- Remote access tools at a glance
- Ten remote desktop and support tools
- Why CISA wants you to audit remote access tools
- Attended support versus unattended access
- Rolling out remote desktop software safely
- What to ask a remote desktop vendor
- My sensible advice on remote desktop tools
- Frequently asked questions
The best remote desktop software is the one that matches how you'll use it: quick one-off support sessions, unattended access to machines you manage, or remote control across a whole company network. Security controls matter as much as features. These ten are listed in no particular order, with a security checklist below.
Remote desktop tools quietly hold a lot of power. Whoever has access can see a screen, move files and run programs as if they were sitting at the desk. That's what makes them so useful for IT support, and it's why the choice deserves more thought than which one has the nicest interface.
Here are ten remote desktop and remote support tools, sorted alphabetically and in no particular order, from free browser-based options to platforms built for IT service desks. Each description comes from the vendor's own website, re-checked today. If you're supporting staff who work from home, my guide to building a remote team covers the people side.
Remote access tools at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the vendor's site describes a free plan, free version or free licence, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeyondTrust Remote Support | Remote support platform | Secure support for IT service desks | Trial only |
| Getscreen | Browser-based remote desktop | Remote access from a browser | Yes |
| HelpWire | Remote support tool | Quick one-time support sessions | Yes |
| ISL Online | Remote support and access | Self-hosted or private cloud options | Trial only |
| NinjaOne Remote | Endpoint remote access | Remote access inside an endpoint platform | Trial only |
| Radmin | Remote administration tool | Remote control for network admins | Trial only |
| Remote Utilities | Remote desktop software | Free licence for up to 10 computers | Yes |
| ScreenConnect | Remote support and access | Support plus round-the-clock access | Trial only |
| Splashtop | Remote access and support | Separate access and support products | Trial only |
| Supremo | Remote desktop software | Free for non-professional use | Yes |
Ten remote desktop and support tools
BeyondTrust Remote Support
Best for: IT service desks that want secure remote access, monitoring and repair for any device or system, with a trial available.
Getscreen
Best for: Small teams and individuals who want browser-based remote access, with a free version that needs no card.
HelpWire
Best for: Small help desks that want quick one-time remote support sessions with no sign-up step, on a free plan.
ISL Online
Best for: Companies that need remote support and unattended access and want self-hosted or managed private cloud options, with a free trial.
NinjaOne Remote
Best for: IT teams already managing endpoints who want one-click direct remote access to each device, with a free trial.
Radmin
Best for: IT administrators who want secure remote access to computers on a network and instant tech support, with a free 30-day trial.
Remote Utilities
Best for: Small IT teams that want remote access they buy once and keep, with a free licence covering up to 10 remote computers.
ScreenConnect
Best for: IT teams that want remote support plus 24/7 access to endpoints, with a free trial available.
Splashtop
Best for: IT pros and small teams who want separate remote access and remote support products, each with a free trial.
Supremo
Best for: Occasional users and small businesses who want remote desktop control for PC and Mac, free for non-professional or non-continuous use.
Why CISA wants you to audit remote access tools
This is the part worth reading twice. CISA, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, publishes a Guide to Securing Remote Access Software. It describes these tools as a flexible way for organisations to oversee networks, computers and devices, but says cyber threat actors increasingly co-opt them to reach victim systems. The guide covers malicious use, ways to detect it and recommendations for all organisations.
What it means for you is simple: a remote access tool is a target as well as a convenience. Know which tools are installed across your machines, remove the ones nobody uses, and make sure only the right people can connect. An attacker using a legitimate tool can look a lot like your own IT support, so a short, known list makes odd activity easier to spot.
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Attended support versus unattended access
Attended support means someone at the other end starts a session, often with a code, and watches while you help. It suits help desks fixing problems for staff or customers. Unattended access means you can connect to a machine with nobody there, which suits managing servers, office PCs or devices after hours.
Many tools do both, but they're often sold or set up separately, so be clear which you need before you compare.
Rolling out remote desktop software safely
- List every remote access tool already installed, including old ones nobody remembers.
- Choose one tool for support and, if needed, one for unattended access.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication for every account that can connect.
- Give access only to the people and machines that need it.
- Switch on session logging and check the logs regularly.
- Remove the tools you've replaced so they can't be used later.
What to ask a remote desktop vendor
- How are sessions authenticated? Ask about multi-factor login and single sign-on.
- Are sessions recorded or logged? You'll want a trail of who connected, when and to what.
- Can you restrict access by user or device? Tight permissions limit the damage if an account is misused.
- Where does the service run? Some vendors offer self-hosted or private cloud options.
For quick screen sharing during a team chat, you may not need remote control at all; sharing your screen in Slack covers the simpler option.
Do you make remote desktop or remote support software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My sensible advice on remote desktop tools
If you only help family or a few colleagues now and then, start with a free tool for occasional use and keep it to that. If you run a help desk, look at a dedicated remote support platform with logging and permissions. If you manage lots of machines, an endpoint platform with built-in remote access saves juggling separate tools.
Whichever route you take, do the audit first: know what's installed today, then add one tool, not another pile of them. Don't leave old remote access software on machines after you've switched; it's an open door nobody's watching.
This guide is part of my Remote Jobs and Work From Home: 47 Guides to Real Jobs, Pay and Spotting Scams.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free remote desktop software?
Several tools on this list offer a free plan, free version or free licence, often limited to personal, occasional or small-scale use. Check the terms before using one for business.
What's the difference between remote desktop and remote support?
Remote desktop usually means reaching your own machines, often unattended. Remote support means helping someone else, usually with them present.
Is remote desktop software safe?
It can be, with good controls. CISA warns that threat actors increasingly co-opt remote access tools, so use multi-factor authentication, limit access and keep a list of installed tools.
Do I need remote desktop software for a small business?
If someone supports staff computers, or you work on office machines from home, it helps. Keep to one approved tool.
Can I use remote desktop from a browser?
Some tools run remote sessions in a browser, so there's nothing to install on the connecting computer.
Should I remove old remote access tools?
Yes. Unused tools are easy to forget and can still be used to connect. Remove them when you switch.
