The best remote desktop software for 2021

 

Remote work became the norm in 2020, and in 2021, it’s likely to continue for many. That can make accessing important work documents and software difficult. Fortunately, there’s a way around that potential problem: Remote desktop software.

Beyond COVID-19, remote desktops are great for anyone who needs quick access to an off-site computer. It’s also ideal for traveling positions or IT staff who need to access a co-worker’s PC.

There are a ton of remote desktop software options out there, but not all of them offer the same quality performance or user experience. We’ve done the research for you, though, and found the best remote desktop software you can get today.

For more remote work options, check out our recommendations for the best cloud storage solutions and best chat clients.

What does a remote desktop do?

Remote desktop software allows you to access and use a computer without being directly in front of it. You can troubleshoot issues, do normal administrative tasks, and everything else you would use the computer for. You’ll need an active internet connection to use it, and there might be a slight lag to your actions compared to performing them on the remote machine directly, but ultimately, the experience isn’t largely different from being sat in front of the remote system in the real world.

What is the difference between a remote desktop and a VNC?

There are a few different ways remote desktops work, and the two most common are Remote Desktop Protocols and Virtual Network Computing. Both ultimately accomplish the same thing, but they have two different ways of going about it.

A VNC connects a PC to a server running the same operating system, and it allows users to access the server and to remotely control the desktop. These are the best solutions for anyone working out of the office or is otherwise entirely off-location.

RDPs are baked into the OS — mostly on Windows. These are great for IT teams who need to fix someone’s computer in the building, but they can pose security risks if connected to the internet. Just look at the rise in RDP-based cyber attacks since COVID-19 struck.

RDPs also connect to a shared server, though they are usually limited in their functionality (especially if you need to connect multiple devices with different operating systems). However, they can be a little faster and don’t require internet. A VNC requires internet, but it’s generally safer and offers more flexibility.

Most of the remote desktop software on this list are VNCs because of this.

The best remote desktop software The best: RemotePC

RemotePC is consistently the highest-rated remote desktop software year after year, and there is a good reason for that. RemotePC is feature-rich and affordable, and getting started is easy, whether you’re an individual or part of an enterprise.

RemotePC doesn’t require any special software, and you can access your computer through your browser of choice. Users can also give users one-time access to their device, which is a welcome and easy security feature. RemotePC also supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux, so users can access a myriad of devices no matter what they’re using. It even supports Android and iOS.

All of this and more is why RemotePC comes as our top choice.

Runner up: TeamViewer

TeamViewer is RemotePC’s top competitor, and it offers many of the same features. It gives admins permanent access to unattended devices, which is great for IT maintenance or anyone who can’t go to the office for a while.

TeamViewer also offers file sharing and built-in video conferencing. So, if your team plans on doing a lot of conferences and remote work, this is a solid alternative to Zoom. Windows and MacOS devices can also print items remotely.

Like RemotePC, TeamViewer supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

The best free option: Zoho Assist (Free)

If you aren’t looking to pay for remote desktop software — say, if you only need to use it once or twice — Zoho Assist is a reliable and free alternative. It’s geared toward IT professionals, and it allows voice and video chat, scheduling remote support sessions, and screen sharing.

On the remote desktop end, users can navigate multiple monitors, file share, and reboot and reconnect the desktop.

For a free option or for freelance IT specialists, Zoho Assist comes highly recommended.

Best mobile option: Screens

If you primarily use an iPad on the go, you probably already know about Screens. This iPad app is one of the best VNCs available for the iPad, and there are several reasons for that.

Screens uses a secure encrypted SHH tunnel to protect your data during remote access, and it allows your iPad to access multiple computers, including Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi devices (though there are caveats).

Best of all, Screens supports touch input and gestures, meaning you can use your iPad as usual while navigating the remote desktop.

Best of all, you can get the service for one price. No subscription needed.

Most features: LogMeIn

LogMeIn offers a huge suite of remote services, but we think the Pro option is their best offering. It’s pricier than other competitors like RemotePC, but it also has some benefits that justify the cost to the right customer. LogMeIn Pro offers full remote access to up to five computers, 1TB of cloud file storage, and support for multi-monitor desktops. LogMeIn Pro users also get three free licenses to LastPass Premium for password management.

LogMeIn supports PCs and mobile devices, and you can create an unlimited number of users for instant access to supported devices. Its price is well-worth the features LogMeIn provides if they are properly utilized.

Most flexible: Splashtop

Splashtop is one of the most flexible remote desktop providers out there. Business Access is their entry-level subscription, and for $5/month, users get access to two computers, plus file transfer and remote print. Users can also hear audio, which is not always included in remote desktop services.

Splashtop SOS is remote desktop software specifically geared at IT and service providers, and its cost makes it an excellent competitor to LogMeIn and TeamViewer for that reason. For $17 per month, SOS gives users access to an unlimited number of desktops with all the other features included in the Business Access option.

If you’re looking for something with robust pricing options, Splashtop might be a good choice for you.

Best free for Chromebooks: Chrome Remote Desktop

If you don’t like fiddling with software or paying subscriptions, Chrome Remote Desktop is a convenient and free alternative. On desktops, Chrome Remote Desktop is a browser extension, and there are apps available for iOS and Android. After you install the extension/app and complete the setup, you can access it through any Chrome browser.

If you already use Chrome for everything else and just need some occasional remote desktop functionality, Chrome Remote Desktop is perfectly serviceable to that end.

Best free for Windows: Microsoft Remote Desktop

Another free and functional option comes in the form of Microsoft Remote Desktop. Once you download the app and connect your devices, you can easily take control of your PC from anywhere, including streaming audio and video (perfect if you have a lot of legal digital movies on your computer).

You can get Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows PCs, Mac, Xbox One, and mobile devices. The mobile version still supports audio and video streaming as well as touch gestures, effectively making your iPad or smartphone a windows device.

All of this for the price of free is pretty impressive.

How to Get Free Bitcoins Without Mining

 

Modern times bring modern solutions and possibilities, and today, when almost everything is online, it is nothing strange to earn money that way, especially with so many options available. But the question that crosses the mind of most people is how to make money, still have that valuable free time, and have a stable income. Well, one way to achieve all that is for sure, investing in cryptocurrency. Although some may say that the cryptocurrency market is still unstable, and no one can predict what will happen in the future, for more than a decade now, the cryptos are proving even the worst skeptics’ wrong, reaching new value high, and that doesn’t seem to end soon.

When we solely focus on the price and remember that the BTC started with the value of around $0.001 for one Bitcoin, and look at that value today, it is clear why more and more people are turning to cryptos – the money of the future.

One of the main concerns regarding new currencies was the security of both our money and our personal data. But as time has proved, there was no need for that, and as the creator of BTC said, “With e-currency based on cryptographic proof, without the need to trust a third party middleman, money can be secure and transactions effortless.” It is just one of many of his lines that have proven to be right, and for more of that and for more interesting news on the successful and influential women in blockchain tech, check www.readersdigest.co.uk.

Many crypto enthusiasts simply do not know how to start earning money on Bitcoins from scratch, and they believe that it is too late to enter this market. But there is no need for that way of thinking as these assumptions are so incorrect.

Everyone who already had any amount of BTC in their possession can witness that making money from cryptos is not a myth but a serious and time-consuming business that consists of logic, information, and, of course, intuition.

All these are just some of the reasons why today it seems like everyone wants to start dealing with digital money, especially with Bitcoin. But the wrong assumption is that since its price is pretty high, not everyone can join, and with enough research, and most importantly, patience, there are still several ways to do so. More importantly, it will not cost that much, and for those who don’t like the idea of mining cryptos, there is no reason to worry, as it is not about that. Want to find out more? Just continue reading.

1. Earn BTC by completing different tasks  

If you want to start earning BTC without any financial investment at all and have some free time to visit specific sites and watch some ads, this is the ideal way to start. The only thing to do is to do some research before you start to make sure that there is a regular payment, which you can easily do by checking the user reviews. It is an excellent way to earn cash, even when you are relaxing. 

2. Bitcoin faucet

Quite similar to the first one, but here, you will not just watch various ads but also participate by completing many surveys on many different topics. It is quite an easy thing to do, which, of course, doesn’t involve any investment at all.

3. Write about Bitcoin  

How many times did you come across articles that look pretty much the same? That is nothing strange since this is still a pretty new niche, and there are not so many people that know this crypto world quite well to be able to do so. All that is a reason why writing about Bitcoin and cryptocurrency overall can be pretty profitable. So, for those who are familiar with how it all works, know their way around exchange platforms, and understand (at least a bit) the blockchain, go ahead and make money with that knowledge.

4. Gambling  

Although it is not recommended for everyone, if you have a reason to believe that you are good at it, then you can actually earn coins this way. There are plenty of websites where one can gamble and try to get some free BTC, but be aware that those who are quite well at it play as well.

5. Bug bounties

Searching for flaws and vulnerabilities in companies system can be very profitable, and those who are good at that can get paid in Bitcoins.

6. BTC tips

Being kind and helping others can be beneficial in many ways, and it will not only increase your sense of life satisfaction, but you could also get tipped. Many notable sites have this incentive where you can get a tip in Bitcoin for helping others with various tasks. What a great and fulfilling thing to do.

7. Accept BTC as a payment method

The first thing to know is that you can start accepting BTC as a payment method pretty easily, and by choosing to do so, you can wider your reach, speed up the whole payment process, and get paid in coins. Those who choose this can accumulate the funds and wait for the BTC price to go up, or use the funds for further investment.

8. Lending BTC  

Lending money and getting an interest rate is nothing new, and since the cryptocurrencies are decentralized, the transactions are much faster as no one needs to validate it. If you already have some Bitcoins but don’t want or don’t have time to trade, lending money via several notable sites is an excellent way to move that money around without the possibility of losing it.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology is in great demand today, and since that’s the case, many investors believe in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin and want to invest in them. As many experts believe, this is something that will replace the financial system as we know. The fact that there is free BTC all over the net and that you don’t need mining to get it is a reason more to start dealing with cryptos, and these eight ways to do that without or with a small investment, is a great way to start. Let the crypto adventure begin.