Best Remote Access Software in 2026: What’s the Right Fit for Your Team

What is Remote Access Software?

Remote access software lets users connect securely to a remote computer, server, or published application from any location. It brokers identity, policy, and encrypted sessions so workstations and servers can be used as if local. Most tools support unattended access, file transfer, and session logging to keep operations auditable and compliant.

Typical capabilities include desktop remoting, application publishing, gateway access over HTTPS, and multi-factor authentication. Many solutions integrate with Active Directory or SSO, expose admin dashboards, and provide APIs for automation. The goal is simple: deliver a responsive user experience without exposing internal networks.

Why is this type of software needed?

Teams are distributed, applications remain Windows bound, and support must happen in real time. Remote access software removes location as a constraint, enabling work-from-anywhere, after-hours maintenance, and rapid helpdesk intervention. It also reduces endpoint sprawl by centralising apps and data on servers.

Common drivers include hybrid work, contractor access, and regulated workflows that require audit trails. Organisations adopt these tools to cut travel, speed incident response, and protect sensitive data by keeping it off unmanaged devices. When designed well, the result is higher uptime and lower support load.

What Needs to Be Looked at in This Type of Setup?

Start with security and access control, then validate management and cost. Confirm the tool fits your delivery model: full desktop remoting, specific app publishing, or both. Test performance over real networks, including VPN-less access through an HTTPS gateway.

Use a focused checklist to compare options:

• Access and security: MFA or SSO role-based policies, auditing, and hardened RDP or proprietary protocols.
• Delivery model: Native HTML5 browser access, RemoteApp-style delivery, and seamless printing or peripherals.
• Management and deployment: Simple installs, clear policy templates, patch cadence, and monitoring with actionable alerts.
• Performance and scale: Stable sessions on WAN, load balancing or farms, and session gateway high availability.
• Licensing and TCO: Transparent pricing, perpetual or subscription options, and support SLAs that match risk.

If the platform matches your delivery needs, simplifies daily operations, and passes security and cost checks, you have a setup you can trust.

The Best 8 Remote Access Software in 2026

TSplus Remote Access

TSplus Remote Access, The Best Value for Money Alternative

TSplus Remote Access delivers fast, reliable application and desktop publishing without the complexity of enterprise VDI It installs in minutes, offers HTML5 web access, and scales simply on standard Windows infrastructure.

With optional Advanced Security and Server Monitoring, it provides a balanced stack for SMBs and ISVs at a fraction of Citrix’s TCO. Teams typically go from install to first published app the same day, reducing time-to-value and support load. Flexible perpetual or subscription licensing keeps costs predictable as you grow.

Pros

• Simple setup on Windows servers with built-in browser access
• Perpetual licensing options and low ongoing admin effort
• Lightweight footprint that works on-premises, hybrid, or hosted
• These strengths make TSplus a pragmatic default for app publishing.

Cons

• Not a full enterprise VDI suite for intricate multi-site topologies
• Fewer out-of-the-box third-party integrations than large incumbents

Pricing

• Perpetual and subscription options with multiple editions (Desktop, Web/Mobile, Enterprise)
• Tiered licensing scales by server capacity and features; HTML5 is included in Web/Mobile and Enterprise
• Free trial available
• This structure keeps total cost predictable as your needs evolve.

Reviews/Ratings

• Positively reviewed by SMBs and ISVs for value and ease of setup
• Users highlight simple browser access and low admin overhead
• Feedback notes affordability versus heavier VDI stacks

Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop, The Free Remote Access for Basic Needs

Chrome Remote Desktop is free and easy to deploy for ad-hoc access. It suits simple personal tasks and occasional remote help. It lacks enterprise controls, centralised management, and app publishing. This makes it a poor fit for managed fleets in most business settings. Evaluate governance needs first, including auditing, role-based control, and device policies. Avoid exposing production systems without compensating controls.

Pros

• Zero license cost and quick installation via Chrome
• Good for occasional personal access to a home or lab machine
• Minimal learning curve for non-technical users

Cons

• Limited policy control and auditing capabilities
• No app publishing or RDS-style session management
• Restricted unattended management at scale

Pricing

• Free for personal use
• No enterprise-grade tiers for management or app publishing

Reviews/Ratings

• Praise for simplicity and zero cost
• Frequent requests for stronger management and security controls

Microsoft Windows App / Remote Desktop (RDP)

Microsoft Windows App / Remote Desktop (RDP), The Native Windows-to-Windows Access with Familiar Admin Controls

RDP remains the native path for Windows-to-Windows access. The modern Windows app provides an improved client experience and integrates well with Windows security. App publishing still requires RDS roles or a platform like TSplus for browser-based delivery. This makes planning your architecture essential. Plan for gateway hardening, MFA, and correct licensing from day one. Consider HTML5 delivery when users work off-domain or unmanaged.

Pros

• Native integration with Active Directory, NLA, and TLS
• Predictable performance on Windows networks
• Broad administrator familiarity across IT teams

Cons

• Windows-centric approach limits heterogeneous fleets
• Exposure risks if gateways and policies are misconfigured
• No HTML5 app publishing without additional components

Pricing

• Included with Windows; RDS CALs required for multi-user scenarios
• Separate components may be needed for secure remote gateway

Reviews/Ratings

• Trusted default for Windows-to-Windows access
• Admins value control but note setup complexity across WAN

TeamViewer

TeamViewer, The Support-First Remote Control for Helpdesks and MSPs

TeamViewer focuses on remote support with strong session tooling and integrations. It excels at on-demand connections and multi-platform coverage. It is not designed for publishing Windows applications to the browser, so the fit differs from RDS scenarios. Map costs to ticket volume and technician seats to avoid overruns. Align conditional access, consent prompts, and logging with compliance requirements.

Pros

• Rich support features including file transfer and session recording
• Cross-platform coverage for diverse endpoints
• Mature ecosystem and integrations with ITSM tools

Cons

• Subscription cost scales with endpoints and technicians
• Not focused on Windows app publishing

Pricing

• Subscription tiers by seats and feature bundles
• Trials available for evaluation

Reviews/Ratings

• Praised for reliability and ease of remote support
• Some concerns about cost at larger scale

AnyDesk

AnyDesk, the low-latency remote desktop for performance-focused use cases

AnyDesk emphasizes lightweight clients and responsive streaming. It works well for mixed-device environments and quick sessions. It does not provide app publishing, so it remains a desktop mirroring tool rather than an app delivery platform. Validate unattended access policies and endpoint whitelisting before rollout. Test responsiveness on constrained links to confirm codec performance meets expectations.

Pros

• Snappy connection setup and responsive control
• Broad OS coverage for desktops and mobile
• Light installation footprint in most environments

Cons

• No HTML5 app publishing or RDS session management
• Some features gated by higher subscription tiers

Pricing

• Subscription plans with feature-based upgrades
• Trials available for testing

Reviews/Ratings

• Often praised for perceived speed and low lag
• Requests for deeper enterprise policy controls are common

Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist, The Remote Support with Helpdesk-friendly Workflows

Zoho Assist integrates with Zoho’s service stack and supports unattended endpoints. It is a good fit for structured helpdesk processes. It does not handle browser-based Windows app publishing, which narrows its role to support rather than delivery. Confirm integration depth with your ITSM and identity provider. Pilot unattended deployment at scale to verify update cadence and SLA targets.

Pros

• Built-in integrations with ticketing and knowledge tools
• Unattended access and audit logs for compliance
• Reasonable learning curve for agents

Cons

• No browser-based app publishing for Windows applications
• Advanced features tied to higher subscription tiers

Pricing

• Subscription plans by feature set and endpoint needs
• Trials to validate workflows before committing

Reviews/Ratings

• Praised for integrations and unattended access
• Some requests for deeper reporting and policy control

Splashtop

Splashtop, The Smooth Audio/Video Streaming for Creative and Education Use Cases

Splashtop offers stable sessions with strong media performance. It is popular in labs and creative teams that need responsive audio and video. It remains a remote desktop tool rather than a browser-based app publisher, so the use case differs from RDS. Run a media-focused pilot with your creative tools and peripherals. Verify audio redirection, tablet input, and colour fidelity meet workflow needs.

Pros

• Reliable HD streaming with consistent session quality
• Broad device coverage across platforms
• Straightforward deployment for classrooms and studios.

Cons

• No HTML5 app publishing or gateway-style session control
• Costs vary by plan and endpoint count

Pricing

• Subscription plans sized for teams and institutions
• Trials available for evaluation

Reviews/Ratings

• Positive feedback on audio and video smoothness
• Requests for deeper enterprise policy features show up at scale

RustDesk

RustDesk, The Open-Source Remote Desktop with Self-hosting Options

RustDesk appeals to teams that prefer open-source software and control over infrastructure. It can be self-hosted to meet internal policies. It requires more effort to operate at scale and does not provide browser-based app publishing, which narrows the fit. Budget for relay servers, certificates, and routine patching. Assign clear ownership for security updates and incident response in a self-hosted model.

Pros

• Open-source approach with community momentum
• Self-hosting for data residency and policy control
• Multi-platform coverage for common endpoints.

Cons

• Enterprise features and compliance require effort to implement.
• Limited vendor-backed support compared to commercial tools.

Pricing

• Free software with self-hosted infrastructure costs
• Community support and optional services where available

Reviews/Ratings

• Praised for transparency and flexibility
• Requests for turnkey enterprise features appear in larger deployments

How Do These Solutions Compare?

Software	Best For	Platforms	App publishing	Unattended access	Security / MFA	Pricing Model	Trial	Standout
TSplus Remote Access	SMB app publishing & RDS	Windows servers; web on any device	Yes (HTML5, no client)	Yes	2FA, IP rules (+ Advanced Security)	Lifetime or subscription	15-day	Value, simple admin
Chrome Remote Desktop	Free personal/basic access	Windows/macOS/Linux via Chrome	No	Limited	Google account; basic controls	Free	-	Zero-cost basics
Microsoft Windows app / RDP	Windows-to-Windows RDS	Windows, clients	No	Yes	NLA/TLS, AD integration	Included with Windows/RDS CALs	-	Native integration
TeamViewer	Remote support & co-browsing	Multi-platform	No	Yes	MFA, conditional access	Subscription	Trial	Strong support features
AnyDesk	Low-latency remote desktop	Multi-platform	No	Yes	MFA options	Subscription	Trial	High performance
Zoho Assist	Helpdesk & unattended IT	Multi-platform	No	Yes	MFA, audit logs	Subscription	Trial	Helpdesk workflows
Splashtop	HD streaming & audio	Multi-platform	No	Yes	MFA	Subscription	Trial	Media performance
RustDesk	Open-source remote desktop	Multi-platform	No	Yes	Self-host options	Free / self-host	-	Open-source control

Conclusion

Choosing remote access software depends on your goal: app publishing, day-to-day support, or fast desktop control. Use the comparison table to shortlist options by security, licensing, and platform fit. For SMBs and ISVs that want browser-based delivery without VDI complexity, TSplus offers the best value and fastest path to results. Start a free trial and validate in your environment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is remote access software and how is it different from app publishing?

Remote access mirrors a full remote desktop. App publishing delivers specific Windows apps via browser or lightweight client. Use access for admin tasks; use publishing when users only need named apps.

Which remote access option is best for SMBs in 2026?

For SMBs that want browser delivery without VDI complexity, TSplus pairs HTML5 publishing with simple admin and predictable licensing. If you only need occasional support, tools like TeamViewer or Zoho Assist may fit.

Is RDP safe to expose over the internet?

Not directly. Use a hardened gateway, MFA, and restricted IPs, or a platform that provides HTTPS reverse proxy and policy control. Avoid open RDP ports to reduce attack surface.

What is the best free option for basic use?

Chrome Remote Desktop works for occasional personal access. Most businesses outgrow it due to limited policy, auditing, and app publishing. Plan a pilot before relying on it for production.

How do I choose between TeamViewer/AnyDesk vs. TSplus?

Pick support tools (TeamViewer/AnyDesk/Zoho Assist) for on-demand troubleshooting across many devices. Pick TSplus when the goal is delivering Windows apps to users via HTML5 with centralised control.

Does TSplus support MFA and security hardening?

Yes—2FA and IP filtering are included, with optional Advanced Security for geo rules, working hours, and extra protections. Pair with monitoring to audit access and automate alerts.

How should I compare pricing across tools?

Look past the headline price. Include the licensing model (perpetual vs. subscription), required add-ons, infrastructure, and admin time. For SMB app publishing, TSplus keeps TCO predictable as you scale.