Screen Sharing Software (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Explaining something over email is slow. Explaining it while someone watches your screen takes two minutes. Whether you're walking a client through a proposal, training a new hire or helping a customer find a setting, screen sharing software lets people see what you see, as it happens.

Below are ten options, in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. A few are household names and the rest are smaller or more specialised. I've taken each description from the product's own website, so check current details before you decide. If you work with a remote team, my productivity hacks for remote teams has ideas that pair well with these tools.

Screen sharing software at a glance

In the Free plan column, Yes means the product's own site describes a permanent free plan, free use or free open-source software. Trial only means a free trial is offered but no ongoing free plan. Free options often limit meeting length, number of people or features, so check them against how you meet.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
BigBlueButton	Open-source virtual classroom	Teaching and training online	Yes
Google Meet	Video meeting service	Quick calls with Google accounts	Yes
Jitsi Meet	Open-source video meetings	Calls with no account needed	Yes
Pop	Screen sharing app	Remote team collaboration	Yes
RustDesk	Open-source remote access	Remote support and control	Yes
Screego	Self-hosted screen sharing	Low-delay sharing for developers	Yes
Screenleap	Screen sharing service	Sharing a screen by link	Yes
Slack	Team chat app	Quick huddles with your team	Yes
Tuple	Pair programming app	Developers working together	Trial only
Zoom	Video meeting platform	Meetings and webinars	Yes

Ten screen sharing tools for meetings, support and training

BigBlueButton

Best for: Teachers, trainers and course owners who want screen sharing, a whiteboard and breakout rooms in open-source software.

Google Meet

Best for: Anyone who already works in Google's apps and wants to share a screen in a meeting without installing anything.

Jitsi Meet

Best for: People who want to share a screen in a meeting by sending a link, with no sign-up for guests.

Pop

Best for: Remote teams who want clear screen sharing with drawing, messaging and remote control during calls.

RustDesk

Best for: Tech-minded owners who want open-source remote access and the option to host their own server.

Screego

Best for: Developers and IT-minded teams who want a simple, self-hosted tool that only shares screens, with low delay.

Screenleap

Best for: Anyone who needs to show a screen to a few people quickly, with nothing to install on the viewer's side.

Slack

Best for: Teams already chatting in Slack who want a quick audio huddle with screen sharing when typing won't do.

Tuple

Best for: Software teams who pair on code and want crisp screen sharing with remote control and low delay.

Zoom

Best for: Teams and clients who already know the tool and want familiar screen sharing in meetings.

The features that matter in screen sharing software

Most tools share a screen. The differences show up in how well they do it and what happens around the edges.

• Clarity. Small text should stay readable, especially for code, spreadsheets and design work.
• Choice of what to share. You should be able to share one window or a single tab, not the whole desktop.
• Joining. Guests should be able to join from a link, ideally without installing anything.
• Control. Some tools let a viewer take control of your mouse, which helps with support but needs careful settings.
• Annotation. Drawing or pointing makes it easier to guide someone's attention.
• Audio and chat. Voice and a text channel keep a share-and-talk session moving.

Matching a screen sharing tool to the job in hand

• Client meetings and demos usually go well on a mainstream meeting platform your clients already know.
• Quick walkthroughs suit a tool that works from a link, with nothing for the viewer to install.
• Remote support needs a remote access tool where one person can safely take control.
• Teaching and training benefits from whiteboards, breakout rooms and a way to manage groups.
• Pair work and coding favours low delay and sharp text.
• Privacy-minded teams may prefer open-source software, sometimes on their own server.

If you often share slides, my guide on how to create a great PowerPoint presentation is a useful companion. And for the wider mix of apps a team needs, my roundup of collaboration tools for teams has more.

Sharing your screen without oversharing

A shared screen shows everything on it, including notifications, other tabs and anything in the background. A few habits protect you.

• Share a single window or tab instead of the whole screen whenever you can.
• Close email, messages and banking tabs before you begin, and turn off pop-up notifications.
• Check settings before handing over mouse and keyboard control.
• Tell people before you record, and check the rules where you and your guests are based.
• Stop sharing the moment you finish.

Recording laws and privacy rules differ by country. This isn't legal advice, so check the official guidance for your own situation, and be especially careful if the screen might show other people's personal data.

Check these before you commit to screen sharing software

• Do guests need an account or an app?
• Is there a time limit on the free option?
• Can I share just one window?
• How many people can watch at once?
• Does it work well on a slow connection?
• Can I record the session, and where is it stored?

Where smaller screen sharing tools earn their place

Smaller tools often do one job with less clutter. Some are open-source projects you can run yourself, and others focus on a single use, such as developers working side by side. Check that the tool is still being updated, read the help pages and test it with a colleague before you rely on it for a client.

Do you make screen sharing software or a remote meeting tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

A short trial run for your screen sharing options

Pick two or three and run the same short session in each, such as sharing a document with a colleague on a normal home connection. Notice how clear the text looks, how easily they joined and how it behaved when you switched windows. Keep the one that felt smoothest and note anything you'd like to ask the maker.

Frequently asked questions

What is screen sharing software?

It lets you show what's on your screen to other people in real time, usually during a call or meeting. Some tools also let a viewer take control to help you.

Do I need to install anything to share my screen?

It depends on the tool. Many work in a browser, while others ask you to install an app. Check whether your guests will need to install anything.

Is it safe to let someone control my screen?

Only give control to people you trust, for as long as you need it. Check the tool's settings and end the session when you're finished.

Can I share just one window instead of my whole screen?

Most modern tools let you choose a single window, tab or application. It's safer and avoids showing notifications.

Can I record a screen sharing session?

Many tools can record. Tell people first, and check the rules where you and your guests are based.