Top 7 Most Popular Remote Desktop Alternatives for 2024

“I am writing to express my concerns about the Remote Desktop app's performance. The app has been highly unstable, frequently crashing, and getting stuck while connected to my Windows system. Despite trying various methods, such as changing the Wi-Fi router, directly connecting to the Windows 10 PC, and even using a different Windows 10 laptop, the problem persists. The app consistently gets stuck, making it unusable for my needs.” – Microsoft Community

Microsoft Remote Desktop is a useful remote access app, but it does not come without issues. If you are also fed up with the app's frequent crashing or other issues, it's time to switch to a Microsoft Remote Desktop alternative.

Part 1. What Are Users Looking For From Remote Desktop Alternatives?

Different users have different reasons for switching from Microsoft Remote Desktop. They also have different expectations from the RDP alternative.

Below are some of the common aspects they look for when finding a Remote Desktop alternative:

1.Stability

Many times, Microsoft Remote Desktop disconnects suddenly. It terminates the remote connection without any reason. Other times, different errors occur frequently. So, users looking for an RDP alternative for Windows expect the tool to offer stability. The connection should be smooth and error-free.

2.Compatibility

Microsoft Remote Desktop only supports Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows as the controlled (host) side. Whether it's Windows Home, Mac, Raspberry Pi, or Linux, MRD does not allow these devices to act as hosts.

Users who don't have the Pro or Enterprise edition need an RDP alternative to have host rights regardless of the operating system or device.

3.Ease of Use

Microsoft Remote Desktop is complex to set up. Users have to configure multiple settings, such as enabling Remote Desktop, configuring firewall rules, setting up port forwarding on the router, etc. Therefore, users look for an ideal RDP alternative that is straightforward to use and does not require complex configurations.

4.Free to Use

Many users don't want to upgrade to the Pro Windows edition to use MRD. Therefore, they intend to find a free-to-use RDP alternative for Windows.

5.Better Resolution

Designers and other users want better resolution during remote sessions. However, Microsoft Remote Desktop fails to facilitate them. This makes users search for Remote Desktop alternative to fulfill their higher-resolution needs.

6.Effective Security

Microsoft Remote Desktop has unpatched vulnerabilities and weak authentication measures. This increases the risk of cyberattacks. Therefore, users want to have a more secure RDP alternative to avoid unwanted security troubles.

Part 2. Top 7 Remote Desktop Alternatives to Try

In general, users need an ideal Microsoft Remote Desktop alternative that is stable, compatible, secure, easy to use, and cost-friendly.

To help ease the search hassle, we have below shortlisted the top 7 RDP alternatives that can fulfill almost all needs of users:

1AnyDesk

AnyDesk is a handy remote access software for connecting to computers, servers, and smartphones from other devices. It provides an intuitive, click-based interface for connecting to remote devices. It also offers fast file transfer, screen sharing, encrypted access, chat, and other features.

The AnyDesk free plan allows you to manage three devices, while you can subscribe to different plans for more devices and advanced features.

User Reviews

😊"It accelerates the problem-solving process of the IT department for all of us and helps to manage access to the remote desktops. This lets me connect to other machines and work on cloud-based projects or access my workplace computer at home. To enable other users to access your workspace, you only need to give them the code."

🙁"If you are using the free version, you might encounter a lot of timer issues, which can cause many problems while working. This happens frequently."

2TeamViewer

TeamViewer is one of the most popular remote access software and a potential Remote Desktop alternative. TeamViewer offers a user-friendly and secure software solution for individuals, SMBs, and enterprises. It can help remotely access computers, smartphones, tablets, servers, and IoT devices from other devices.

The TeamViewer free version provides basic remote access and control but has session time-out limitations. Subscription plans are preferred for smooth functionality and access to all features.

It supports many clients and web uses, but it has so many different clients that it can be confusing. Its biggest selling point is that it is professional and has many customization options, making it more suitable for larger businesses and tech-savvy users.

User Reviews

😊"I've been using TeamViewer for remote access and support, and overall, I'm very satisfied with its performance and stability. The connection is consistently strong, making it easy to work remotely without any disruptions."

🙁"Pricing is always going up and with could lock in the price and grandfathered in. Also, the new version is taking away some of the features that make it easier, since I dont use all the things the new one has."

3AirDroid Remote Support

AirDroid Remote Support is one of the best picks as an RDP alternative for Windows. It provides a seamless software solution to remote support, control, and manage desktop and mobile devices with real-time support. Its key features include file transfer, text/voice communication, 3D markets for real-life object troubleshooting, black screen mode, log sessions, and more.

AirDroid Remote Support is perfect for IT help desks, remote learning, interactive customer service, and proactive monitoring and maintenance. However, it can also be used by individuals to access their remote computers or troubleshoot issues with friends and family.

The best part about AirDroid Remote Support is that its basic features are free for all users, whether used for personal and business. Moreover, it offers AES 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication, and TLS 1.2 industry-leading security.

User Reviews

😊"I selected many remote control software for my company, such as TeamViewer, Splashtop, Anydesk, etc., but I eventually chose AirDroid Remote Support because the connection speed and quality are beyond all my expectations! This interface is simple and the operation is very easy."

🙁"Too many notifications while sharing the screen was somewhat irritating. Other than that everything was perfect."

4Chrome Remote Desktop

As the name implies, Chrome Remote Desktop is a Google Chrome-powered remote access software. It simply requires installing the Chrome Remote Desktop extension on the computer to connect remotely. Afterward, you can use the Chrome browser on another computer or Chrome Remote Desktop app on your smartphone to access that computer.

Chrome Remote Desktop is free to use for everyone. It requires only plugins for more devices and systems, but it also requires a Google account and a higher network requirement.

User Reviews

😊"Chrome Remote Desktop is SUPER easy to set up, for you and for your end users, especially if Chrome is already widely integrated within your organization."

🙁"Sometimes it gets disconnected when connecting for long time."

5Splashtop

Splashtop is a powerful Microsoft Remote Desktop alternative that provides a smooth remote access and support software solution for businesses. It acts as an all-in-one solution for remote working, service desk, endpoint management, and more.

Splashtop does not offer a free version. It is best for businesses and even supports 4k resolution. It has a very smooth connection process, but like TeamViewer, it has many different clients. The initial setup is not very friendly to novice users.

User Reviews

😊"What I like best about Splashtop SOS is its fast, reliable remote access, which allows me to troubleshoot and provide support in real-time with minimal lag."

🙁"The only downside to Splashtop SOS is that some advanced features, like file transfer and multi-monitor support, are available only in higher-tier plans."

6Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist is another RDP alternative software that provides enterprise-grade remote support and unattended access. It offers cloud-based remote support that establishes secure, web-based connections with desktops, mobile devices, servers, and others.

Zoho Assist supports only one session in the free plan. However, it is a bit complicated to set up, use, and purchase packages.

User Reviews

😊"Zoho Assist is the best tool out there for IT Technicians. Not only does it come with tools prepared during a session, but it also allows for reporting as well. Plus, with the option to record, it works great as a tool for techs to look back on to see how a solution was made for a customer."

🙁"The file transfer speeds can be slow, especially with larger files. This can significantly extend session times when transferring important updates or patches."

7ConnectWise ScreenConnect

ConnectWise ScreenConnect is the last Microsoft Remote Desktop alternative in our today's guide. It is a secure and reliable remote support and access software, especially used to fix IT issues remotely. It is compatible with all major devices and offers a complete set of features needed for remote support.

ScreenConnect does not offer a free version. You can subscribe to one of its remote access or support plans. It is targeted at businesses and enterprises, so its performance is top-notch. However, it is relatively more expensive.

User Reviews

😊"I like how there are different levels, for example some require the end user to consent to your control, others can choose not to so It's really nice to have that option. Each time I connect the end user is amazed at how quick I can connect with them not having to do anything."

🙁"Service occasionally needs to be restarted event though workstation is online."

Part 3. Our Picks for Remote Desktop Alternatives

All the above Remote Desktop alternatives have their unique strengths and weaknesses. AnyDesk and AirDroid Remote Support shine for their user-friendliness, while Chrome Remote Desktop for its software-free approach. So, which one to choose?

To decide, let's first create a comparison table and then shortlist the three best picks as RDP alternatives.

From the above discussion and comparison table, our top three picks for Microsoft Remote Desktop alternatives are:

• AnyDesk - It's free for personal use and also have many features for business. And it is easy to set up and has great performance.
• Splashtop – It has the best performance among the above software. But it's a little expensive. So it is best for enterprises who want a powerful remote support and access software without concerning about the cost.
• AirDroid Remote Support – Useable for all user types and diverse scenarios and incorporate all the simple to advanced remote access features. And it's free for both personal and business use. We think it's the most cost-effective one.