Top 10 Best Remote Access Software for Windows & Mac (2025 Edition)
Introduction
In todayโs connected world, the ability to remotely access and control a computer has become more important than ever. Whether you're a digital nomad working from a coffee shop, an IT technician supporting clients across the globe, or simply someone wanting to access your desktop from a tablet, remote desktop software offers a reliable, secure, and seamless solution.
As we head into 2025, both Windows and Mac users are seeking tools that provide fast connection speeds, robust encryption, intuitive interfaces, and cross-platform support. In this roundup, we explore the top 10 best remote desktop software tools that let you access your computer from anywhere, whether you're using Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
This list includes both free and premium options, so thereโs something here for beginners, professionals, and enterprise-level users alike.
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1. NoMachine โ Fast, Secure & Free Remote Access for All Platforms
NoMachine is a standout tool in the remote desktop space thanks to its blazing-fast performance, low latency, and broad compatibility across platforms. It supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and even mobile platforms like iOS and Android โ making it ideal for anyone needing a universal remote access solution.
๐ Key Features
High-quality video & audio streaming over any connection
Supports file transfer, printing, and remote USB device access
Hardware-accelerated video compression
End-to-end encryption for secure connections
Easy to set up without requiring advanced technical knowledge
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Free for personal use
Commercial licenses available for enterprise or server environments
Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Raspberry Pi
If you're looking for a remote access tool that balances speed, flexibility, and privacy, NoMachine is worth checking out. For anyone considering options in this space, I recommend trying NoMachine here to see how it performs in your daily workflow.
2. TeamViewer โ Widely Used & Great for Tech Support
TeamViewer has long been a household name in the remote support and remote access space. With enterprise-level security and a clean interface, itโs ideal for both personal and commercial use.
๐ Key Features
Easy session setup with unique IDs and passwords
Built-in chat, file transfer, and clipboard sharing
Remote printing support
Multi-platform support: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Free for personal use
Paid commercial plans start from $24.90/month
Supports cross-platform access, including mobile devices
3. AnyDesk โ Lightweight, High-Performance Remote Desktop
Built for speed, AnyDesk offers a lightweight remote access experience with minimal lag and strong encryption. Itโs a top choice for users needing low-latency control over distant machines.
๐ Key Features
60 FPS screen sharing
AES 256-bit encryption
File transfer and clipboard sync
Customizable user interface
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Free for personal use
Paid licenses starting at $14.90/month
Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, Android, and iOS
4. Chrome Remote Desktop โ Google-Powered Simplicity
If youโre after a no-fuss, no-cost way to remotely control your desktop, Chrome Remote Desktop is a fantastic option. It runs inside the Chrome browser, which means minimal setup and no need to install full apps.
๐ Key Features
Lightweight Chrome extension setup
One-click access via Google Account
Works with Android and iOS mobile apps
Seamless cross-platform connectivity
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
100% free to use
Requires Google Chrome on host & client devices
Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS
5. Microsoft Remote Desktop โ Native Solution for Windows Users
If youโre deep in the Windows ecosystem, Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) offers native support and deep integration, especially useful for remote workers within the same local network or VPN.
๐ Key Features
Native Windows integration
Built-in encryption
Multiple monitor support
Access remote resources like desktops and applications
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Free to use with Windows Professional or Enterprise editions
Client apps available on macOS, iOS, and Android
6. Splashtop โ Enterprise-Ready and Feature-Rich
Splashtop offers some of the fastest remote connections on the market. With various plans tailored for individuals, IT teams, and businesses, it balances power and simplicity.
๐ Key Features
HD audio/video streaming
Multi-user collaboration
Session recording
Active Directory integration for enterprise use
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Personal use starts at $5/month
Enterprise and business plans available
Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
7. Parallels Access โ Mobile-First Remote Access Tool
Designed with mobile users in mind, Parallels Access provides a great experience on tablets and smartphones. It simplifies the desktop experience with touch-friendly gestures and a unique "app launcher" interface.
๐ Key Features
Mobile-friendly interface
Touch gestures for desktop control
Full-screen mode & file sharing
Works even on slower internet connections
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Starting at $19.99/year for personal use
Compatible with Windows and Mac, accessible from iOS and Android
8. RemotePC by IDrive โ Affordable and Scalable for All Use Cases
RemotePC offers excellent pricing and great performance. Itโs ideal for users who need secure access to multiple devices or need team collaboration features.
๐ Key Features
Always-on remote access
Voice chat during sessions
File drag-and-drop
AES 256-bit encryption
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Starts at $29.50/year for 1 user / 2 computers
Business plans available for large teams
Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
9. DWService โ Open Source & Browser-Based
For open-source enthusiasts, DWService is a community-driven project offering browser-based remote desktop control. Itโs entirely free and doesnโt require any complicated configurations.
๐ Key Features
Fully browser-based access
Open-source software
File and terminal access
Simple dashboard UI
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Completely free and open-source
Runs on Windows, Linux, macOS
Accessible from any modern browser
10. Zoho Assist โ Built for Remote IT Support
If you're running a small business or offering remote IT support, Zoho Assist is one of the best value-for-money options. It includes unattended access, remote troubleshooting tools, and customizable branding.
๐ Key Features
Multi-session handling
File transfer, screen sharing, and voice chat
Reboot & reconnect functionality
Session scheduling
๐ป Pricing & Platform Support
Free version available with limited features
Paid plans start at $8/month
Cross-platform compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
How to Choose the Right Remote Desktop Software
With so many tools available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Here are the most important factors to consider:
โ 1. Operating System Compatibility
Ensure both your host and client devices are supported.
Cross-platform tools like NoMachine and AnyDesk excel here.
โ 2. Pricing and Licensing
Do you need it for personal or commercial use?
Free tools like Chrome Remote Desktop or DWService are great for individuals.
โ 3. Speed and Performance
Look for low-latency streaming and high frame rates.
Tools like Splashtop and Parallels Access are optimized for smooth performance.
โ 4. Security
Encryption is non-negotiable. Go for tools offering AES 256-bit encryption or similar.
โ 5. Ease of Use
Beginners will appreciate tools with simple setup processes, such as TeamViewer or RemotePC.
โ 6. Extra Features
File transfer, remote printing, multiple monitor support, or even session recording might be essential depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're accessing your home PC from a hotel in another country or managing multiple office machines remotely, having the right remote desktop software can boost your productivity and flexibility. From free, open-source tools to enterprise-grade platforms, there's something for everyone.
Here's a quick recap of top picks:
๐ฅ NoMachine โ Fast, secure, and cross-platform (great for all users)
๐ฅ TeamViewer โ Ideal for IT support and team collaboration
๐ฅ Chrome Remote Desktop โ Perfect for Google ecosystem users
๐ Splashtop & RemotePC โ Business-ready with affordable plans
๐ฑ Parallels Access โ Best for mobile-first users
As with any software, your needs dictate the best choice โ so test a few and see what fits your workflow.
