Fast yet intertwined, such is our world today. Internet plays perhaps the greatest part in both these aspects, and, when well harnessed, it can also be one of the most potent to slow everything down.
Indeed, remote access software stands increasingly as a fundamental pillar the digital landscape and enables individuals and organizations to transcend the limitations of physical proximity. It is the key to remote working, connecting to computers and networks from anywhere, regardless of distance, location, language, via an internet connection.
Of all technology, remote access software therefore needs to be carefully chosen, according to a variety of criteria. With that goal in mind, let us discuss some of the best remote access software and weigh up their principal advantages and disadvantages.
Why Remote Access Software?
Whether you are a tech support specialist, an IT professional, an IT administrator in an SMB or enterprise, or a remote worker, the power of remote access software is undeniable. It allows you to remotely access applications, files and systems, and to remotely control them, all as though you were physically present. It gives legacy software a new lease of life and grants thin-client and light devices the power and speed of your top of the range servers to run heavy applications. No wonder it a vital tool for streamlining operations and enhancing productivity.
Understanding Remote Access Software
Remote access software, also referred to as remote control or remote desktop software, empowers you to view and take command of a computer or the apps or data it contains, from a distant location. Here, the focus is away from support or troubleshooting and on application publishing and web-enabling. This is not only about viewing screens; it is about full control, where you can operate the mouse and keyboard, effectively using the computer as if it were right in front of you, harnessing its live memory and processing power as well as its contents, from wherever you may be, on whichever device.
The protocols behind this technology, such as RDS/RDP for Windows, Chromoting for Chrome Remote Desktop, VNC/RFB for VNC, etc., ensure seamless communication between devices. These protocols might have different names and origins, but they all serve the same core function: bridging the gap between your location and the remote system. Some products focus on one protocol alone, others provide wider compatibility and let you choose.
But, we will need some criteria to sift through the large number of software products available on the market. For today, let us leave aside remote control. Our focus is going to be remote access for distant desktops, application publishing and accounts management.
Criteria - 1: The Safety and Security of Remote Access Software
The current digital landscape is recurringly marked by ever-growing cyber threats. Thus, security is paramount when considering remote access software. Ensuring the safety of your data, privacy and network is critical. To my mind, the most reputable remote access software providers prioritize security as a core feature of their offerings. They employ robust encryption protocols, such as single sign-on authentication (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device authentication, to fortify their defenses against potential breaches. Furthermore, they maintain comprehensive logs and session recordings, ensuring necessary auditability and compliance with data protection regulations. By adopting remote access solutions that are designed with security in mind, you can confidently navigate and harness the digital realm, bridging physical distances with trust and reliability.
Criteria - 2: Compatibility of Any Remote Access Software with Your IT Infrastructure
Another key factor to consider is the compatibility of the software with your operating systems and devices. It can be beneficial to make use of free trial periods to test and assess their suitability before choosing a paid solution.
Criteria - 3: Matters of Performance and Efficiency
Additionally, evaluating the speed and performance of the software will most likely be central. Indeed, however they may use it, our colleagues and customers all need efficiency and stability from your company’s remote access. That means ensuring a seamless user experience wherever possible.
Criteria - 4: Best Remote Access Software - Ease of Installation and Use
Rare are the companies and lives in which time is not of the essence for all involved. Thus, ease of setup of the software is essential. The lighter the load of training to use new software and tools, be it financially or for staff involvement, the better the transition. Intuitive and simple will often have a clear advantage over long and complicated for all those involved.
Criteria - 5: Affordable and Good Value-for-Money Remote Access Products
You may have noticed different providers market their products using different pricing structures. Around the actual price, and whether it is on subscription, for a lifetime or another plan, it is clear that the quality of the web-shop, publicity and communication will play in selling a product, as will the visibility, popularity and more.
There are advantages and disadvantages in both a lifetime license and a subscription. No wonder: choosing between a long-term investment and small recurring payments is one of those questions everyone among us will probably address relatively regularly throughout life. Much of the answer depends on our intent, our current financial situation and what we know we can count on in the near future.
Criteria - 6: Essential Features of Top Remote Access Software
Picking out which features are essential, as in your company can in no way do without them, could be the biggest hurdle. All the more since available features are likely to depend on price, due to the fact great features can be used as buying levers. Nonetheless, remember two things. Firstly, there are many products out there, many. And, secondly, there are software developers intent more on seeing their great products out, in use and benefitting lives than on only bringing in dividends. Therefore, if you take the time to carefully list your top “can’t do without” features, chances are you could find the perfect fit after all.
Time to get started:
So, remote access software tools each have their strengths and may be suitable for different use cases. You can evaluate them based on your company’s specific requirements, such as remote access speed, security, ease and feature set and also price. It should also be beneficial to try out more than one of these tools to see which aligns best with your needs. If you have any specific questions or need more detailed information on any of these tools, please feel free to ask.
Best Remote Access Software in 2023
1. TSplus Remote Access - Best Value-for-Money
In Short:
TSplus Remote Access is a comprehensive remote desktop access solution designed for IT professionals and businesses. It boasts a wide range of features to enable remote access, application publishing to the web, remote desktops and more.
The software streamlines the remote access process, ensuring that users can easily navigate and utilize its features, while still offering advanced configuration for technicians with very specific infrastructure requirements. The solution offers a comprehensive set of features under a lifetime license, ensuring you get good value for your investment.
Pros:
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Safety and Security: TSplus Remote Access prioritizes the safety and security of remote access, incorporating robust measures to protect your IT infrastructure and sensitive data. 2FA is included in most packages and Advanced Security is available as an add-on for enhanced 360° cyber-security.
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Compatibility: This tool seamlessly integrates with your existing IT infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and a smooth transition to remote access solutions.
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Performance and Efficiency: The software excels in performance, offering efficient remote access and real-time monitoring for quicker issue resolution. Backed by efficient customer support, the tool is well-honed for scaling from small to large IT parks and set-ups.
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Ease of Use: TSplus Remote Access features a simple intuitive interface, making installation and use straightforward, even for users without extensive technical expertise. It is securely accessible from any OS thanks to its web application over HTML5.
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Value for Money: TSplus Remote Access provides a budget-friendly alternative to expensive remote access solutions. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking to maximize their resources.
Cons:
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Windows OS: Even though some of the other software in the TSplus suite is compatible with different operating systems, TSplus Remote Access primarily caters to Windows servers. Its HTML5 access on your favourite device via any browser is the current workaround for this.
To Wrap-up:
TSplus Remote Access stands out in multiple aspects, emphasizing safety, compatibility, performance, ease of use and affordability. It ensures the safety and security of remote access, seamless integration with existing infrastructure, optimal performance and a user-friendly interface. Additionally, its essential features are intuitive application publishing, granular users and groups management and farm management. For businesses seeking a reliable and cost-effective remote access solution, TSplus Remote Access is the optimal choice.
2. Chrome Remote Desktop: Best Free Remote Access
In Short:
Chrome Remote Desktop is a cross-platform remote administration tool that requires the Chrome browser and an extension. It offers screen sharing and mobile access. Users seem happy with it and being free, it seems a cost-effective option.
Pros:
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Allows remote access even when the user is not logged in;
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quick installation, no additional downloads;
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multi-monitor support;/p>
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includes a file transfer tool;
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works with any OS (Windows, macOS, and Linux) via your Chrome browser.
Cons:
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Lacks remote printing;
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not scalable for corporate use;
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uses Chrome browser only.
To Wrap-up:
Chrome Remote Desktop is a simple cross-platform solution for accessing your computer remotely. Maybe not always user-friendly and more suitable for home use.
3. Windows Remote Desktop: Best for being Built-in
In Short:
Built into the Windows OS, Windows Remote Desktop provides a natural remote access experience. It’s great for controlling a remote Windows PC but may require more setup.
Pros:
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Provides a natural and easy-to-use remote access experience;
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no additional download is necessary;
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supports file transfers;
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offers a native Windows solution for a seamless experience.
Cons:
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1. Limited to Windows only;
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not every Windows version can be remoted into;
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requires port forwarding changes to be set up. Best suited for Windows-based systems.
To Wrap-up:
Windows Remote Desktop is an excellent choice for controlling a remote Windows PC, especially for tech-savvy users.
4. GoToMyPC: Best from Mobile Devices
In Short:
With GoToMyPC, you can access files and applications remotely and work from anywhere as though you were in front of your computer.
Pros:
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Easy to use;
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solid security (256-bit encryption);
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fast file transfer;
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accessible on mobile.
Cons:
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Relatively expensive;
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occasionally slow;
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expensive.
To Wrap-up:
GoToMyPC offers easy remote desktop access, especially from mobile devices. It provides solid features but comes at a relatively higher price.
5. Parallels RAS: Best for Mac Access to Windows Apps
In Short:
Parallels Remote Application Server offers virtual remote access to desktops and apps. It enables centralized management and is secure, providing companies with a multi-platform solution for their infrastructure. It can be cloud based, on-premises or both.
Pros:
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1. Secure;
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web-enable applications and desktops;
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access from anywhere, on any device;
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license includes support.
Cons:
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1. Some issues with integration;
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multi-factor authentication can be complicated to configure.
To Wrap-up:
Versatile tool which help companies prolong the life of legacy applications and gain cross-OS compatibility. Parallels RAS provides support and training to pave the way for its clients to put their tool to good use.
6. Remote Desktop Manager: Suited to businesses with large networks of connected devices
In Short:
Remote Desktop Manager is an excellent choice for medium to large businesses, offering impressive security features and scalability, though it comes at a higher price point. Its trial period is also amongst the longer ones with 30 days, giving ample time to try and test a tool’s capacities.
Pros:
Strong security features such as role-based access control and password management;
ease of use;
shared database
free 30-day trial.
Cons:
Relatively expensive;
can be a little slow;
accounts and access management only, no application publication.
To Wrap-up:
Remote Desktop Manager can be an excellent choice if you do not have to think about budget. It has good access management but does not publish applications to the Web. It nonetheless is a very secure option if it suits your remote access needs.
Making a Decision - Which Remote Access Software?
With a multitude of options available, the choice you make will significantly impact your connectivity and productivity. Yet, the essential task of selecting the right remote access software should seem less daunting by now. As you see, these tools vary in terms of features, ease of use, platform compatibility, etc.. Also, once you have tested one or two, you should discern your requirements even better.
So, such is my current selection amongst the numerous tools using RDP and similar technology to provide businesses with remote access to their servers and app, desktops and devices. There are tools available to fit one size or another and a variety of uses. Choosing can therefore be difficult. The criteria set out above highlight some paramount, necessary and preferable aspects
Some products meet a couple of the criteria but not all match to all of them. Unsurprisingly since it is difficult to tick all the boxes without being expensive. This table gives a summary of the reviews above, once more to make picking out the best software for your remote access and application publishing needs.
In conclusion: Best Remote Access Software in 2023
Remote access software has evolved to become a cornerstone of modern business operations and remote work. It empowers users to connect, collaborate and support one another from anywhere in the world. By focusing on security, convenience and the alignment of software features with your needs, you can harness the full potential of remote access technology. In a world where physical boundaries are no longer limitations, remote access software becomes the bridge uniting our digital endeavours.
Hopefully, this tour of the best remote access software products, highlighting key features, pros, and cons, will prove useful to you in refining what you are looking for. Let us know if you’d like more information or further details on TSplus Remote Access or any of our software. And if your mind is made up, download our fully-featured free 15-day trial or buy now from our store.
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