Best Remote PC Software in 2026: 8 Options Compared

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By the Ainotely Editorial Team.
Updated November 2026. 8 min read. Prices and features researched from each vendor's official pages and app store listings at time of writing.
Best Remote PC Software
Quick picks
  1. 1TeamViewer logo
    TeamViewerGeneral remote access
    Visit
  2. 2AnyDesk logo
    AnyDeskFast remote sessions
    Visit
  3. 3Splashtop logo
    SplashtopAffordable business access
    Visit
  4. 4Chrome Remote Desktop logo
    Chrome Remote DesktopFree personal access
    Visit
  5. 5RemotePC logo
    RemotePCCheap unattended access
    Visit
Short version:
In this guide Quick comparisonThe best remote pc softwareHow we picked theseHow to pick remote PC softwareFrequently asked questionsSources

Quick comparison

ProductIdeal forPrice fromFree version
TeamViewerGeneral remote accessSee websiteYesVisit
AnyDeskFast remote sessionsSee websiteYesVisit
SplashtopAffordable business accessSee websiteYesVisit
Chrome Remote DesktopFree personal accessFreeYesVisit
RemotePCCheap unattended accessSee websiteYesVisit
Zoho AssistHelpdesk remote supportSee websiteYesVisit
ConnectWise ScreenConnectMSP remote supportSee websiteYesVisit
ParsecLow latency creative workSee websiteYesVisit

The best remote pc software

We compared official feature pages, pricing pages, app store listings, privacy policies and public reviews for this group. The options below cover the well known leaders and strong smaller choices, and each one has a different strength. Read the fit line first, then check the price and the honest drawback before you decide.

TeamViewer logo
#1

TeamViewer

Ideal for: General remote access

TeamViewer website
teamviewer.com homepage

For readers who want a clear starting point, this option earns its place because its breadth suits IT teams that need remote access, sessions and compliance together. It fits readers who want general remote access, and it is a sensible first test if that description matches your daily work. The public material we reviewed points to a clear use case here, rather than a vague promise to suit everyone. Commercial users should budget carefully, since prices are well above budget rivals. That limit matters most when you plan to use the service every day or share it with a team. Before you commit, check the current pricing page, the free plan limits and the cancellation terms, and try the free option or trial with a real task from your own work.

The good and the bad
  • Cross platform access
  • Session tools
  • Compliance features
  • Commercial price is high
  • Free use is for personal use only
AnyDesk logo
#2

AnyDesk

Ideal for: Fast remote sessions

AnyDesk website
anydesk.com homepage

This is a practical choice when its speed suits users who work on remote machines all day. It fits readers who want fast remote sessions, and it is a sensible first test if that description matches your daily work. The public material we reviewed points to a clear use case here, rather than a vague promise to suit everyone. For unattended access to many machines, compare per user and per device pricing. That limit matters most when you plan to use the service every day or share it with a team. Before you commit, check the current pricing page, the free plan limits and the cancellation terms, and try the free option or trial with a real task from your own work.

The good and the bad
  • Fast performance
  • Lightweight client
  • Mobile support
  • Commercial plans cost more than some rivals
  • Free use is personal
Splashtop logo
#3

Splashtop

Ideal for: Affordable business access

Splashtop website
splashtop.com homepage

We put this option on the list because its business value suits small firms that want reliable access without a high price. It fits readers who want affordable business access, and it is a sensible first test if that description matches your daily work. The public material we reviewed points to a clear use case here, rather than a vague promise to suit everyone. Enterprise compliance features sit on higher tiers, so check those needs. That limit matters most when you plan to use the service every day or share it with a team. Before you commit, check the current pricing page, the free plan limits and the cancellation terms, and try the free option or trial with a real task from your own work.

The good and the bad
  • Affordable business plans
  • Good performance
  • Multi monitor
  • Advanced features need higher plans
  • Name recognition is lower
Chrome Remote Desktop logo
#4

Chrome Remote Desktop

Ideal for: Free personal access

If your main concern is fit rather than hype, consider this one because its free, simple access suits personal use and helping family members. It fits readers who want free personal access, and it is a sensible first test if that description matches your daily work. The public material we reviewed points to a clear use case here, rather than a vague promise to suit everyone. IT teams that need audit logs and controls should use a business tool. That limit matters most when you plan to use the service every day or share it with a team. Before you commit, check the current pricing page, the free plan limits and the cancellation terms, and try the free option or trial with a real task from your own work.

The good and the bad
  • Free
  • Browser based
  • Simple setup
  • Features are basic
  • No advanced IT controls
RemotePC logo
#5

RemotePC

Ideal for: Cheap unattended access

This option stands out in this group because its low price suits users who mainly need unattended access to their own machines. It fits readers who want cheap unattended access, and it is a sensible first test if that description matches your daily work. The public material we reviewed points to a clear use case here, rather than a vague promise to suit everyone. For helpdesk work with many customers, a support focused tool may fit better. That limit matters most when you plan to use the service every day or share it with a team. Before you commit, check the current pricing page, the free plan limits and the cancellation terms, and try the free option or trial with a real task from your own work.

The good and the bad
  • Low price
  • Unattended access
  • File transfer
  • Interface is simpler
  • Support varies by plan
Zoho Assist logo
#6

Zoho Assist

Ideal for: Helpdesk remote support

A shortlist without this option would feel incomplete, since its helpdesk tools suit support teams that help customers remotely. It fits readers who want helpdesk remote support, and it is a sensible first test if that description matches your daily work. The public material we reviewed points to a clear use case here, rather than a vague promise to suit everyone. Outside Zoho, check integrations with your helpdesk system. That limit matters most when you plan to use the service every day or share it with a team. Before you commit, check the current pricing page, the free plan limits and the cancellation terms, and try the free option or trial with a real task from your own work.

The good and the bad
  • Helpdesk sessions
  • Unattended access
  • Zoho links
  • Advanced features need higher plans
  • Best inside Zoho
ConnectWise ScreenConnect logo
#7

ConnectWise ScreenConnect

Ideal for: MSP remote support

This is worth a close look when its MSP features suit providers that support many endpoints. It fits readers who want msp remote support, and it is a sensible first test if that description matches your daily work. The public material we reviewed points to a clear use case here, rather than a vague promise to suit everyone. Small teams may find simpler tools enough. That limit matters most when you plan to use the service every day or share it with a team. Before you commit, check the current pricing page, the free plan limits and the cancellation terms, and try the free option or trial with a real task from your own work.

The good and the bad
  • MSP focused
  • Session management
  • Automation
  • Price is higher for small teams
  • Setup takes time
Parsec logo
#8

Parsec

Ideal for: Low latency creative work

We included this option because its low latency suits video editors and designers who work remotely. It fits readers who want low latency creative work, and it is a sensible first test if that description matches your daily work. The public material we reviewed points to a clear use case here, rather than a vague promise to suit everyone. For general IT support, a helpdesk tool offers better session management. That limit matters most when you plan to use the service every day or share it with a team. Before you commit, check the current pricing page, the free plan limits and the cancellation terms, and try the free option or trial with a real task from your own work.

The good and the bad
  • Low latency
  • High frame rates
  • Team features
  • Best for creative and gaming use
  • IT controls are limited

How we picked these

We compared official feature pages, pricing pages, app store listings, privacy policies and public reviews. We kept only products that exist and work in October 2026 and that truly fit the topic, and we left out options that looked similar but served a different job. Where a price could not be verified on the vendor page, we wrote See website instead of guessing. We also weighed who each product is really for, what it does well in daily use, and where it falls short. A product can be excellent for one reader and a poor fit for another, so the write-ups below focus on fit, cost and limits rather than on praise alone.

How to pick remote PC software

Decide whether you need personal access, helpdesk support or unattended access. Each use case needs different features, and a personal tool will not suit a helpdesk. Next, check security: two factor authentication, access controls, session logs and encryption. Remote access is powerful, so weak controls are a real risk. Finally, test performance on your connection and workload. Creative work needs low latency, while simple office work runs well on most tools.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best remote PC software?

TeamViewer suits general business use, Splashtop suits value focused firms, and Chrome Remote Desktop suits free personal use. Helpdesk teams should check Zoho Assist or ScreenConnect.

Is Chrome Remote Desktop free?

Yes, Chrome Remote Desktop is free for personal use and works through a browser and apps. It lacks advanced IT controls found in business tools.

Is remote desktop software safe?

Reputable tools use encryption and two factor authentication, but you should still use strong passwords, limit access and keep software updated. Never grant access to unknown callers.

Can I access my PC from my phone?

Yes, most tools offer mobile apps for viewing and controlling a PC. Performance and screen size make phones best for quick tasks rather than full work.

Sources

  1. https://www.teamviewer.com
  2. https://anydesk.com
  3. https://www.splashtop.com
  4. https://remotedesktop.google.com
  5. https://www.remotepc.com
  6. https://www.zoho.com/assist/
  7. https://www.connectwise.com/software/screenconnect
  8. https://parsec.app