TeamViewer Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

TeamViewer is the name most people think of when someone says 'can I take a look at your computer?', but it's far from the only way to do it. Maybe you've seen a warning about commercial use, you want something lighter for helping your mum with her laptop, or you'd like a tool that suits a small office better than TeamViewer does.

Here are ten TeamViewer alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. I've mixed smaller and open-source tools with a couple of well-known names, and every description comes from each tool's own website and directory listings rather than guesswork. If you're weighing up support tools for a team, my guide on how to choose the right remote support software goes deeper into what IT teams look for.

Remote desktop tools side by side

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site says there's a free plan or free version. Trial only means a free trial with no ongoing free way to use it. Many free versions are limited to personal, non-commercial use, so read the terms if you'll use one for work.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
AnyDesk	Remote desktop app	Helping family or checking your own computers	Yes
DWService	Browser-based access	Reaching a computer from any web browser	Yes
Getscreen.me	Browser-based remote desktop	Support and access straight from a browser	Yes
HelpWire	Remote support tool	Quick support sessions through a shared link	Yes
Iperius Remote	Support and access tool	Personal support across many devices	Yes
RemotePC	Remote access service	Reaching your own computers from anywhere	Trial only
RustDesk	Open-source remote desktop	Self-hosting your own remote access	Yes
Splashtop	Remote access and support suite	Business support with a wider IT toolkit	Trial only
Supremo	Lightweight remote desktop	Quick access with no router setup	Yes
Zoho Assist	Cloud remote support	Help desks and unattended access	Yes

Ten remote desktop and remote support tools to try instead of TeamViewer

AnyDesk

Best for: Home users helping relatives or reaching their own devices, as long as it stays personal rather than business use.

DWService

Best for: People who want to connect from a browser without installing anything on the computer they're sitting at.

Getscreen.me

Best for: Small teams and freelancers who want to start a support session from a browser or a light desktop app.

HelpWire

Best for: Someone helping a client or relative who just needs to click a link and approve access while they're there.

Iperius Remote

Best for: Home users who want one tool covering computers and phones for private, non-commercial support.

RemotePC

Best for: Solo workers and small offices who want to reach their desktop from another computer, phone or browser.

RustDesk

Best for: Technical users and small IT teams who like open-source software and want to run their own server.

Splashtop

Best for: Small businesses and IT helpers who want remote support alongside wider device management tools.

Supremo

Best for: People who want a small download that connects without changing router or firewall settings.

Zoho Assist

Best for: Businesses already using other Zoho tools who want remote support and unattended access across systems.

How to choose a remote desktop tool

Every remote desktop tool lets one person see and control another computer. The differences sit in who it's built for and how connections get approved, so work through these points before you install anything.

• Support or access? Some tools are made for helping other people, where they approve each session. Others are made for reaching your own computers any time, which is called unattended access.
• Personal or business use. Free versions are often meant for personal use only. If you're helping paying clients, check the terms before you rely on one.
• Devices. Make sure the tool runs on the systems you'll meet, whether that's Windows, Mac, Linux, a phone or a tablet.
• Setup for the other person. If you're helping a relative, the less they have to install and click, the better.
• Security controls. Look for encrypted sessions, two-step sign-in and a clear way to see who has connected.
• Where it runs. Cloud services are quick to start. Self-hosted tools give you more control but need someone comfortable running a server.

Remote desktop safety: protect yourself from scam calls

Remote desktop software is perfectly legitimate, and it's also a tool scammers love to misuse. A common trick is a phone call or pop-up claiming your computer has a virus, or that your bank or broadband provider needs to 'fix' something, and asking you to install a remote tool. Please don't.

• Never give remote access to someone who contacts you out of the blue, however official they sound.
• Real banks, tech companies and broadband providers don't ask you to install remote software during an unexpected call.
• Only share a session code with someone you know, and only when you asked for the help.
• Never enter online banking details while someone else can see or control your screen.
• If you've already let someone in, disconnect, switch off the internet connection and contact your bank and a trusted IT person straight away.
• End every session when the job is done, and close the tool if you don't use it often.

For wider habits that protect a small business, my notes on how to secure your remote working business are a good companion read, and my explainer on VPNs covers another layer of protection.

Which type of remote desktop tool suits which job

• Helping a family member suits link-based tools where the other person clicks, approves and watches what you do.
• Reaching your own office computer suits access tools with unattended mode, strong sign-in and a simple app on your phone or laptop.
• Supporting a small office suits tools that keep a list of devices, record sessions and let more than one person help.
• Privacy-minded or technical teams may prefer open-source tools they can run on their own server.
• Quick one-off fixes suit browser-based tools that need little or no installation.

If your team works from different places, my guide to building a remote workforce covers the wider picture beyond the software.

Questions to ask before you commit to a remote desktop tool

• Will the other person have to install something, and can they manage that on their own?
• Does the free version allow business use, or only personal use?
• How many devices and how many helpers does the free plan or trial allow?
• Can I see a log of who connected and when?
• Does it work through office firewalls without special settings?
• What happens to my saved devices if I stop using the tool?

Setting up and switching remote desktop tools

• List every computer you reach remotely today so none gets forgotten when you switch.
• Install the new tool on one machine first and test it from home and from a phone.
• Turn on two-step sign-in and set a strong, unique password before you connect anything else.
• Remove the old tool from each computer once the new one works, so you're not leaving an open door behind.
• Tell the people you support which tool you've moved to, so they don't click on a look-alike link.

Remote desktop mistakes to avoid

• Leaving unattended access switched on for computers you rarely use.
• Reusing the same password for the remote tool as for email or banking.
• Assuming a free personal version is fine for client work.
• Letting a helper keep access after the job is finished.
• Choosing a tool because it's popular without checking it runs on every device you need.

Why a smaller remote desktop tool can be worth a look

Smaller and open-source tools often do one job simply and clearly, and some let you host the connection yourself. Before you rely on one, check it's still being updated, that it runs on your devices and that its free plan or trial terms are clear on its own site.

Do you make a remote desktop or remote support tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Settling on your remote desktop choice

Pick two tools that fit the job you do most, whether that's helping relatives, reaching your own computer or supporting a small team. Try each one on a real task, check the security settings, and keep the one you can explain to someone else in two minutes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good free alternative to TeamViewer?

Several tools offer a free plan or free version, often for personal use. Check each tool's own terms, because business use usually needs a different licence.

Is remote desktop software safe to use?

It can be, when you use a trusted tool, turn on two-step sign-in and only connect with people you know. The risk comes from scammers who persuade you to install it during an unexpected call.

Can someone control my computer without me knowing?

Not unless you've installed remote software and allowed it, or you've shared a session code. Never share codes with strangers, and remove tools you no longer use.

What is unattended access?

Unattended access lets you connect to a computer without anyone there to approve the session. It's useful for your own office machine, but it needs a strong password and two-step sign-in.

Do I need to install software to help a relative remotely?

Usually yes, though some tools work through a browser or a small download that runs without a full install. Check how each one handles the person you're helping.

What should I do if a stranger asked me to install remote software?

Close the call, don't install anything and don't share any code. If you've already let them in, disconnect, switch off your internet and contact your bank and a trusted IT person.