IT teams rarely need remote access just to see another computer’s screen. They need to troubleshoot employee devices, access unattended systems, transfer files, restart machines, support users across operating systems, and keep a record of who accessed what.
That makes choosing the best remote access software less straightforward than picking the cheapest remote desktop tool. The right choice depends on your IT team’s size, device mix, support model, security requirements, integrations, and budget.
We compared 12 widely used software for remote desktop control across areas to help IT teams narrow the list.
| 12 Best Remote Access Software for IT Departments | ||||
| Software | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Limitation | Starting Price* |
| NinjaOne | IT + endpoint management | Remote access combined with endpoint management and automation | Quote varies by endpoint volume | From $1.50/device/month at high volume |
| TeamViewer | Enterprise support | Broad platform and support capabilities | Higher cost at advanced tiers | $50.90/month |
| Zoho Assist | Small and midsize IT | Accessible remote support plans | Less comprehensive endpoint management | Contact/plan dependent |
| Splashtop | Remote desktop performance | Fast remote sessions and multi-monitor support | Product tiers require comparison | From $6/month |
| AnyDesk | Lightweight IT support | Lightweight client and broad platform support | Advanced controls cost more | $28.90/month |
| RemotePC | Budget-conscious teams | High device limits | Promotional pricing can vary | $1.95/month |
| BeyondTrust Remote Support | Enterprise IT | Privileged access and session auditing | Enterprise-oriented deployment | Custom |
| ConnectWise ScreenConnect | MSPs and IT teams | Concurrent technician licensing | Advanced features cost more | $30/month annually |
| LogMeIn Rescue | Help desks | Technician-led support workflows | Enterprise pricing | Custom |
| LogMeIn Resolve | IT operations + MSPs | Remote access, RMM and ticketing | Broader platform than basic remote access needs | Custom |
| ManageEngine Remote Access Plus | Endpoint troubleshooting | Diagnostics and remote commands | Wider ManageEngine ecosystem may be needed | Free up to 10 computers |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Basic/free access | Free and simple | Limited IT administration | Free |
*Prices are representative entry prices from vendor pricing information and may vary based on billing cycle, region, users, endpoints, promotions, taxes, and selected features.
What Is Remote Access Software?
Remote access software lets an authorized user connect to, view, and control a computer or other device from another location. IT departments use it for remote troubleshooting, unattended device access, file transfers, system administration, employee support, and maintenance.
Why Do IT Departments Need Remote Access Software?
Remote access helps IT teams troubleshoot devices, support users, and manage systems without being physically present. Here are the key ways these tools support IT work.
- Remote troubleshooting: Technicians can diagnose and resolve desktop issues without visiting the user’s location.
- Unattended access: IT staff can access servers and managed endpoints when no employee is present.
- Faster support: Technicians can take control of a device instead of relying on long instructions over chat or phone.
- Distributed workforce support: Remote and hybrid employees can receive support regardless of their location.
- Centralized control: Teams can organize devices, technicians, permissions, sessions, and support activity from one console.
- Better auditability: Session logs, recordings, permissions, and access history can help IT teams track remote activity.
How We Evaluated the Best Remote Access Software
We assessed each software for remote desktop control across six key factors to determine how well it meets the practical needs of IT departments.
The evaluation considers more than feature count or price, with greater weight given to remote access, security, and IT management capabilities.
| Evaluation Factor | Weight |
| Remote access and device support | 25% |
| Security and access controls | 20% |
| IT management capabilities | 20% |
| Integrations and administration | 15% |
| Pricing and licensing | 10% |
| IT department and MSP suitability | 10% |
Our goal is to provide you with a practical, unbiased shortlist that helps you compare IT remote access software based on your IT team’s actual needs.
12 Best Remote Access Software for IT Departments
We evaluated 12 top remote access tools across features, security, management, integrations, pricing, and IT fit. Here’s what we found and how they compare.
1. NinjaOne
NinjaOne
NinjaOne combines remote access with endpoint monitoring, patch management, automation, and device administration in one cloud platform. It helps IT teams troubleshoot managed endpoints while managing broader IT operations from a unified dashboard.
NinjaOne Key Remote Access Features:
- Unattended Remote Access
- Remote Command Line
- File Transfer
- Remote Session Support
- Remote Reboot
- Wake-on-LAN
NinjaOne IT Management Capabilities:
Centralized patching, software deployment, endpoint monitoring, automation, and device management.
NinjaOne Pricing and Plans
NinjaOne uses a per-device pricing model, with costs based on the number of managed endpoints and selected capabilities.
- Endpoint Pricing: ~$1.50–$3.50/device/month
- Minimum Commitment: 50 devices
NinjaOne Pros:
- Combines remote access with broader endpoint management in one platform.
- Supports remote control without requiring separate IT support software.
- Centralizes monitoring, patching, automation, and device administration.
NinjaOne Limitations:
- Public pricing is not available, making direct cost comparison harder.
- Smaller teams may not need the platform’s wider RMM capabilities.
Best Suited For: IT departments and MSPs that need remote access alongside endpoint management, RMM, and IT automation.
2. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a well-established software for remote desktop control and support, with broad operating system coverage and tools for both attended and unattended connections. Its enterprise options add centralized administration, mass deployment, user controls, reporting, and integrations for larger IT environments.
TeamViewer Key Remote Access Features:
- Cross-Platform Access
- Unattended Access
- File Transfer
- Session Recording
- Multi-Monitor Support
- Session Sharing
TeamViewer IT Management Capabilities:
Centralized user management, mass deployment, device administration, policy controls, and reporting support.
TeamViewer Pricing and Plans
TeamViewer offers several plans based on users, devices, and concurrent connections, with higher tiers adding more capabilities.
- Remote Access: $24.90/month
- Business: $50.90/month
- Premium: $112.90/month
- Corporate: $229.90/month
TeamViewer Pros:
- Supports a wide range of operating systems and device types.
- Offers remote access, support, and collaboration features in one platform.
- Enterprise plans add advanced administration and deployment controls.
TeamViewer Limitations:
- Higher-tier plans can cost more than simpler remote access alternatives.
- The number of licensing options can make plan comparison less simple.
Best Suited For: Mid-market and enterprise IT teams that need broad cross-platform remote access and advanced administration.
3. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is a browser-based remote support platform built for help desks and IT teams. It supports attended and unattended access, remote troubleshooting, file transfer, multi-monitor sessions, reboot and reconnect, and integrations with popular service desk platforms.
Zoho Assist Key Remote Access Features:
- Ad-Hoc Support
- Unattended Access
- File Transfer
- Multi-Monitor Support
- Reboot And Reconnect
- Session Reports
Zoho Assist IT Management Capabilities:
Remote diagnostics, technician management, unattended device access, and service desk integrations support daily IT operations.
Zoho Assist Pricing and Plans
Zoho Assist offers technician-based plans for basic remote support and larger IT support requirements, plus an unattended access add-on.
- Free Plan: Free
- Standard: $10/technician/month
- Professional: $15/technician/month
- Enterprise: $24/technician/month
- Unattended Access: From $10/month
Zoho Assist Pros:
- The browser-based console makes remote support easy to start.
- Supports integrations with tools such as Zoho Desk and ServiceNow.
- Offers relatively accessible pricing for small IT support teams.
Zoho Assist Limitations:
- Some advanced features are available only on higher-tier plans.
- Large IT environments may need more advanced endpoint management tools.
Best Suited For: Small and midsize IT teams that need practical remote support software with help desk integrations.
4. Splashtop
Splashtop remote computer access software focuses on fast remote desktop performance and multi-platform access for IT and help desk teams. Its Remote Support products support unattended access, file transfer, remote printing, multi-monitor sessions, session recording, and administrative controls.
Splashtop Key Remote Access Features:
- High-Performance Access
- Multi-Monitor Support
- File Transfer
- Remote Printing
- Session Recording
- SSO Integration
Splashtop IT Management Capabilities:
Group management, user controls, remote commands, endpoint administration, reporting, and integrations support IT operations.
Splashtop Pricing and Plans
Splashtop offers separate plans for remote access and IT support, with pricing based on users and managed endpoints.
- Solo: $6/user/month
- Pro: $8.25/user/month
- Performance: $13/user/month
- Remote Support: $259/year
Splashtop Pros:
- Delivers high-quality remote desktop performance for support sessions.
- Offers dedicated plans for IT and help desk support.
- Pricing is generally accessible for small and midsize teams.
Splashtop Limitations:
- Advanced administrative controls may require higher-tier plans.
- Product choices can be confusing across remote access and support plans.
Best Suited For: IT teams that want high-performance remote access with support features at a competitive price.
5. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a secure remote access software designed for fast connections across different network conditions. It supports unattended access, file transfer, session recording, custom clients, user permissions, and deployment features for IT teams with distributed endpoints.
AnyDesk Key Remote Access Features:
- Low-Latency Access
- Unattended Access
- File Transfer
- Session Recording
- Custom Client
- User Permissions
AnyDesk IT Management Capabilities:
Centralized user management, custom client deployment, device administration, permissions, and session log management support IT teams.
AnyDesk Pricing and Plans
AnyDesk uses user and connection-based plans, with higher tiers offering more managed devices and administrative features.
- Solo: $24.90/month
- Standard: $29.90/month
- Advanced: $79.90/month
AnyDesk Pros:
- Works across multiple platforms and network conditions.
- Custom clients can support standardized IT deployments.
AnyDesk Limitations:
- Advanced administration features require higher-tier plans.
- Connection-based licensing can become costly for larger support teams.
Best Suited For: IT teams that need lightweight, cross-platform remote access across distributed or low-bandwidth environments.
6. RemotePC
RemotePC is a budget-focused remote computer access software option for teams that need broad device coverage without a complex licensing model. It supports unattended access, file transfer, remote printing, reboot, multi-monitor sessions, recording, and web-based access.
RemotePC Key Remote Access Features:
- Web Access
- Unattended Access
- File Transfer
- Remote Printing
- Multi-Monitor Support
- Remote Reboot
RemotePC IT Management Capabilities:
User groups, device organization, deployment, access permissions, logs, and Active Directory/SSO support are available on higher plans.
RemotePC Pricing and Plans
RemotePC offers plans for individual users, small businesses, teams, and larger deployments, with higher tiers supporting more computers.
- Consumer: $29.50/year
- SOHO: $79.50/year
- Team: $299.50/year
- Enterprise: $599.50/year
RemotePC Pros:
- Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux remote access.
- High computer limits make it useful for larger device fleets.
- Includes file transfer, reboot, recording, and multi-monitor support.
RemotePC Limitations:
- Promotional pricing can make long-term cost comparisons less clear.
- Advanced administration features are concentrated in higher plans.
Best Suited For: Budget-conscious IT departments that need remote access for a large and relatively fixed endpoint fleet.
7. BeyondTrust Remote Support
BeyondTrust Remote Support is a well-known MSP remote access software for IT management, built for enterprise IT support where privileged access, detailed session oversight, and administrative controls matter. It supports attended and unattended access, along with credential management and ITSM integrations.
BeyondTrust Remote Support Key Features:
- Privileged Credential Injection
- Unattended Access
- Session Recording
- Jump Clients
- Role-Based Controls
- ITSM Integration
BeyondTrust Remote Support IT Management Capabilities:
Privileged access controls, policy enforcement, audit trails, compliance reporting, and enterprise integrations support complex IT environments.
BeyondTrust Remote Support Pricing and Plans
BeyondTrust uses enterprise quote-based pricing based on technician requirements and selected remote support capabilities.
- Enterprise: Quote-based
BeyondTrust Remote Support Pros:
- Strong privilege controls support sensitive enterprise environments.
- Detailed session records help with audit and compliance needs.
- Integrates with established IT service management workflows.
BeyondTrust Remote Support Limitations:
- Initial configuration can require specialist IT administration.
- Its enterprise feature set may be excessive for small teams.
Best Suited For: Enterprise IT departments that need tightly controlled remote support and privileged access capabilities.
8. ConnectWise ScreenConnect
ConnectWise ScreenConnect is a remote support platform widely used by MSPs and IT teams. It combines unattended access with remote commands, file transfer, session recording, Wake-on-LAN, technician controls, and extension options for customized support workflows.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect Key Features:
- Unattended Access
- Remote Command Line
- Wake-on-LAN
- Session Recording
- File Transfer
- Remote Toolbox
ConnectWise ScreenConnect IT Management Capabilities:
Session groups, technician permissions, custom scripts, reports, unattended agents, and remote administration support IT workflows.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect Pricing and Plans
ConnectWise ScreenConnect offers technician-based plans with different session limits and remote support capabilities.
- One Plan: $28/month
- Standard: $43/month/technician
- Premium: $58/month/technician
ConnectWise ScreenConnect Pros:
- Concurrent technician licensing works well for support teams.
- Includes useful remote command and unattended access features.
- Extension options allow teams to customize support workflows.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect Limitations:
- Some advanced management capabilities require higher plans.
- Its broad feature set may take time for new technicians to learn.
Best Suited For: IT teams and MSPs that need flexible remote support, scripting, and concurrent technician access.
9. LogMeIn Rescue
LogMeIn Rescue is one of the leading remote access solutions designed for professional help desks that handle technician-led support across computers and mobile devices. It provides remote sessions, session transfers, technician management, unattended access options, reboot and reconnect, and administrative reporting.
LogMeIn Rescue Key Features:
- Technician Connection Codes
- Unattended Access
- Reboot And Reconnect
- Multi-Session Support
- Session History
- Mobile Support
LogMeIn Rescue IT Management Capabilities:
Centralized technician management, support channels, session records, reporting, and workflow controls help larger service desks manage remote support.
LogMeIn Rescue Pricing and Plans
LogMeIn Rescue uses technician-based enterprise pricing, with additional capabilities available through optional licenses.
- Core Technician Seat: $108.25/month
- Mobile Support: Add-on pricing
LogMeIn Rescue Pros:
- Designed for high-volume professional help desk operations.
- Supports both desktop and mobile device assistance.
- Technician management features fit structured support environments.
LogMeIn Rescue Limitations:
- Custom pricing makes direct cost comparison more difficult.
- It can be excessive for teams that only need basic remote access.
Best Suited For: Large help desks that handle frequent technician-led support sessions across desktop and mobile devices.
10. LogMeIn Resolve
LogMeIn Resolve is a relatively new remote support software in the market that combines remote access with RMM, ticketing, endpoint management, automation, and device monitoring. It is aimed at teams that want remote support as part of a wider IT operations platform.
LogMeIn Resolve Key Features:
- Attended And Unattended Access
- Remote Monitoring
- Ticket Management
- Endpoint Management
- Remote Automation
- Multi-Monitor Support
LogMeIn Resolve IT Management Capabilities:
RMM, ticketing, endpoint monitoring, automation, remote support, and device administration work together within one IT management platform.
LogMeIn Resolve Pricing and Plans
LogMeIn Resolve offers free and paid plans based on supported devices, with higher tiers adding more management capabilities.
- Free Plan: Free
- Standard: $57/month
- Premium: Custom pricing
LogMeIn Resolve Pros:
- Combines remote access with RMM and ticket management.
- Useful for teams that want fewer separate IT administration tools.
- Supports both remote support and broader endpoint operations.
LogMeIn Resolve Limitations:
- Its broader feature set may be unnecessary for basic remote access.
- Pricing can vary based on endpoints and selected capabilities.
Best Suited For: IT teams and MSPs that want remote access alongside RMM, ticketing, automation, and endpoint management.
11. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is designed for system administrators and help desk technicians who need direct access to corporate endpoints. It focuses on troubleshooting, diagnostics, remote commands, system controls, and centralized administration rather than simple screen sharing.
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus Key Features:
- Remote Diagnostics
- Remote Command
- Wake-on-LAN
- Remote Shutdown
- System Manager
- Session Recording
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus IT Management Capabilities:
Centralized endpoint troubleshooting, device groups, technician controls, system diagnostics, and remote administration support IT operations.
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus Pricing and Plans
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus offers a free edition and paid plans with additional remote management and troubleshooting capabilities.
- Free Edition: Free
- Standard: $75/year
- Professional: $95/year
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus Pros:
- Built specifically for IT administrators and help desk teams.
- Provides useful background diagnostics beyond screen control.
- Offers a low-cost entry point for small endpoint fleets.
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus Limitations:
- New technicians may need time to learn its wider toolset.
- Larger environments may need additional ManageEngine products.
Best Suited For: IT administrators who need detailed endpoint troubleshooting and remote system controls rather than basic desktop access.
12. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the best remote control software for small businesses that need basic computer access. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, making it suitable for simple troubleshooting without the cost or complexity of a full IT management platform.
Chrome Remote Desktop Key Features:
- Browser-Based Access
- PIN-Based Access
- Cross-Platform Support
- Screen Control
- Clipboard Sharing
- Remote Support
Chrome Remote Desktop IT Management Capabilities:
It focuses on basic remote computer access and does not provide the centralized administration, reporting, or ITSM controls found in enterprise platforms.
Chrome Remote Desktop Pricing and Plans
Chrome Remote Desktop offers basic remote access for free.
Chrome Remote Desktop Pros:
- Free access makes it suitable for basic remote support needs.
- Simple setup requires little technical configuration.
- Supports major desktop operating systems and ChromeOS.
Chrome Remote Desktop Limitations:
- Lacks centralized IT administration and detailed session reporting.
- Does not offer the broader endpoint tools found in enterprise platforms.
Best Suited For: Small teams that need free remote computer access for occasional troubleshooting and basic support.
How to Choose the Right Remote Access Software for Your IT Department?
The right remote access software should fit your IT team’s needs, devices, and workflows. Follow these steps to compare options and choose a tool that fits your requirements.
Step 1: Start With Your Primary Use Case
Match the software to your main support needs. Help desks need quick ad-hoc access, while endpoint teams may need unattended access, remote commands, and device controls.
Step 2: Consider Your Device Environment
Check whether the software supports all devices and operating systems you manage. Test remote control, file transfer, reboot, and multi-monitor features across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Security Requirements
Review security features before comparing plans. Check for MFA, role-based access, AES-256 encryption, session controls, and audit logs to meet your access and compliance requirements.
Step 4: Check ITSM and Endpoint Integrations
Review integrations with your ITSM and endpoint tools. Ticketing integrations can help technicians launch sessions, record activity, and manage support tasks from existing workflows.
Step 5: Compare Pricing Based on Your Team Size
Compare pricing against your technician and device count. Check whether per-user or per-device pricing suits your setup, and account for add-ons such as mobile support and storage.
Step 6: Test Before You Commit
Test shortlisted tools with real support scenarios before purchase. Check connection performance, multi-monitor support, remote reboot, reconnect, and audit logs across your typical network conditions.
How to Match Remote Access Software to Your Team?
Different IT teams need different remote access capabilities based on their support model and work environment. Here are the key factors to match with your team’s needs.
- For enterprise IT teams: Prioritize centralized administration, role-based permissions, directory integration, automated deployment, and policy controls.
- For service desks: Look for fast session setup, ticketing integrations, session logs, technician controls, and easy user connections.
- For MSPs: Choose multi-tenant management, unattended access, technician permissions, and deployment tools for multiple client environments.
- For low-bandwidth environments: Prioritize low latency, efficient streaming, adjustable display quality, and stable performance on weak networks.
- For compliance-focused teams: Look for MFA, SSO, encryption, role-based access, session recording, and detailed audit logs.
Why NinjaOne Is Our Top Pick for IT Departments
NinjaOne stands out because it connects remote access with the endpoint-management tasks that IT departments handle every day.
Four key factors helped NinjaOne earn the top position:
- Unified Endpoint Operations: NinjaOne manages patching, inventory, and remote connections from a single pane of glass.
- Non-Intrusive Troubleshooting: The platform features background terminal tools to fix user issues without taking over active screens.
- Fast Remote Connectivity: NinjaOne helps technicians quickly connect to managed endpoints without switching between multiple IT tools.
- Automation Capabilities: NinjaOne supports scripting, patch deployment, and automated maintenance workflows to reduce repetitive IT tasks.
Conclusion: The best remote access software is not necessarily the tool with the longest feature list. It is the one that fits your IT workflows, endpoint environment, and support model without adding unnecessary complexity.
NinjaOne is a strong choice for teams that want remote access and endpoint management together, while TeamViewer, Zoho Assist, Splashtop, and others serve more specific needs.
Use your primary use case, team size, device mix, and budget to narrow the options and select the best remote access software for your organization.
FAQs
1. What is the best remote access software for IT departments?
NinjaOne is a strong option for IT departments because it combines remote access, monitoring tools, and endpoint automation within one platform.
2. What is the difference between remote access and remote support software?
Remote access is primarily used to connect to a device, while remote support focuses on helping another user troubleshoot a problem.
3. Which remote access software is best for enterprise IT teams?
BeyondTrust Remote Support and TeamViewer Tensor lead enterprise environments due to advanced security, privilege management, and global scale.
4. What is the best remote access software for small IT teams?
Zoho Assist and Splashtop are strong choices for small IT teams. The tools offer the best mix of fast deployment, high performance, and budget-friendly subscription pricing.
5. Is remote access software suitable for MSPs?
Yes, tools like NinjaOne and ConnectWise ScreenConnect provide multi-tenant management options specifically tailored for MSP environments.
6. Is NinjaOne good for remote access, or is it mainly an endpoint management platform?
Yes, NinjaOne excels at both. It delivers fast remote desktop access alongside end-to-end device monitoring, automated patching, and system administration.
