- AnyDesk alternatives at a glance
- Ten AnyDesk alternatives to consider
- The scam warning every remote desktop user should know
- What to check in a remote desktop tool
- How to set up remote access safely
- Remote access mistakes to avoid
- Questions to ask before you pick a remote desktop tool
- My plain advice on AnyDesk alternatives
- Frequently asked questions
AnyDesk alternatives are other remote desktop tools for accessing your own computers or supporting other people's. Open-source and self-hosted tools suit people who want control of their connections, while business services suit IT teams supporting many users. Whatever you choose, never let a stranger who contacts you connect to your computer.
AnyDesk is quick to install and popular for remote support. But it's far from the only option, and some people want a tool they can host themselves or one that fits their IT team better.
Here are ten AnyDesk alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from free open-source tools to business remote support services. Each description comes from the vendor's own website, re-checked today. If you've ever had an account taken over, my guide to recovering a hacked Instagram account covers the next steps for social accounts.
Decide whether you need unattended access to your own machines, or ad hoc support for other people. Some tools are better at one than the other.
Then think about where connections go. Self-hosted tools can keep traffic on servers you control, which matters for some businesses.
AnyDesk alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version, free plan or open-source download, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you depend on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWService | Remote access service | Browser-based access | Yes |
| Getscreen.me | Remote desktop service | Quick browser sessions | Yes |
| HopToDesk | Remote desktop app | Free peer-to-peer access | Yes |
| ISL Online | Remote support software | Business help desks | Trial only |
| MeshCentral | Open-source remote management | Managing many machines | Yes |
| Remote Utilities | Remote access software | Self-hosted IT support | Yes |
| RustDesk | Open-source remote desktop | Self-hosted connections | Yes |
| Splashtop | Remote access and support | Fast remote access | Trial only |
| Supremo | Remote desktop software | Small business support | Yes |
| TeamViewer | Remote connectivity platform | Cross-platform support | Yes |
Ten AnyDesk alternatives to consider
DWService
Best for: People who want to reach their computers from a web browser without installing a viewer.
Getscreen.me
Best for: Support teams who want fast remote sessions that open in a browser.
HopToDesk
Best for: Individuals who want a free remote desktop app with encrypted connections.
ISL Online
Best for: Help desks who want remote support with cloud or on-premises hosting.
MeshCentral
Best for: IT admins who want free, self-hosted remote management for many computers.
Remote Utilities
Best for: IT teams who want remote access with an optional self-hosted server.
RustDesk
Best for: People who want an open-source remote desktop with their own relay server.
Splashtop
Best for: Businesses and IT teams who want quick remote access and support sessions.
Supremo
Best for: Small businesses who want a simple remote desktop tool for occasional support.
TeamViewer
Best for: Teams who want widely used remote support across computers and mobile devices.
The scam warning every remote desktop user should know
Here's the risk that matters more than any feature. A joint advisory published by CISA describes a campaign where criminals sent phishing emails that led people to download legitimate remote monitoring and management software, including AnyDesk, and then used it in a refund scam to take money from victims' bank accounts.
So the tool isn't the problem, the stranger is. Never install remote software because an unexpected email, pop-up or caller asks you to. Use it only with people you contacted yourself, through a number or address you already trust.
What to check in a remote desktop tool
- Security: encryption, two-factor login and access approval.
- Hosting: vendor cloud or your own server.
- Unattended access: reaching your own machines safely.
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile.
- Logging: a record of who connected and when.
How to set up remote access safely
- Install the tool only from the vendor's own website.
- Turn on two-factor login for your account.
- Set a strong password for unattended access.
- Limit which devices can connect.
- Review connection logs regularly.
Remote access mistakes to avoid
- Weak unattended passwords. Use long, unique ones.
- No two-factor login. Turn it on everywhere.
- Downloading from links. Always go to the vendor's site directly.
- Forgetting old devices. Remove access you no longer need.
Scams take many forms, and my guide to spotting Instagram follower scams shows the same warning signs on social media.
Questions to ask before you pick a remote desktop tool
Remote access is powerful, so the safety questions matter as much as the speed ones.
- Is two-factor login available on every account?
- Can we approve which devices may connect?
- Is there a log of who connected and when?
- Can we host the connection server ourselves?
- Is our type of use allowed on the plan we choose?
If you support family or staff, write down which tool you use. Then anyone asking them to install something else is easy to spot.
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Do you make remote access tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on AnyDesk alternatives
Choose a tool you can lock down, then lock it down. Two-factor login and approved devices stop most problems before they start.
And teach the people around you the one rule: no remote session with anyone who contacted them first. It protects older relatives as much as staff.
Frequently asked questions
What's a free alternative to AnyDesk?
Several open-source and free remote desktop tools work well for personal use.
Can I self-host remote desktop software?
Yes. Some tools let you run your own server for connections.
Is AnyDesk safe?
The software itself is legitimate, but scammers misuse remote tools. Only connect with people you trust.
What's unattended access?
Connecting to your own computer when nobody's sitting at it.
Can I use remote desktop on a phone?
Most tools have mobile apps for viewing or supporting devices.
What's the difference between remote access and remote support?
Access is reaching your own machines. Support is helping someone else.
Do I need a business licence?
Many tools require one for work use. Check the terms.
How do I know if a remote session is a scam?
If someone contacted you first and asks you to install software, it probably is.
Can remote tools work through firewalls?
Most use relay servers so you don't need to open ports.
Should I leave remote access on all the time?
Only for machines you need to reach. Turn it off elsewhere.
What should I do if a scammer connected?
Disconnect, uninstall the tool, change passwords and call your bank.
Do these tools log sessions?
Many keep logs of who connected and when.
Can I transfer files during a session?
Most tools include file transfer, and some let you drag files between screens.
Does remote desktop work on Linux?
Several tools support Linux as well as Windows and Mac.
Can I print from a remote computer?
Some tools support remote printing. Check if you need it.
