Remote control software allows users to access their computer or phone from another device, giving them the ability to work or troubleshoot issues from afar. In this post, we’ll discuss the best free software available for remote controlling PCs and phones.
What is Remote Desktop Software?
Remote desktop software is a program that allows users to access and control a computer or device from a remote location. It enables a user to interact with a computer as if they were sitting in front of it, using their own keyboard and mouse or touchpad. Remote desktop software is commonly used for remote technical support, working from home or remotely accessing files and programs on another computer. The software works by establishing a connection between the two computers and transferring data over the internet. Remote desktop software can be installed on the computer that needs to be accessed or accessed through a web-based interface.
Here is the Best Free Software to Remote Control PC
- TeamViewer
- Chrome Remote Desktop
- AnyDesk
- Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection
- RemotePC by iDrive
1. TeamViewer – Best free remote desktop for occasional use
TeamViewer is a popular remote control software that allows users to connect to and control a computer or device from anywhere in the world. It can be used for remote technical support, accessing files and programs on another computer, and working remotely.
TeamViewer is known for its ease of use and secure connection. It offers a variety of features, including remote control, file transfer, chat, and audio and video conferencing. TeamViewer also has cross-platform capabilities, which means it can be used to connect between different operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The software uses end-to-end encryption to ensure secure connections between devices. Additionally, TeamViewer provides two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized users can access the remote computer or device.
TeamViewer has both a free and paid version. The free version is available for personal use and includes many of the same features as the paid version, such as remote control, file transfer, and chat. The paid version includes additional features, such as session recording, remote printing, and device access reporting.
TeamViewer is a reliable and user-friendly remote control software that is trusted by many individuals and businesses for remote access and support.
Pros
- Free for personal use
- Easy to use, fast, and reliable
- Available video-help facility
- Supports desktop and mobile devices
- Doesn’t require installation to use
Cons
- Main screen can initially confuse new users
- Occasional nags for free users
2. Chrome Remote Desktop – Best free remote desktop for unlimited use
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote control software that allows users to access and control their desktop or mobile device from another computer or device using the Chrome browser. It is a simple and easy-to-use solution for remote access that does not require any additional software downloads or installations.
To use Chrome Remote Desktop, users need to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension on their Chrome browser and enable remote connections on the device they want to access. They can then access their device remotely by logging into the Chrome Remote Desktop website or using the Chrome Remote Desktop app on their mobile device.
Chrome Remote Desktop provides a secure connection using an access code that is shared between the two devices. Users can control the remote device using their own keyboard and mouse or touchpad, and can transfer files between the two devices.
One of the main advantages of Chrome Remote Desktop is its ease of use and accessibility. It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android, and does not require any complex configurations or settings.
However, it is important to note that Chrome Remote Desktop may not be suitable for more complex tasks or large-scale remote access needs. It is designed primarily for personal use and may not have all the features required for business or enterprise-level remote access.
Chrome Remote Desktop is a simple and convenient solution for remote access and control that is well-suited for personal use or small-scale remote access needs.
Pros
- Free with Google account and Chrome browser (on any OS)
- Easy to install and use
- Permanent remote access
- One-off screen sharing
Cons
- No chat function
- No multiple-display support
3. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a remote desktop software that enables users to access and control a computer or device from another location. It is designed to provide fast and reliable remote access with low latency, making it a popular choice for professionals, gamers, and remote teams.
One of the key features of AnyDesk is its proprietary DeskRT video codec, which compresses and optimizes data for faster transmission. This allows for seamless and responsive remote access, even over low-bandwidth connections. AnyDesk also uses advanced encryption technology to ensure secure connections between devices.
AnyDesk provides a variety of features, including remote control, file transfer, chat, and remote printing. It also offers cross-platform capabilities, allowing users to connect between different operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
AnyDesk has both a free and paid version. The free version allows for non-commercial use and includes many of the same features as the paid version, such as remote control, file transfer, and chat. The paid version includes additional features, such as session recording, custom branding, and unlimited endpoints.
AnyDesk is a reliable and high-performance remote desktop software that is well-suited for professionals, gamers, and remote teams. Its advanced technology, fast connection speeds, and cross-platform capabilities make it a popular choice for remote work, technical support, and remote collaboration.
4. Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection – Best for businesses running Windows Pro
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection is a built-in remote desktop software that comes with Windows operating systems. It allows users to connect to and control another computer or device remotely, enabling remote access to files, applications, and programs.
To use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection, users need to enable remote access on the computer they want to access and install the Remote Desktop Connection software on their own computer. They can then connect to the remote computer using the computer name or IP address and their login credentials.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection provides a variety of features, including remote control, file transfer, and audio and video streaming. It also allows for easy integration with Microsoft services, such as Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Intune.
One of the main advantages of Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection is its compatibility with Windows operating systems and easy integration with Microsoft services. It is also free and does not require any additional software downloads or installations.
It is important to note that Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection may not be suitable for more complex remote access needs or for connecting between different operating systems. It is designed primarily for personal use and may not have all the features required for business or enterprise-level remote access.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection is a convenient and easy-to-use remote desktop software that is well-suited for personal use or small-scale remote access needs. Its compatibility with Windows and easy integration with Microsoft services make it a popular choice for remote work and remote support.
Pros
- Free with Windows Pro or above
- Excellent performance
- Clients for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Cons
- Not available with Windows Home
- Firewall/network configuration may be required
- Controls only Windows computers
5. RemotePC by iDrive – Best for businesses with mixed operating systems
RemotePC by iDrive is a remote desktop software that allows users to access and control a computer or device from another location. It is designed to provide secure and reliable remote access for both personal and business use.
RemotePC offers a variety of features, including remote control, file transfer, chat, and remote printing. It also provides remote access to multiple computers and devices, making it easy to manage multiple systems from a single interface. RemotePC also offers cross-platform capabilities, allowing users to connect between different operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
One of the key advantages of RemotePC is its advanced security features, including two-factor authentication, TLS v 1.2 / AES-256 encryption, and remote session timeout. These features help ensure secure connections and protect against unauthorized access.
RemotePC has both a free and paid version. The free version allows for non-commercial use and includes remote control, file transfer, and chat features. The paid version includes additional features, such as remote printing, multi-user access, and remote sound.
RemotePC by iDrive is a reliable and secure remote desktop software that is well-suited for personal and business use. Its advanced security features and cross-platform capabilities make it a popular choice for remote work, technical support, and remote collaboration.
Pros
- Client/server and web access
- Supports just about every operating system
- Controls Android phones
- Integrated online backup (costs extra / requires iDrive 360 install)
Cons
- Pricey when there are free options
Conclusion
Remote control software is a valuable tool for anyone who needs to access their computer or phone from afar. Whether you’re a gamer, professional, or just need to troubleshoot an issue on your device, the software listed above provides reliable and easy-to-use solutions for remote access.