Best Free Remote Desktop Software for 2026

DISCLAIMER: The “free remote desktop software” options are recommendations designed to get you off the ground. While these programs are indeed “free” on the most basic levels or for limited times, it’s important to note that once the free trial period concludes, you will be required to pay for continued use. Additionally, if you use “Freemium” remote access options, you must pay for more advanced features and functionality.

What Does Remote Desktop Software Do?

Suppose you arrive at an important business meeting but somehow forgot your laptop at the office. In that case, a remote desktop solution could save you embarrassment, time, and potentially a new client. On the other hand, remote access solutions are also excellent productivity boosters for the IT support department in your company.

As the name suggests, remote desktop access software mirrors (i.e., captures) the screen, mouse, and keyboard inputs of one remote device (i.e., PC, Mac, mobile device, etc.) in real-time, allowing users to view or control the device remotely on another device. The primary features of the best free remote desktop tools include but are not limited to the following:

• Unattended access to remote computers
• Screen sharing and remote printing
• File sharing and file transfer
• Secure internet connections via AES encryption, firewalls, authentication, VPN connectivity, etc.
• Multi-session handling and multi-window access
• In-app chat features
• Mobile apps for on-the-go connectivity
• Cross-platform connectivity for most operating systems (i.e., iOS devices, Android, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Windows PC, Mac, etc.)
• Automatic reboots and reconnections
• Two-way desktop sharing
• Video session recording
• Multi-monitor support
• Session data reporting
• Simplified user interface
• Multi-protocol integrations, including VNC, RDP, NX, and Independent Computing Architecture
• Web browser support (i.e., Safari, Firefox, Chrome browser, etc.)
• Cloud-based connectivity (depending on the remote access software)
• Additional remote utilities  and customizable modules for personal use and commercial use

Whether you’re interested in free remote access software to transfer files, efficient  IT support solutions, or making your Android or iPhone a second PC, there are plenty of applications. Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of using free remote desktop software.

Advantages of Using Free Remote Access Software

There are plenty of benefits to using free remote desktop solutions. A few of the most notable advantages of free remote desktop access solutions include but are not limited to the following:

• Cost-Effective remote access solutions for Mac and Windows computers
• Enables your company to handle business while not in the office
• It saves your IT support department a lot of time
• Easy setup and user interface

Generally, if you’re using remote desktop software for simple tasks, the free version may have everything you need. However, there are a few drawbacks you should know. Continue reading to learn more.

Disadvantages of Using Free Remote Desktop Software

Depending on the circumstances, free and open-source remote desktop software can pose many issues for small businesses that want to protect themselves and their employees from cyber crimes. A few of the most commonly noted drawbacks to using free remote assistance programs include but are not limited to the following:

• Lack of customer service and support
• Difficulties setting up outside the office
• Inability to support a large number of clients simultaneously
• Limited cyber security functionality
• Limited advanced features and functionality
• Inability to hance multiple concurrent sessions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Best Free Remote Desktop Software

On the surface, free remote desktop services are simple. However, in truth, they are highly complex systems. With that in mind, we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions about the best free remote desktop software in the sections below.

What Is The Best Free Remote Desktop?

There are countless free remote access programs available online, so it’s not always easy to pick the best remote desktop solution. Generally, the best free remote access software (including totally free and free trials) includes but is not limited to:

• Microsoft Remote Desktop
• Chrome Remote Desktop
• Zoho Assist
• LogMeIn
• GoToMyPC
• SplashTop
• ConnectWise
• Ninja
• Atera

Are Remote Sessions Using Free Versions Secure?

Most reputable remote access providers have updated security features and protocols, but that’s not guaranteed (especially for free remote access software). With that in mind, it’s best to conduct thorough research, implement solid security policies, limit the number of users, and use a VPN anytime you’re accessing remote desktop services.

Can You Share a Remote Desktop Connection?

In most cases, yes. You can share a remote desktop connection. However, you’ll need to check your provider's support documentation to learn how. Further, some free remote desktop solutions require you to upgrade to the paid plan before sharing is allowed.

What Are The Best Remote Desktop Software For Mac?

Based on our research, the best remote desktop software for Linux, Microsoft, and Mac are generally the same. With that in mind, if you have a Mac or use iOS on another device, a few of the top free and paid remote desktop services include:

• TeamViewer
• Microsoft Remote Desktop
• SplashTop
• LogMeIn Remote Access
• Chrome Remote Access
• GoToMyPC
• RemotePC
• Zoho Assist
• AnyDesk

What’s The Difference Between Chrome Remote Desktop and Microsoft Remote Desktop?

Overall, these programs have similar functionality. However, there are key differences to note. For example, Microsoft Remote Desktop doesn’t allow users to access Linux devices, while Google’s remote access solution does. Further, you’ll need to pay for advanced features when using Microsoft Remote Desktop. Google Remote Desktop is always free and doesn’t require a subscription.

If you’re unsure of the best remote access solution for your small business, check out our list of the top remote desktop software offering free trials at the top of this page.

See also

• Free tiers limit session length, device count or commercial use, so compare the paid options in best remote desktop software if this is client work.
• Supporting other people's machines needs a ticket queue behind the session, and that is what best free service desk software provides.
• Reaching a whole network rather than one screen is a tunnel job, so best free VPN for business covers that side of it.
• Giving someone access to a shared machine without handing over the password is the problem best password managers for business solve.