audio and video as comfortably as you like, without any loss of quality.
It provides a hassle-free connection to external monitors for presentations. All of your data and apps get the desired security. The support of several languages adds more feathers to its cap.
Price: Free
11. Chrome Remote Desktop
Google brings its own particular answer for everything complicated. In this scenario, it has presented Chrome Remote Desktop to the world. The application isn’t flawless, yet it is convenient for instances when you simply need to sign on to recover a few records or photographs.
Courtesy of the neat interface coupled with the swift controls, you will navigate through your computer with aplomb. However, if you compare its functionality with others in the list, this app lags a bit.
Price: Free
That’s all for now!
Accessing your desktop remotely is indeed a very handy tool. And the right app will mostly depend on your personal & professional usage. We hope you found the best remote desktop app for yourself.
Don’t forget to make us a part of the celebration by sharing your choice in the comments section below.
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A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.
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Remote Desktop software are tools which allow users control a computer from a remote location. These software are very powerful and useful as they eliminate the need to travel long distances to configure a PC in another location.
They are used majorly by the IT staff of large corporations with offices all over the world, Remote Desktop software eliminates the need for many IT support staff in every location where large companies have offices with just a central IT team.
In remote desktop connections, the PC you want to access is called the Host and the PC which is used to access the other is called the Client. For remote desktop connections to work, both the Host computer and the client computer must have Remote Desktop Connection software installed on them.
Remote Desktop Software tools are easy to use and require just basic computer knowledge. The best Remote Desktop Software currently based on user reviews arranged in no particular order are:
Best Free Remote Desktop Software
Most remote desktop software have free versions but these are the best based on user reviews.
1. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is a simple, yet powerful remote support tool developed by Zoho Corporation. It can be used for both personal and commercial purposes, and is known for its easy-to-understand user interface.
Since Zoho Assist is entirely cloud-based, you can initiate support sessions directly from your browser-based console without the need for application installation at the user end. It offers cross-platform OS compatibility and is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Android, and iOS.
Zoho Assist provides a secure, end-to-end encrypted service. It supports file transfer between remote devices, remote printing, voice and video calls, clipboard sharing, a “run as service” option, user management, and much more.
2. TeamViewer
Team Viewer has remained one of the most popular remote desktop software for a long time now and is consistently rated as one of the best too. It is easy to install and supports file transfers, printing, voice calls, video calls and instant messaging. It can reboot a remote computer to safe mode and automatically reconnect.
Team viewer supports Windows, Mac and Linus operating systems. The app has two options for remote desktop connection management on the Host side, they are:
- Teamviewer QuickSupport: is a remote connection web app used when you are accessing the remote pc only once or if you cant install the software on your computer.
- Teamviewer Host: is a remote desktop connection app for users who will be connecting regularly to the host computer.
- Full, Installable Teamviewer: for best connections and easy usage, it is advisable to install the full teamviewer software on the host computer.
On the client side, Teamviewer has the following remote desktop connection managers.
Teamviewer Client Apps: These apps are installed on the client computer for remote desktop connections, there are Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS compatible Teamviewer client apps. The mobile Teamviewer apps allow you control your computer with your mobile phones and tablets.
Teamviewer Client Web App: These client side apps enable Host computers connect to the client through web browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
3. Windows Remote Desktop Software
This is the official in-built Microsoft Windows OS Remote Desktop connection manager. To connect to a client PC with the Windows Remote Desktop App, follow these steps:
- Use the search feature to find “Remote Desktop Connection App” which you can then pin to the taskbar on your desktop for future use.
- Launch the App
- Enter the client computer’s address e.g computer.fabrikam.com
- Click Connect
- You can also configure more options by clicking the “Show Options” dropdown button.
To allow access to the Windows Remote Desktop app on the host computer, follow these steps:
- Go to Computer
- Open System Properties
- Open Remote Settings
- Tick the “Allow Remote Assistance Connections to this computer” on the Remote Tab
You also have to set up port forwarding on your router to enable remote PC’s connect to your PC if they are from external networks.
Windows Remote Desktop software doesn’t have as many features as the Teamviewer and the others mentioned earlier but it is the easiest way to control a PC remotely. It allows file transfers, printing, audio listening and copying of clipboard content. The app is available for Windows OS 10 down to Windows XP.
4. Chrome Remote Desktop Extension
Google Chrome has a remote desktop extension plugin called Chrome Remote Desktop. It enables remote desktop access for any two computers using the Google Chrome browser.
All you need to do is install the Google Chrome Remote Desktop extension on your Host PC’s chrome browser and authorize remote access to your PC with a Personal Identification number you create. You will need to login to your Google account to complete the process.
To connect to the Host PC, the Client PC has install the remote desktop extension and sign in to Google Chrome using the same Google account as the Host browser. Once logged in, you can connect to the other PC by clicking on its name and clicking the start remote session button.
Chrome Remote Desktop software is a basic remote desktop connection manager which allows you do just basic file sharing unlike other programs. It is easy to use and can work with any operating system that supports Google Chrome.
5. Remote Utilities Viewer
Remote Utilities Viewer is a very good remote desktop software. It has a maximum remote connection limit of 10 PCs.
To use Remote Utilities, you need to install the Remote Utilities Host App on your PC or use the Remote Utilities Agent which allows you to manage remote connections without any installation.
The two connecting computers must share a unique Remote Utilities ID in order to connect successfully.
On the client side, the Remote Utilities viewer program is also used to connect to the Host or Agent apps.
Setting up remote connections with the viewer is very easy on the client as all you need is the Internet ID and password but is quite stressful on the host computer duw to many different configuration options.
Remote Utilities Viewer supports Windows, iOS, Android and other operating systems. Features of the software include file transfer, remote rebooting, remote printing, command prompt access, text chat, webcam viewing, etc.
6. UltraVNC
UltraVNC is also a good remote desktop connection tool. To use the tool, simply install the app on both Client and Host PCs. Install the UltraVNC viewer on the Host PC and the UltraVNC server on the Client PC.
UltraVNC requires port forwarding configuration on your client router, the client server IP address is used by the Host PC to connect over the internet.
The software has file transfer, remote server rebooting, text chat and supports a wide number of versions Windows OS including Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7.
Best Paid Remote Desktop Software
For users and companies looking to control many computers remotely, there are good paid remote desktop software with lots of features. The best paid remote desktop software based on user reviews currently are:
1. ScreenConnect
Remote Desktop For Mac Free
ScreenConnect is a web based remote desktop software which provides solid security with its 256-bit SSL encryption, IP filtering, access codes and more. It offers top of the line performance and is also very fast and efficient.
Screenconnect is currently rated the best paid remote desktop software. The only minor disadvantage is that there must be a person at both the client and host end for setup and requires some technical knowledge to set up. They offer technical support and an information database to help new users.
Mac To Mac Remote Desktop
It has a wide range of features and is essentially for IT support staff, not single users. The software supports PC, Mac, Tablets and Mobile phones. Security settings are customizable with several security features.
Screenconnect Remote Desktop software pricing starts at $49 monthly and $468 annually. The software allows up to 50 administrative PC users on one plan.
2. GoToMyPC Pro
GoToMyPC is also a good remote desktop software which offers easy installation and usage. It has strong security and collaboration tools. The service also has a very good customer support system better than most of the other services.
GoToMyPC offers top performance and allows administrators work on multiple computers at once. The service offers 24/7 customer support in 25+ countries and has training guides and a standard knowledgebase, they also offer chat support. The software allows access to an unlimited number of administrative users and just 10 PCs.
GoToMyPC pricing starts at $139.50 for the monthly plan and $1339 for the yearly plan.
3. TeamViewer Business
Teamviewer offers one of the best free remote desktop apps and also offers one of the best paid remote desktop apps. It is easy to set up, easy to use and is quite fast.
Teamviewer lets the client and host computer switch roles if need be at any time. The service has good security features such as unusual behavior detection and the trusted service feature which prompts you to confirm any new device before allowing access. It uses 256 bit encryption which is above the industry standard of 128-bits. It however lacks the IP blocking feature. Teamviewer Business offers user guides, how to videos, live chat, telephone and Tech support.
Teamviewer Pro plans start at $809 annually. The plan allows for only one administrator and an unlimited number of computers.
4. LogMeIn Central
Good Remote Desktop For Macbook Air
LogMeIn is also a good paid remote desktop app which allows users share files securely and very fast. It is good for telecommuters, single users and company IT support departments. The software also supports a number of foreign languages.
Best Remote Desktop For Mac
Unfortunately, the LogMeIn service does not support live chat at the moment which tends to make contacting customer service more difficult, usets have to submit email tickets or call support which is available 24/7, the service has a comprehensive knowledgebase as well. LogMeIn supports Windows, Mac OS, Android OS and iOS.
LogMeIn’s app is easy to install and use, a LogMeIn account is required to start a remote desktop connection as well as a passcode for both the host and client PCs.
Microsoft Remote Desktop For Mac
LogMeIn pricing starts at $499 annually, there is no monthly plan available. The app allows up to 100 administrative users and 25 PCs on one account.
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