Before we delve into the individual tools, let’s define the criteria that make for good remote maintenance software:

• Security: This is paramount. Strong encryption (e.g., AES-256), two-factor authentication (2FA), and trusted connection protocols are essential.
• Performance: Low latency and a smooth frame rate are crucial for productive work.
• Cross-platform compatibility: The tool must work seamlessly between different operating systems (at least Windows and Mac).
• Ease of use: Setup should be simple, ideally using a basic ID and password, without requiring complex network configurations (such as port forwarding).
• Feature set: Useful additional features such as file transfer, chat, multi-monitor support, session recording, or Wake-on-LAN. (Waking up a sleeping PC) is often crucial.
• Price-performance ratio: The costs must be proportionate to the range of functions offered, from free tools for private use to scalable business models.

Here are the leading solutions that have proven themselves in practice.

1. TeamViewer

TeamViewer is undoubtedly the market leader and synonymous with remote maintenance. The German company has created a solution that is extremely easy to use and, at the same time, incredibly powerful.

Description: TeamViewer uses a simple ID and password system. The host (the computer being accessed) and the client (the controlling computer) only need the software.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, Android.

Strengths:

• Simplicity: Ready to use in seconds, even for users with limited technical experience.
• Features: Offers almost everything: drag-and-drop file transfer, integrated chat, VPN functionality, session recording, and Wake-on-LAN.
• Security: AES-256-bit encryption and 2FA are standard.

Weaknesses:

• Cost: For commercial use, TeamViewer is one of the most expensive tools on the market (subscription model).
• Commercial Use: The free version is strictly limited to private use. The system recognizes patterns indicative of commercial use (e.g., frequent connections to different computers) and can block or time-limit the connection.

Ideal for: Private users who help family and friends; businesses with a budget looking for an all-in-one solution.

2. AnyDesk

AnyDesk is TeamViewer’s biggest competitor and was also founded in Germany (by former TeamViewer employees). AnyDesk’s main selling point is its speed.

Description: AnyDesk advertises its proprietary “DeskRT” codec, which enables extremely low latency and high frame rates, even with poor internet connections.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, FreeBSD.

Strengths:

• Performance: Often feels smoother and more responsive than TeamViewer.
• Lightweight: The client file is very small (only a few MB).
• Pricing: Commercial licenses are often significantly cheaper than TeamViewer’s.
• Fair free version: Private use is also free and is considered somewhat less restrictive than TeamViewer’s.

Weaknesses:

• Feature set: Although AnyDesk has made significant progress, it lacks some niche features offered by TeamViewer.
• Interface: The user interface is functional, but some consider it less polished than that of its competitors.

Ideal for: IT professionals who value performance; cost-conscious companies; users with slow internet connections.

3. Splashtop

Splashtop has made a name for itself by specializing in high-performance streaming. It is particularly popular in industries that rely on smooth video and audio transmission.

• Description: Splashtop prioritizes streaming quality and offers various packages tailored to specific use cases (e.g., IT support, business access, education).
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (partially), iOS, Android.

Strengths:

• Streaming Quality: Excellent for remotely controlling applications that require high frame rates (e.g., video editing, CAD, 3D modeling). Audio is transmitted clearly and in perfect lip sync.
• Price-performance ratio: Often significantly cheaper for businesses than TeamViewer with comparable or better streaming performance.
• Security: Robust security features that meet enterprise standards.

Weaknesses:

• No free version: Splashtop is primarily a commercial product (but offers free trials).
• More complex product structure: The division into “Business Access,” “SOS,” and “Enterprise” can be confusing.

Ideal for: Creative professionals (designers, video editors), educational institutions (computer labs), and businesses looking for a high-performance alternative.

No free version: Splashtop is primarily a commercial product (but offers free trials).

More complex product structure: The division into “Business Access,” “SOS,” and “Enterprise” can be confusing.

Ideal for: Creative professionals (designers, video editors), educational institutions (computer labs), and businesses looking for a high-performance alternative.
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4. Chrome Remote Desktop

For those looking for a free, straightforward solution without unnecessary features, Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop is ideal.

Description: This tool runs entirely through the Chrome browser (or a small host application) and is linked to the user’s Google account.

Platforms: Any system with the Chrome browser (Windows, Mac, Linux), as well as iOS and Android.

Strengths:

• Completely free: There is no premium version or hidden costs.
• Easy setup: As long as you are signed in to Chrome with your Google account, setup takes just two minutes.
• Good performance: Surprisingly fast and stable for everyday tasks.

Weaknesses:

• Minimal functionality: There is no advanced file transfer (only copy & paste), no chat, and no session recording.
• Requires Google: A Google account is mandatory.
• No enterprise features: Not designed for managing hundreds of clients or for complex support.

Ideal for: Private users, quick access to their own PCs, and easy help for friends.

5. Integrated System Solutions (RDP & ARD)

Sometimes the best tools are already integrated into the operating system, even if they require a bit more configuration.

Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP)

Description: The “Remote Desktop Protocol” is deeply integrated into Windows.

Platforms:

Host (Server): Windows (Pro, Enterprise, or Server versions only). Windows Home cannot be used as a host.

Client (Control): There are official Microsoft RDP clients for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Strengths:

• Stable and performant: Because it’s native, it runs extremely stably.
• Resource-efficient: It doesn’t transmit video data, but rather graphics commands, which makes it very efficient.
• Free: Included in the Pro versions of Windows.

Weaknesses:

• Setup: Doesn’t work “out of the box” over the internet. You have to configure port forwarding on your router or use a VPN, which is a security risk and technically demanding.
• Host limitation: Doesn’t work with Windows Home.

Ideal for: System administrators in Windows networks; Mac users who want to control a Windows Pro PC on the same (home) network.

6. Apple Remote Desktop (ARD)

Description: Apple’s own solution for managing Macs.

Platforms: Mac-to-Mac only.

Strengths:

• Deep Management: ARD is less of a support tool and more of an administrator tool. It can distribute software to dozens of Macs, generate reports, and execute complex scripts.
• Natively integrated: Uses the VNC protocol built into macOS (“screen sharing”).

Weaknesses:

• Apple only: Does not work to control a Windows PC (or from a Windows PC).
• Paid: ARD must be purchased from the Mac App Store (one-time purchase).
• Performance: For simply “watching,” it is often slower than modern codecs (e.g., from AnyDesk).

Ideal for: Administrators in Mac-only environments (schools, agencies).

Ideal for: Administrators in Mac-only environments (schools, agencies).

There is no single “best” solution – it depends on the use case.

• For private users who want to provide quick and easy assistance or access their own PC, Chrome Remote Desktop is often the simplest and best choice. If more features are needed (such as file transfer), the free versions of AnyDesk or TeamViewer are ideal.
• For professional IT support and businesses, the choice depends on the budget and requirements. AnyDesk often offers the best balance of performance and price. TeamViewer is the most feature-rich, but also the most expensive standard. Splashtop is unbeatable when it comes to streaming creative applications.
• For administrators who manage computers on the same (company) network, the native solutions Microsoft RDP (for Windows) and Apple Remote Desktop (for Macs) are often the most stable tools.