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Updated Mar 06, 2024

The Best Remote PC Access Software of 2024

Jeff Hale, Business Operations Insider and Senior Analyst
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This guide was reviewed by a Business News Daily editor to ensure it provides comprehensive and accurate information to aid your buying decision.
Best for Small Businesses
  • Excellent compatibility
  • Easy to install and use
  • Very low entry-level pricing
Visit Site
Links to RemotePC
  • Excellent compatibility
  • Easy to install and use
  • Very low entry-level pricing
Best for Remote Collaboration
Wrike RAS
Wrike company logo
  • Project management framework
  • Great collaboration tools
  • Free plan available
Links to Wrike RAS
  • Project management framework
  • Great collaboration tools
  • Free plan available
Best for Hybrid-Remote Access
Splashtop
Splashtop company logo
  • Strong security features
  • High-performance viewing
  • Very low entry-level pricing
Links to Splashtop
  • Strong security features
  • High-performance viewing
  • Very low entry-level pricing
Best All-in-One Remote Support and Access
  • Exceptional compatibility
  • Very easy to use
  • Great security features
Visit Site
Links to Zoho Assist
  • Exceptional compatibility
  • Very easy to use
  • Great security features
Best Automated Customer Support
  • Powerful automation capabilities
  • Intelligent ticketing
  • AI-assisted tools
Visit Site
Links to Freshdesk
  • Powerful automation capabilities
  • Intelligent ticketing
  • AI-assisted tools

Table of Contents

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Remote access software is important for any small business that has multiple devices in use, especially with hybrid and remote teams. It allows support teams to track, monitor, and troubleshoot company devices to ensure team members have everything they need to stay productive. Whether you’re looking for an enterprise-grade remote access solution for your IT support team, an effective telecommuting platform for remote workers or an easy-to-use technical support system for your customers, there are plenty of great remote access solutions out there. We researched the market so you don’t have to and selected the following picks for the best remote access software for small businesses.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Business News Daily, our team of small business experts regularly evaluates hundreds of products and services that are essential to business operations. To determine the best remote PC access tools, we scoured the market and narrowed down our list of recommendations after in-depth, hands-on investigations that considered cost, features and ease of use, among other criteria. All evaluations were conducted with accuracy and fairness at top of mind. Learn more about our methodology.

Compare Our Best Picks

BND Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2024
RemotePC
Wrike RAS
Splashtop
Zoho Assist
Freshdesk
GoTo Resolve
ConnectWise Control
TeamViewer
Impero Connect
EasyVista
Rating9.6/108.7/109.6/109.5/109.1/109.4/109.5/109.0/108.7/108.6/10
Best for

Small businesses

Remote collaboration

Hybrid-remote computer access

All-in-one remote support and access

Automated customer support

No-download live support

Communications

Multiple devices

Compliance

Secure IT support

Monthly pricing

$29.95 to $899.25 for two years

$0 to $24.80 per user

$5 to $8.25 per user

$0 to $24 per user

$0 to $79 per user

$0 to $190 per month

$27 to $52 per user

$38.90 to $229.90 per month

$13 to $27 per year

$40 to $170 per user

Add-on fees

$15 annual overage charge per computer

Numerous add-ons with unlisted fees

Up to $1.20 for Bitdefender endpoint security

$4 monthly storage; $1 VoIP credits

$75 bot session

$20 for mobile; $31 for camera-share

$30 for 25 agents

Numerous add-ons with unlisted fees

Numerous add-ons and on-premises options with unlisted fees

$55 incident management

Number of plans

5

4

4

6

4

3

3

4

3

3

Ease of use

Very easy

Moderate

Easy

Very easy

Easy

Very easy

Moderate

Easy

Moderate

Difficult

Review Link
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Our Reviews

RemotePC: Best Remote PC Access Service for Small Businesses

  • All Business Access plans come with unlimited user accounts.
  • All plans include a dozen essential features that serve most small business needs effectively.
  • Some plans require an annual subscription.
Editor's Rating: 9.6/10
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RemotePC is a great remote access solution for small businesses without dedicated IT staff. It supports every major computer operating system, including mobile devices, whether at home or in the office, and offers easy-to-implement software that doesn’t require installation before use. Team members are able to access the software with a web browser, using an access ID and a unique password for a secure connection to RemotePC. The solution is designed simply so anyone at any experience level can easily access and navigate their system.

The RemotePC Performance Viewer allows users with limited bandwidth to access remote computers at speeds up to 60 fps, which is helpful for team members who don’t have consistent access to high-speed connections outside of the office.

RemotePC also offers RemotePC HelpDesk, a solution specifically designed for IT administrators and managed service providers. Among the features RemotePC HelpDesk offers include the ability to support customers with single sign-on, chat-based communication, file transfer capabilities, screen sharing, a performance viewer, multi-monitor display support, and the option to record helpdesk sessions. Additionally, technicians can provide remote support for mobile-specific issues on both iOS and Android devices, all from the convenience of any web browser on a PC, Mac, or iOS or Android mobile device.

RemotePC is available via a variety of competitively priced software plans, most of which allow an unlimited number of user licenses for access to 10 or more computers. The SOHO (small office and home office) plan is designed for small businesses with a few employees who work both remotely and in the office throughout the week. This package includes unlimited user licenses, unlimited concurrent sessions and access to five to 10 computers. The Consumer plan is the most affordable option, starting at $4.97 per month, and the highest package, the Enterprise plan, is priced at $37.47 per month.

Recently, RemotePC introduced an affordable remote desktop option for businesses, priced at only $20 per year, which includes unlimited cloud backup via IDrive Backup. This cloud-based tool, designed to cater to the increasing need for efficient remote work solutions, allows users to conveniently handle data backup and restoration from any place through the RemotePC interface, ensuring protection against data failure and cyber threats.

Wrike: Best Remote PC Access Software for Remote Collaboration

Wrike
Wrike company logo
  • It offers one of the better-featured free plans in this industry.
  • There are more than 400 integrations available across a wide range of communications and productivity apps.
  • It is more of a project management tool than a true remote access solution.
Editor's Rating: 8.7/10

Wrike is a collaborative solution for remote workers that operates using a cloud-based platform, supporting businesses of all sizes with 360-degree visibility in a digital workspace. The system features many collaborative tools that help teams connect effectively and efficiently with functions that allow users to share progress with stakeholders, cut down on emails and manage staff responsibilities with subtask assignments and live activity viewing of projects and tasks.

Remote access is available through Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices to help businesses collaborate externally and internally and view interactive boards and spreadsheets. Wrike also offers a mobile app that lets users remotely access their tasks, share files and collaborate on projects.

With Wrike’s remote collaboration features, users can use the platform like a project management system and expedite processes so businesses can streamline operations. Wrike offers personal and team work schedules and the ability to tag teammates in comments for collaboration. The solution features a useful file and video proofing tool, visual markup tools and multistage approvals. Wrike’s interactive Gantt charts also make it easy for users to schedule tasks, manage deadlines with drag-and-drop tools and visualize projects.

Wrike has an appealing free plan for unlimited users, with numerous project templates and mobile app access. There are also paid Professional, Business, Enterprise and Pinnacle packages to suit different business sizes and needs. Users can also connect to more than 400 integrations and build a custom solution.

Wrike recently unveiled a new work management platform called Wrike Lightspeed, which offers new capabilities designed to increase employee productivity. The platform features artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and a sleek, modern design for a streamlined user experience. Wrike Lightspeed focuses on being scalable and versatile, offering an intuitive interface and allowing users to customize their homepage with widgets to manage tasks and streamline their workflow. Users can see incoming emails, view projects in a calendar, table, Gantt, board or analytical view, and collaborate companywide with features such as space workflows.

When it comes to AI specifically, Wrike recently released a generative AI assistant, equipped to provide automation recommendations, interact with users and handle tasks by leveraging both the data provided by the users and insights from AI analysis. This copilot empowers teams to analyze their data and make well-informed choices.

Splashtop: Best for Hybrid-Remote Access

Splashtop
Splashtop company logo
  • Splashtop’s high-performance connections support up to 60 frames per second.
  • It’s compatible with all major operating systems and devices, including accessories that connect to your devices.
  • Most plans require an annual billing commitment.
Editor's Rating: 9.6/10

Splashtop’s Business Access packages are a great remote access solution for creative professionals and businesses with hybrid-remote employees and hot-desk setups. The platform boasts an array of collaborative features and integrates with popular business software. All Splashtop plans and basic features are compatible with Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iOS and Android. Splashtop also supports creative tools like a stylus, pen tablet and mirroring orientation that makes recreating office settings an easy task.

Splashtop’s user-friendly unattended access solution allows multiple users to connect both from, and to, multiple monitors simultaneously. Employees in different locations can prepare a project together as though they are at the same desk, and with a strong selection of collaborative tools, group work is streamlined.

Splashtop lets you share your desktops through a web browser, transfer files and chat during remote sessions. Users can also access remote microphones and enjoy HD-quality video and audio. With 4K streaming up to 60 fps and iMac Pro Retina 5K streaming, Splashtop can support powerful programs for graphic design, video editing and 3D animation.

For added security, users can take advantage of  Splashtop Antivirus powered by Bitdefender, an add-on service. The anti-malware and antivirus security capability offers users a better way to protect their devices, particularly when securing endpoints and enabling secure remote access. This technology is beneficial for MSPs and IT teams as they work to safeguard their users across multiple devices.

In addition, Splashtop acquired Foxpass, a cloud-based service provider that uses password-less mechanisms to prevent password sharing that could lead to data leaks. This allows Spalshtop to provide enhanced security via Foxpass’s scalable identity-centric security platform.

Splashtop is also compatible with Syncro, a platform renowned for its professional services automation and remote monitoring functionalities, via its new Team plan. This enhancement means Syncro partners can now leverage advanced Splashtop features, such as convenient remote support to clients through a single click on the Syncro interface, facilitating uninterrupted problem-solving capabilities and increased access. The plan also boasts support for multiple screens and amplifies rapid remote access through end-user licenses, empowering clients to operate from any location remotely.

Splashpoint’s pricing starts at $5 per month. The Business Access Solo plan is designed for individual users and works well for freelancers who need regular access to an unattended computer. The solution’s most popular plan, Business Access Pro, is $8.25 per month and includes everything a small business needs – with the exception of single sign-on, which is only available with the Enterprise plan.

Zoho Assist: Best All-in-One Remote Support and Access

  • It offers excellent compatibility for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi and Chrome OS.
  • It provides a full suite of software integrations and support for third-party applications.
  • There is a 2GB limit for remote file transfer.
Editor's Rating: 9.5/10
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Zoho Assist is an integrated remote PC support and unattended access solution with cloud-based remote access. While these functions are separated into different products in terms of pricing, both are available via the same basic platform. Zoho Assist is compatible with various devices, like Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome OS, and doesn’t require installation, allowing for quick connection via a web browser.

All Zoho Assist plans include a number of essential features and integrations. Every package comes with two-factor authentication, organization roles, idle-session timeout, multi-monitor navigation, clipboard sharing and instant text and voice chat. To empower cross-team collaboration, users can connect their Zoho Assist solution to the vendor’s other products, like Zoho CRM and Zoho Desk. Zoho Assist also integrates with Google Workspace, Jira, Zendesk, Slack and more.

Zoho also offers an integration with Zia, an AI-powered platform utilized in ChatGPT. This platform enables technicians to use natural language processing to analyze customer inquiries, provide instant responses, and suggest relevant solutions.

Zoho Assist’s new Remote Audio feature enhances support by helping in troubleshooting audio issues, such as muffled or distorted sound, ensuring a smooth experience for both support technicians and clients. This tool allows technicians to listen to audio from clients’ remote devices and facilitate diagnosis, configuration adjustments and detailed guidance. Remote Audio’s user-friendly interface allows technicians to access and assess audio settings across different platforms.

Zoho Assist’s remote access plans come in three options and vary significantly in features and pricing, from $10 to $24 per monthly user. The two plans for unattended access grant unlimited technician access to 25 unattended computers starting at $10 per month, but some small businesses and individuals may find the free plan works great for them. Zoho Assist’s free plan allows access to five computers and includes some basic features that work great for smaller operations.

Freshdesk: Best Remote PC Access Software for Automated Customer Support

  • Easy-to-implement automations help save time while improving customer support.
  • An assortment of features and tools keep your customer service team organized.
  • Great AI features are limited to Enterprise plans.
Editor's Rating: 9.1/10
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Freshdesk’s AI-powered omnichannel platform offers a great integrated remote help desk solution, making it easy to assign and link support tickets and create custom ticket statuses. With Freshdesk, teamwork is made easier through shared ownership of tickets, the ability to split tickets into smaller tasks and the power to link similar issues in a way that ensures those with expertise can handle relevant issues in an efficient manner. These intelligent assignments make ticketing easier by organizing tasks based on a team member’s capabilities and capacity or using the round-robin method.

The all-in-one customer service platform is adept at solving a variety of challenges by meeting customers wherever they are via the web, mobile devices and WhatsApp. The customer service platform can also help save users time and increase efficiency with easy automations for repetitive help desk tasks. With Chatbots, powered by Freddy AI, your customers can enjoy better support with immediate answers to generic questions. Powered by generative AI, Freddy AI was designed as an enterprise-grade solution for customer service operations. The feature encompasses three main components: Freddy self-service for immediate conversational support, Freddy copilot for enhanced agent operations, and Freddy insights for rapid decision-making. While this feature is currently free in its Beta version, it will become a paid add-on in the new year.

Freshdesk also helps users tailor their solution with a multitude of helpful features, including the ability to access a shared inbox for multiple agents. You can also manage your staff through features like service tasks and groups, scheduling dashboards and time tracking. The automated functions, like dispatching and assigning tickets, sending out email notifications and omni-routing emails, removes painstaking tasks from employee responsibilities.

Freshdesk plans are available in four pricing tiers for Support Desk products, billed annually per monthly user and ranging from free to $79. The Pro and Enterprise plans are well-suited to business use and include all the features most businesses need. Freshdesk’s three omnichannel plans are also billed annually per monthly user and range from $29 to $99. Notably, Freshdesk offers a 21-day free trial, which is significantly longer than most remote access software solutions.

GoTo Resolve: Best Remote PC Access Software for No-Download Live Support

GoTo Resolve
  • Both the remote support and unattended access platforms are very easy to set up and use.
  • The conversational ticketing system, with integrations for Slack and Microsoft Teams, helps streamline IT support.
  • Mobile support is a paid add-on feature.
Editor's Rating: 9.4/10

GoTo Resolve, formerly known as GoTo Assist, is a great remote access option for business owners who need a product that offers unlimited live support without requiring customers to download software. It is a cost-effective solution for IT service companies and large businesses that combines remote access features with live ticketing and IT management functions. GoTo Resolve provides a secure connection through any standard web browser and gives users the option to download an unattended installer onto end-user devices or add the GoTo Resolve toolbar to their computer.

GoTo Resolve requires no installation; users access a remote support session from a web browser after being invited to join a session with a link or support key. The platform is both customizable and compatible with a variety of devices, like Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. With a camera-share add-on, a variety of help desk features and key integrations, GoTo Resolve gives businesses the tools they need to be successful.

Users can submit tickets through a portal or by sending an email. Integrations with Slack and Microsoft Teams let team members submit tickets directly from their messaging solutions. Customizations also allow admins to set triggers for automation, add branding elements and define team member access levels.

In addition, GoTo Resolve’s proactive device monitoring tools automatically detect and address device issues before they escalate. The tools also offer endpoint protection software management, enabling easy management and monitoring of antivirus software through a user-friendly dashboard. Users can request status updates, initiate scans and view lists of threats. Additionally, GoTo Resolve’s automated patch management ensures Windows patches are automatically deployed to keep software up-to-date and protected against threats, without disrupting user workflows.

GoTo Resolve’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution makes it easier than ever to conduct business remotely. For companies that have employees working from their mobile devices, this MDM solution facilitates setup, manages personal and company-owned devices, and secures data all at once.  The MDM solution is available as an add-on to GoTo Resolves’ standard remote software, or as a standalone solution. GoTo Resolve’s MDM solution supports all major operating systems, enforces data protection through disk encryption, simplifies configurations, and more.

GoTo recently released several updates to the Resolve software that are designed to increase productivity and growth for businesses while keeping things simple and secure. Key upgrades include stronger security in Resolve, smooth integration with Logitech devices and AI-driven automation, which are designed to make tasks easier and enhance the customer experience.

We also are impressed with the integration options available. For example, integration with Zendesk helps GoTo Resolve users launch remote support sessions and track all of the necessary session information using the same Zendesk ticket. In addition, the integration with Google Translate makes it easier to offer multilingual support in real time to customers.

ConnectWise Control: Best Remote PC Access Software for VoIP Connectivity

ConnectWise Control
  • There are more than 100 free extensions and third-party software integrations available for most subscribers.
  • Most plans include an unlimited number of unattended computers and devices.
  • The entry-level plan is relatively expensive.
Editor's Rating: 9.5/10

ConnectWise Control is a flexible remote access product with a range of features, terms and pricing options. It’s a great solution for remote troubleshooting, with scalable remote access and custom security features. It can work across multiple platforms with most major browsers, which makes IT assistance easier for users to access. At any time during a session, you can communicate with the end user through text or audio, view one or more monitors at the same time and send messages between remote computers without initiating a remote session.

In addition to the video and audio recording feature for remote sessions and the ability to message outside of sessions, the Premium-level ConnectWise View feature offers an array of valuable tools for users. The camera-sharing extension makes resolving on-site issues, such as hardware malfunctions, possible without the inconvenience of sending an in-person technician.

ConnectWise has partnered with Evo Security to provide security solutions explicitly made for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). One of its products, Evo Elevated Access, ensures security for end-users and MSPs by eliminating password-sharing and multifactor authentication code-sharing among technicians and administrators. It removes the need for third-party password rotation tools while still tracking activity. Using Evo’s Partner Identity Cloud service, MSPs have access to a centralized hub of identity and access management tools, including unified directory services and multifactor authentication. The security provided by Evo’s many built-in programs will help protect ConnectWise end-users from cyberattacks and data leaks.

ConnectWise Controls offers more than 100 integrations and allows connections to third-party apps like Zendesk and Microsoft Outlook. Users can also utilize advanced reporting, diagnostics, automation options and VoIP for business. Each plan includes security features and can be paid annually or monthly. Packages for remote support and unattended access range from $27 to $52 per month. An agent-based, access-only option, priced at $30 per month for 25 agents, is a popular option for many businesses.

TeamViewer: Best Remote PC Access Software for Multiple Devices

TeamViewer
  • It offers unrivaled device compatibility with support for nearly 130 device and software manufacturers.
  • It provides exceptional security and compliance according to SOC2, HIPAA/HITECH, ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO 9001:2015.
  • The price per use is higher than most competitors.
Editor's Rating: 9/10

TeamViewer is a proprietary software with integrated remote access, control and support. The solution doesn’t require registration or installation and is free of charge for non-commercial use. Customers can use features like remote printing, file sharing, video conferencing, mobile-to-mobile connections, Wake on LAN and black screen for private sessions. Teamviewer is accessible through most major computer and mobile systems, like Windows, Mac and Android.

TeamViewer can provide connections to servers, augmented reality devices and modern commercial machinery from almost 130 manufacturers of mobile devices, operating systems and loT devices in use today. With no VPN required and unrestricted access to all files and applications, as well as mobile devices and services, users can seamlessly navigate whatever they need. TeamViewer also offers protection with end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption, granular access management, two-factor authentication and other industry-grade security features.

TeamViewer comes in three plans with varying features, seats and sessions. The basic Business License plan allows one user access to up to 200 devices for $38.90 per month, billed annually. The middle-tier Premium License plan, which includes 15 seats, allows access to up to 300 devices for $112.90 per month, billed annually. The top package, Corporate License, includes 30 seats and allows access to up to 500 devices for $222.90 per month, billed annually.

Impero Connect: Best for Compliance

Impero Connect
Impero Connect logo
  • Impero includes all of the security and privacy features necessary to satisfy any compliance standard.
  • It’s available as a cloud-based or on-premises service.
  • The remote add-on doesn’t support Mac or iOS devices.
Editor's Rating: 8.7/10

Impero Connect, formerly known as Netop, is a comprehensive and secure remote PC access solution available as a cloud or on-premises service. With classroom management, advanced logging, user-board permission and audit logs for oversight of remote activity, Impero offers a variety of features that make it easy for large businesses to confidently navigate their projects while remaining in compliance.

Impero provides users with a variety of security measures that can protect any business and ensure compliance. Administrators can create specific roles, assign them to particular devices and set schedules for their access. The solution supports remote sessions with file transfer, screen-share and instant text and audio chat that all function through unalterable logs. Users can automate these remote access routines by configuring a script and testing it for security weaknesses before implementation. Businesses can also grant restricted and temporary access to company platforms with customized permissions.

Impero can support a variety of devices and manage large-scale business. The solution works with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android, along with all major browsers. Impero also supports specialized machines like medical devices.

The three cloud packages all have the same features; pricing depends on the number of devices you need access to. For example, access for 5-49 devices means you’ll pay between $33 and $27 per year per device (the price decreases the more devices you have). On-premises solutions require custom pricing based on the amount of devices and users.

EasyVista: Best RemotePC Access Software for Secure IT Support

EasyVista
EasyVista logo
  • EasyVista offers highly customizable packages with optional modules for the perfect support suite.
  • EasyVista provides support machines and devices in the background without interrupting the end user’s work.
  • It may be overly complex for anyone but IT professionals.
Editor's Rating: 8.6/10

EasyVista, previously known as Goverlan Reach, is a great remote access and IT support solution for small businesses and enterprises looking for a way to solve IT service desk tickets quickly. Users can access features that increase ticket close rates and improve customer service processes, including on-demand unattended access and administration tools. The platform’s background system management allows technicians to take control of devices and solve problems from within. With behind-the-scenes IT support and stringent compliance mandates, EasyVista gives users a secure platform for remote support.

EasyVista’s focus on security helps users increase efficiency in a variety of ways. Control operators can access multiple computers at once and invite other technicians to join a user session. Features like one-time use passwords, on-premises implementation, detailed audits of operation action, enterprise-class authentication and AES 256-bit end-to-end encryption give customers easy troubleshooting options.

EasyVista’s product packages are available in three plans with significant differences in terms of basic features. The middle-tier Professional plan is where you’ll find key IT support features, including remote control, unattended access, service bots, risk assessment and project management. With available module add-ons for many other features, EasyVista is a highly customizable support platform designed to help technicians provide sophisticated support for the most complex IT problems.

Remote Access Software Costs

The average cost of remote access software can be difficult to determine since vendors often use different pricing structures. For example, some companies charge based on the number of individual user licenses, whereas others go by the number of devices accessed or concurrent sessions. Most plans are billed annually, often offering first-year discounts. Most remote access providers give seven- to 30-day free trials for your team to test out the software.

For some insight into the going market rates, here are the pricing structures for some of our best picks.

  • RemotePC: Small business plans have unlimited concurrent access and range from $29.25 (one user license, access to 10 computers) to $449.25 (unlimited user licenses, access to 50 computers) annually.
  • Zoho Assist: Unattended access plans cost $10 to $15 per month (access to 25 computers), billed annually.
  • ConnectWise Control: Small business support and access packages cost $27 (one user, access to 10 devices), $42 (one user, access to unlimited devices, three concurrent sessions), and $52 (one user, access to unlimited devices, 10 concurrent sessions) per month, billed annually. Access-only plans start at $30 per month, billed annually, for 25 unattended access agents.
  • GoTo Resolve: The basic plan for one agent costs $55 per month if billed annually or $69 per month if billed monthly. Full mobile support to remotely view Android and iOS devices and control Android devices is available as an add-on for $20 per monthly agent; the camera-share add-on costs $31 per month.
  • Splashtop: The small business packages cost $5 (one user, access to two devices) and $8.25 (three users, access to 10 computers per user), billed annually. Volume discounts are available for larger teams – as low as $6.19 per monthly user.

Pricing may differ based on available discounts or pricing adjustments. Be sure to factor in additional taxes or fees vendors may charge. Most of these companies have additional plans for remote support and sometimes for mobile device access as well. The best plans to purchase are easily scalable and include automatic updates.

Key TakeawayKey takeaway

Prices vary widely for remote access software, depending on the vendor’s particular pricing model, fees and available discounts.

Remote Access Software Features

Depending on how you plan to use your remote access software, whether as an IT support tool or a remote-work solution, some features are more important than others. In general, though, the below features and functions are highly desirable in any remote access software.

  • Quick and convenient access options (e.g., web browser links)
  • Cross-platform access to connect to any type of device (Windows, Linux, Mac, Chrome OS, Raspberry Pi, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile)
  • Integrations with other platforms and software (e.g., Google Workspace, Jira, Zendesk)
  • High-end security measures (AES 256-bit encryption, brute-force protection, screen blanking, keyboard locking, HIPAA and GDPR compliance)
  • Session scheduling, recording, reporting and management
  • Monitor grouping, control exchange and mass deployment
  • Collaboration and communication tools (drag-and-drop file transfer, text chat, voice, video, annotations, whiteboards)
  • Scalability to support business growth
  • Personalized branding for unique customer experiences
  • Knowledgeable customer service team and other resources

When comparing pricing amongst different software, be sure to also compare the features available in each specific plan you’re considering. Many remote access software plans are tiered – lower-cost plans tend to have very basic features.

TipTip

Ask vendors whether their remote access software integrates with the best CRM platforms and other business software to help streamline operations. For example, Zoho Assist is capable of integrating with Zoho CRM.

Advantages of Remote Access Software

Large businesses with a significant number of in-office computers to manage and small businesses supporting hybrid or remote workers can both benefit greatly from remote access software. Here are the biggest advantages.

  • Computer access from anywhere: During an unattended access session, remote workers can access licensed software on their office desktop computers, transfer important files between devices and collaborate with co-workers on the same computer with the same data, regardless of each person or machine’s location. Once you configure an office computer for unattended access, you and your team will be able to access the computer’s data and applications from any internet-connected device, including web browsers in most cases, as if you were taking your office machine and everything on it with you wherever you go.
  • Easier, cheaper IT support: Another benefit is that IT departments also use secure remote access and support software to provide tech support, troubleshooting, mass deployment and file implementation. This allows a smaller and potentially off-site team to provide basic IT services and support for your company at a greatly reduced cost. With a network of unattended machines, technicians can easily deploy software and security updates in the background without disturbing the end users’ work. For major updates and changes, some systems provide scheduling tools to run company-wide updates automatically during off-hours, ensuring no work is disturbed.
  • Robust security and compliance guarantees: With strong security measures including encryption, two-factor authentication, private security keys and screen blacking for privacy, this class of software is often safe and secure enough to adhere to HIPAA and other compliance-related standards.

Choosing Remote Access Software

Follow these general steps to choose the best remote access software for your business.

1. Define your use case.

Many software providers in this sector offer a mix of remote access and IT support solutions since the underlying technology is fairly similar between the two services. For businesses that need both, there is no shortage of options for all-in-one systems. However, many shoppers in this category are strictly looking for remote access platforms and will want to make sure they don’t pay for features they don’t need. Carefully consider what your organization needs to get out of the system so you know exactly what you’re looking for and can find a solution that fits your use case.

2. Determine your number of users and unattended devices.

Since pricing for this category is largely dictated by the number of users and remote computers, it’s important to take a detailed inventory of the individuals and devices you’ll want to access and support. Most of the vendors we reviewed will let you adjust your plan to a higher number of both items should your business grow. However, many companies only offer annual subscriptions and will not let you downsize in the middle of your contract. To avoid buyer’s remorse, consider not just where your business is today but where it may be in 12-24 months to find the right-sized plan.

3. Decide on an annual or monthly term.

COVID-19 forced many organizations to embrace the tools needed for remote work, such as remote access software. If you have now permanently committed to hybrid or fully remote setups, you may feel comfortable signing an annual contract. However, if you’re unsure whether you will continue to have a distributed workforce or expect virtual employees to be back in the office in the relatively near future, you’ll likely want to limit your search to companies that offer monthly subscription options, which are typically priced a bit higher than the annual equivalent.

In other words, while annual agreements can save you money, you may not appreciate being locked into a year-long contract if it’s unclear how, and where, your company will operate going forward. Monthly terms allow more flexibility.

4. Find the best deal.

Once you’ve determined your ideal use case, the amount of people and equipment you want to support and your ideal term length, you’re ready to research specific vendors and shop the market. This process should include participating in demos and free trials, reading online customer reviews and speaking with sales representatives. Finding the best deal doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the plan with the lowest monthly or annual fee. Rather, it means finding the best price for the features most valuable to your business.

Once you’ve made a selection and implemented the solution, it’s essential to periodically assess how the product is serving you. As your contract is nearing its end, you may want to reevaluate your needs to ensure the remote access software you’re using is still the best platform for your business.

Remote Access Software FAQ

Remote desktop software, also known as remote access software, is helpful because it has many uses that can benefit your business. For example, your staff can use the software to remotely access their office computers at home or out in the field. This is helpful for efficiency and sometimes necessary for companies that rely heavily on off-site workers.

Another reason remote desktop software is helpful is because it gives IT departments the ability to deploy various protocols across several devices and lets customer service teams assist staff and clients in troubleshooting tech problems. This use can increase your desktop security, team efficiency and customer satisfaction. [Read related article: Is a Remote Desktop Right for your Business?]

The most common uses for remote desktop software are for employees to use it to access their office computers remotely and for tech teams to use it to remotely provide on-demand issue resolution for colleagues and customers. Functions like file transferring, screen-blanking and keyboard-locking are great for remote workers, and monitor grouping, mass deployment and control exchange are useful for tech support teams.

Did you know? Chatbots can help your small business grow by facilitating more efficient customer service. You’ll find them included in some remote access solutions, like Freshdesk.

Tech support teams and IT departments need remote access software to connect to other users’ devices. Without it, they would not be able to provide remote tech support to their co-workers and customers. So while any team can benefit from remote access software, these kinds of teams heavily rely on it.

Businesses that depend on off-site staff to access on-site devices also need a remote access solution. Instead of physically going to the office to use their devices, out-of-office workers can access their work computers from wherever they are via remote access software. Educators may need remote access for similar reasons, and it can be a valuable tool for teaching remotely and collaborating with students from afar.

TeamViewer, UltraVNC and Microsoft Remote Desktop offer the best free remote access software. However, it’s important to note that while some free remote access software options have useful features, many of them are for personal, non-commercial use. Free remote access platforms often have limited tools and security measures as well.

What to expect in 2024

Although remote PC access software has been available for years, many are maintaining a hybrid or flexible work model in 2024 and beyond. Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work report found that 71 percent of employers would allow arrangements for at least partial remote work on an ongoing basis. This shift also accommodates an increasing number of employees seeking flexible working arrangements: The same Buffer study found that 98 percent of respondents would like some remote work for the rest of their careers.

With artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) becoming increasingly commonplace, these technologies can potentially transform remote collaboration in 2024. AI- and VR-powered solutions can help streamline project management, improve team collaboration and foster real-time communication.

As remote desktop access and other work-from-home technologies continue to develop, the market is expected to continue its growth. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global remote desktop market size was $1,753.2 million in 2020. It increased to $2,022.9 million in 2021 and is slated to spike to $5,994.8 million by 2028.

North America is poised to be a dominant force in the market share because of the aforementioned adoption of remote work, as well as the United States and Canada’s big-name software providers. The Asian Pacific region and Europe are also expected to see major growth in this sector.

Jeff Hale, Business Operations Insider and Senior Analyst
Jeff Hale is a writer and editor based in San Diego with a background in business development and marketing. He has identified new market opportunities for Fortune 500 companies and developed communications strategies and digital branding for tech startups and small businesses. Jeff covers emerging technologies and business solutions with a focus on efficiency and growth. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, and an MBA from Chapman University.
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