Remote desktop software has become essential for modern work environments, allowing users to access their computers from anywhere in the world.
While Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop offers a convenient browser-based solution, it may not meet everyone’s needs in terms of features, security, or performance.
If you’re looking for robust functionality, better cross-platform support, and enhanced security protocols, explore these alternatives.
They are some of the best Chrome Remote Desktop substitutes with unique features catering to diverse needs.
Let’s get started.
1. TeamViewer
TeamViewer stands as one of the most recognized names in remote desktop software, offering a comprehensive solution for both personal and professional use.
Its strength lies in cross-platform compatibility, supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even Chromebook devices.
TeamViewer excels with features like file transfer, remote printing, and multi-monitor support, making it ideal for technical support scenarios.
While the free version is generous for personal use, business users must navigate a subscription model that some find costly.
Performance is generally excellent even on slower connections, with strong encryption and two-factor authentication providing robust security.
TeamViewer’s interface strikes a balance between power and usability, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users alike.
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2. AnyDesk
AnyDesk has rapidly gained popularity as a lightweight yet powerful remote desktop solution.
Its standout feature is the remarkable performance achieved through a custom video codec that delivers fluid remote control even on modest internet connections.
The software requires minimal installation, with a tiny footprint of just a few megabytes, making it perfect for quick support sessions.
AnyDesk offers strong TLS 1.2 encryption and a permission system that gives users granular control over access rights.
The free version is quite capable for personal use, while business subscriptions are competitively priced compared to alternatives.
Compatible across all major platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices, AnyDesk provides unattended access, session recording, and custom branding options for professional users, making it an excellent choice for both individual and enterprise deployments.
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3. Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager targets IT professionals and managed service providers with its enterprise-grade feature set.
Unlike simpler solutions, it serves as a comprehensive connection management platform, centralizing not just remote desktop connections but also VPNs, SSH tunnels, and database connections in one secure vault.
The software shines in team environments with its role-based access control, credential management, and detailed activity logging.
Remote Desktop Manager supports over 80 different connection types, allowing technology professionals to manage virtually any remote technology through a single interface.
While the learning curve is steeper than with consumer-focused alternatives, its powerful management capabilities, integration with password managers, and advanced security features make it invaluable for organizations managing complex IT infrastructures across multiple clients or locations.
4. Splashtop
Splashtop distinguishes itself with an impressive balance of performance, security, and affordability.
The platform delivers high-definition streaming with minimal latency, making it suitable for remote work that requires audio-visual fidelity like video editing or graphic design.
Splashtop segments its offerings into distinct products targeting different markets: Splashtop Business Access for professionals, Splashtop Remote Support for IT teams, and Splashtop SOS for on-demand support.
Each variant comes with tailored features like scheduled access, multi-monitor support, and remote wake functionality. Security is robust with TLS and 256-bit AES encryption, device authentication, and two-factor verification.
Particularly noteworthy is Splashtop’s pricing model, which offers enterprise-level features at significantly lower costs than competitors, making it an excellent value proposition for businesses of all sizes.
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5. RemotePC
RemotePC offers a straightforward, reliable remote access solution with a focus on ease of use and security.
The software provides always-on access to computers, allowing users to connect to their machines from anywhere through desktop or mobile applications.
RemotePC includes practical features like drag-and-drop file transfer, remote printing, and chat functionality. Its performance is solid across different connection speeds, with adjustable quality settings to optimize the experience.
Security features include TLS v1.2 transport with AES-256 encryption, personal key protection, and optional two-factor authentication.
RemotePC offers competitive pricing with annual plans that support multiple computers, making it particularly cost-effective for small businesses or families needing to manage several devices.
The platform’s simplicity and reliability make it an excellent choice for users seeking a no-frills remote access solution without sacrificing essential functionality.
6. LogMeIn Pro
LogMeIn Pro positions itself as a premium remote access solution with a comprehensive feature set for professionals and businesses.
The platform offers exceptional reliability with 99.99% uptime and multi-factor authentication for secure access. Beyond basic remote control, LogMeIn Pro includes 1TB of cloud storage, unlimited users, and remote printing capabilities.
Its file sharing system allows for sending files up to 1TB in size, addressing a common pain point in remote work scenarios.
The software performs well even on slower connections, with optimization features that adapt to available bandwidth. LogMeIn’s robust mobile apps provide a nearly desktop-equivalent experience on tablets and smartphones.
While positioned at a higher price point than many competitors, LogMeIn Pro justifies its cost with enterprise-grade reliability, advanced security features, and excellent customer support, making it ideal for businesses where remote access is mission-critical.
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7. NoMachine
NoMachine takes a different approach to remote desktop access, focusing on delivering a true desktop experience with exceptional performance.
The software uses the NX technology stack, which provides remarkable speed and responsiveness even for graphics-intensive applications.
NoMachine stands out for its ability to handle multimedia content, 3D applications, and even sound recording with minimal latency.
The platform offers exceptional flexibility, supporting not just traditional remote desktop scenarios but also enabling display forwarding, virtual desktops, and session recording.
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms, NoMachine provides a free version for personal use that connects to one computer, while enterprise editions add features like multi-node capabilities and centralized management.
For users who need high-performance remote access for multimedia or development work, NoMachine offers capabilities that few competitors can match.
8. VNC Connect
VNC Connect, developed by RealVNC, represents one of the most established remote desktop protocols with a history dating back to the late 1990s.
This mature solution offers a server-client architecture that works across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.
VNC Connect is available in two distinct editions: Home for personal use and Professional for business environments.
The software provides solid performance with adaptive compression that balances quality and speed based on available bandwidth.
Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, multi-factor authentication, and granular access controls. VNC Connect’s strength lies in its stability, cross-platform compatibility, and straightforward approach to remote access.
The platform particularly excels in mixed-OS environments where users need to connect between different operating systems reliably.
While not as feature-rich as some competitors, VNC Connect delivers dependable core functionality with the backing of a company that helped pioneer remote desktop technology.
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9. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist approaches remote desktop access from a service-oriented perspective, making it particularly well-suited for IT support and customer service teams.
The platform offers both unattended access for managed computers and on-demand support for customer sessions.
Zoho Assist integrates seamlessly with the broader Zoho ecosystem, including Zoho Desk for helpdesk management and Zoho CRM for customer relationship management.
The software includes features tailored for support scenarios, such as session scheduling, reboot and reconnect functionality, and multi-monitor navigation.
Security is comprehensive with TLS 1.2/AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication, and detailed session logs. Zoho Assist stands out for its competitive pricing model and its browser-based approach, which eliminates the need for installing heavy client applications.
For businesses already using Zoho products or those seeking a support-focused remote access solution, Zoho Assist offers an excellent balance of functionality, integration capabilities, and value.
10. Microsoft Remote Desktop
Microsoft Remote Desktop represents the most integrated solution for Windows users, offering native remote access capabilities built directly into Windows professional editions.
The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) delivers excellent performance within Windows environments, with optimizations for bandwidth usage and display handling.
Microsoft provides client applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, enabling cross-platform access to Windows machines.
The solution excels in corporate environments with features like remote app streaming, which allows users to access specific applications without connecting to the entire desktop. Security features include Network Level Authentication and support for smart card authentication.
While primarily designed for Windows-to-Windows connections, Microsoft Remote Desktop offers unparalleled integration with Windows systems and Active Directory environments.
For organizations heavily invested in Microsoft technologies, this native solution provides seamless functionality without additional licensing costs for the base capabilities.
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Conclusion
AnyDesk emerges as the strongest overall recommendation for most users. Its exceptional balance of performance, security, and affordability makes it versatile enough to meet diverse needs.
AnyDesk’s custom video codec delivers remarkable responsiveness even on slower connections, while its lightweight footprint ensures quick deployment without taxing system resources.
The platform’s cross-platform compatibility, intuitive interface, and scalable pricing model make it accessible for both individual users and growing businesses.
For those seeking a reliable, high-performance remote desktop solution that balances advanced features with ease of use, AnyDesk represents the best alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop.
However, specialized needs may be better served by other options on this list, TeamViewer for its comprehensive feature set, Splashtop for multimedia work, or Remote Desktop Manager for enterprise IT teams managing complex environments.
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