14 May 2025
Remote support software allows IT teams to securely access and control distant devices as if they were sitting in front of them. These tools are now essential for managed IT services, help desks, and internal IT departments—especially when supporting remote workforces, migrating to the cloud, or responding to security incidents. We evaluate the eight leading solutions on performance, ease of use, security, integration, and pricing.
TeamViewer is a well-known, enterprise-grade platform that spans all major OS and even IoT devices. It offers rich RMM features: asset inventory, automated patch management, and built-in endpoint protection powered by Malwarebytes. The console features a modern, intuitive design that presents device health and patch status clearly on a unified dashboard. Security is a focus: TeamViewer complies with GDPR, CCPA and other privacy laws, enforces 2FA and even delays brute-force login attempts (a 24-attempt sequence can take over 17 hours). This robust security framework makes TeamViewer a trusted choice for MSPs, IT teams, and IT support desk operations requiring secure, global access to client machines.
AnyDesk is a fast, lightweight remote desktop tool built for speed. Its proprietary DeskRT codec and low latency mean high-performance sessions even on slow links. The interface is simple, and it supports unattended access and Wake-on-LAN for convenience. Small businesses and consultants appreciate its streamlined design and budget pricing.
That said, AnyDesk’s focus on the essentials means it lacks some enterprise bells and whistles. TechRadar notes it has “a slender toolset for larger businesses” and mixed customer support experiences. There are no integrated patching or antivirus features.
Splashtop provides highly targeted remote access solutions with specialised plans for different users. It supports all major platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, etc.) and is backed by a global server network for reliable performance. In testing, its connections were very fast and smooth, even on a modest 50 Mbps link. Splashtop was “fast and responsive” with sub-second lag and quick file transfers. All sessions utilise TLS and AES-256 encryption, while Splashtop’s AWS-hosted infrastructure ensures enterprise-level security.
Zoho Assist is a web-based remote support solution recognised for its user-friendly interface. It offers both on-demand support and unattended access editions, all delivered through a browser or lightweight agent. This simplicity makes it very approachable for small IT departments and support centres. The platform is “fast and efficient” and can be tailored to business needs; it helps streamline workflows like handling customer tech queries or internal helpdesk tickets, often leading to cost savings. With robust security features including TLS/AES encryption, two-factor authentication, and audit logs, combined with Zoho’s cloud infrastructure ensuring global availability, it is an excellent solution for organisations seeking reliable managed IT support services.
ConnectWise Control, formerly known as ScreenConnect, is a robust, enterprise-grade remote support solution. It excels in security and extensibility. All data is AES-256 encrypted, and 2FA, brute-force prevention, and session policies are standard. The platform is “known for its industry-standard security features” and offers integration with ITSM tools and asset management via the broader ConnectWise ecosystem. It can handle unattended access, real-time support sessions, and even virtual meetings. Its architecture allows self-hosting for full data control, which appeals to sectors with strict compliance needs.
GoTo Resolve represents the next generation of LogMeIn’s remote support and RMM platform. It adopts a “zero trust” security model, requiring each remote action to be cryptographically signed and enforcing strict permission controls. This means support sessions are highly controlled, end-to-end encrypted, and meet banking-grade security standards—a big plus in compliance-heavy or network-security-conscious environments. GoTo Resolve integrates helpdesk ticketing, asset management, and remote monitoring into a unified platform, enabling IT teams to manage patches and devices alongside support.
RemotePC (by IDrive) is a budget-friendly remote desktop solution that covers all the basics. It supports remote control of Windows, Mac and Linux machines (and even has clients for mobile and ChromeOS). Key features encompass drag-and-drop file transfer, remote printing, multi-monitor support, and session recording. Importantly, security uses TLS v1.2 and AES-256 encryption, and users can set a personal key for extra protection.
Dameware Remote Everywhere is SolarWinds’ cloud-based remote support solution designed for enterprise environments. It supports Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile OS and connects in as little as 8 seconds. Its security is excellent—sessions use strong encryption, and it offers features like integrated two-factor authentication. Dameware’s interface is straightforward, and many admins find its performance (fast connections) to be a plus.
| Tool | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Best Use Cases |
| TeamViewer | Cross-platform RMM (patching, monitoring), Malwarebytes EDR, MDM integrations | Robust security (GDPR/CCPA-compliant, 2FA, AES); supports hundreds of devices on one console | High cost for small teams; can be complex to license and overkill for simple support | Managed IT providers and large enterprises need a full-featured, secure solution |
| AnyDesk | Ultra-fast streaming codec, cross-OS support | Very low latency and fast performance; inexpensive single-user plans | Limited enterprise features; no advanced management tools | Quick remote access ideal for small teams, freelancers, and casual support scenarios. |
| Splashtop | Remote access (any OS), file transfer, chat, session recording | Tailored plans for SMBs, educational institutions, and MSPs; delivers fast, responsive sessions with robust AES-256/TLS encryption.
| No free plan; some advanced features (e.g., sessions) are limited by edition | Organisations wanting reliable, cross-platform support on a budget |
| Zoho Assist | Browser-based support, unattended access options | Web-based, easy setup; strong security; very affordable; includes free tier | Not ideal for >25 computers; feature set is basic in free plan | Small businesses and help desks, simple customer support scenarios |
| ConnectWise Control | Multi-session support, screen sharing, 2FA, integrations | Enterprise-grade security features, good for MSPs (PSA/RMM integration); 24/7 support | User interface can be cluttered, performance can lag, higher price | MSPs and large IT teams that need advanced access control and scalability |
| GoTo Resolve | Unified remote support + RMM + patch management, zero-trust security | Zero-trust architecture (bank-grade security); integrated helpdesk and monitoring | Resource-intensive; premium pricing | Regulated enterprises or MSPs requiring stringent security and all-in-one support tools |
| RemotePC | Desktop/mobile remote access, multi-monitor, chat | AES-256/TLS encryption; very affordable (free tier available) | Basic interface; occasional connectivity quirks | Budget-conscious teams, any small organisation needing basic, reliable remote access |
| Dameware (DRE) | Enterprise remote access, scripting, and two-factor | High security, fast connections, multi-OS support | Expensive; known stability issues (crashes) | Large enterprise IT shops with Windows-dominant environments (where high security is a must) |
No one tool fits all. Your choice should align with your team size, security/compliance needs, and workflow. For example, MSPs providing managed support will value integrations and multi-session support (favouring ConnectWise or TeamViewer), while an internal IT group for an SMB might prioritise ease of use and price (favouring Zoho Assist or RemotePC). By weighing performance, usability, security, integrations, and cost as above, you can select the remote support solution that best complements your overall IT strategy and service model.
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