Introduction
As remote and hybrid work becomes the new norm, having a reliable remote access solution is essential for Mac users to access work devices, collaborate with teams and provide customer support from anywhere. This blog post evaluates and compares 15 of the most popular remote access software options for Mac based on key criteria to help you choose the best one.
Methods of Evaluation
We evaluated each software solution based on features, pricing, ease of use and customer reviews. Additional factors considered include monthly active users/downloads to gauge popularity, backlink profile to determine online authority and trends in search volumes for the keyword phrases to identify upwardly trending companies. This comprehensive evaluation approach helps provide an unbiased perspective on the top solutions.
1. Desktop Sharing
Desktop Sharing is Apple’s built-in screen sharing software for Mac. It allows users to remotely view and control another Mac or PC over a network. Desktop Sharing has been included with macOS for years, making it a free and basic remote access solution.
Pros: The main advantages of Desktop Sharing include:
– Free of cost as it comes bundled with macOS
– Easy setup process with no installation required
– Quickly gain remote access to another Mac on the local network
– Suitable for basic remote viewing and control needs
Cons: The key limitations of Desktop Sharing are:
– Only works over a local network, no remote access from outside the network
– Limited functionality compared to paid remote software
– No advanced features like file transfer, remote printing etc.
Pricing: Desktop Sharing is free to use between Mac computers connected to the same local network. There are no additional costs or fees associated with using the built-in screen sharing software.
Some key things to know about Desktop Sharing:
– Built directly into macOS, no need to download additional software
– Free to use between Macs on the same local network
– Basic remote control functionalities like viewing screens, controlling mice and keyboards
– Supports viewing and controlling multiple Macs simultaneously
2. Scrcpy
Scrcpy is a free, open-source screen streaming client for viewing and controlling Android devices. It allows you to view and control your connected Android phone/tablet screens from your Mac desktop or laptop.
Pros: Some key advantages of Scrcpy include:
– Free and open source
– Lightweight and fast screen streaming performance
– View and control your Android device remotely from your desktop
– Useful for app development, testing and remote support
Cons: The main disadvantage of Scrcpy is that it requires the Android device to be in USB debug mode for screen streaming and control to work.
Pricing: Scrcpy is completely free and open source. There is no paid version or subscription required to use it.
Some key stats about Scrcpy include:
– Open source project under Apache 2.0 license
– Currently supported OS platforms include Linux, Windows, macOS
– Supports streaming and control of Android devices on USB debug mode
3. VNC Viewer (for Firefox Browser)
VNC Viewer is a free remote access software that allows users to securely connect to remote desktops. It is available as an extension that can be added to the Firefox browser.
Pros: Some key advantages of VNC Viewer include:
– Free to use remote access software.
– Easy to install as a Firefox browser extension.
– Provides basic remote connection capabilities.
– Supported on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
– Utilizes strong encryption for remote sessions.
Cons: A key disadvantage of VNC Viewer is that it only provides basic remote control functionality as a free product. Advanced features like file transfer and clipboard sharing require a paid version.
Pricing: VNC Viewer is available for free as an extension for the Firefox browser. For advanced features or commercial use, a paid subscription to RealVNC is required starting at $49 per year.
Some key stats about VNC Viewer include:
– Available as a free extension for the Firefox browser.
– Allows connectivity to remote desktops running a VNC server.
– Supports resolutions up to 1920×1200.
– Uses strong encryption for secure remote connections.
4. Zoom
Zoom is a video communication platform that offers a easy to use remote access software solution for Mac users. Zoom enables users to connect via video, voice, content sharing, and chat across any device – whether mobile, desktop or room systems.
Pros: Key advantages of using Zoom include:
– Feature rich video conferencing software
– Excellent for remote meetings and collaboration
– Easy to use interface for hosts and participants
– Supports screen sharing, file sharing, chat etc.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the free basic plan limits meeting durations to 40 minutes which may not suffice for longer meetings.
Pricing: Zoom offers various paid plans starting from a basic $15 per host per month plan for up to 100 participants. It also offers higher tier plans like Pro, Business, Education etc. with additional features and support.
Some key stats about Zoom include:
– Used by over 100 million daily meeting participants globally
– Used in over 190 countries worldwide
– Supports meetings with up to 1000 participants
– Integrates with many calendars like Google Calendar, Outlook etc.
5. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a leading remote access software that allows users to connect to remote computers and devices, provide support, and conduct online meetings and conferences. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Göppingen, Germany, TeamViewer has become one of the most widely used remote connectivity platforms in the world with over 2.5 billion devices supported globally.
Pros: Some key advantages of TeamViewer include:
– Easy to use and powerful remote control and meeting features
– Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android operating systems
– Intuitive interface for both remote control and meetings
– Free version available for personal use
– Robust security features and options for business users
Cons: A key disadvantage of the free personal version of TeamViewer is that it has limited functionality compared to the paid business tiers. Some restrictions of the free plan include:
– Limited to non-commercial use only
– Remote control sessions terminate after 60 minutes
Pricing: TeamViewer offers various pricing tiers to suit different business needs. These include:
– Free personal use plan with restricted features
– Business and Corporate paid plans starting from $7.99/month billed annually
Some key stats about TeamViewer:
– Has over 2.5 billion supported devices globally across various platforms
– Serves over 500 million users worldwide
– Has thousands of enterprise customers including Siemens, Lufthansa, and Volkswagen
– Is continually ranked as one of the best remote access solutions available
6. Parallels Access
Parallels Access is a remote access software developed by Parallels that allows Mac users to remotely access their desktops from other devices. It enables seamless access to Macs and virtual machines running Windows, Linux, and other operating systems. Parallels is known for its virtualization tools that allow running multiple operating systems concurrently on Macs.
Pros: The key advantages of Parallels Access include:
– Seamless remote access for Mac users
– Supports Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and Chrome OS
– Smooth graphics performance for apps and games
– Zero configuration setup
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the free version only supports one remote device at a time. For supporting multiple simultaneous connections, an annual subscription is required.
Pricing: Parallels Access offers a free basic plan that supports one remote connection. For advanced features and multiple device support, annual subscription plans start at $49.99 per year.
Some key stats about Parallels Access include:
– Supports remote access from Mac, Windows, iOS, Android and Chrome OS devices
– Supports virtual machines running Windows, Linux and other guest operating systems
– Provides smooth graphics performance for apps and games during remote sessions
7. WebEx
Webex is a leading provider of video conferencing and collaboration software. Founded in 1995, Webex helps organizations of all sizes power hybrid work with its industry-leading suite of tools for meetings, calling, messaging, and events. With Webex, users can easily schedule, join, and share content during online meetings.
Pros: Some key advantages of Webex include:
– Full-featured collaboration solution ideal for businesses of all sizes
– Intuitive scheduling and attendance tracking tools for online meetings
– Crisp HD video and screen sharing during conferences
– Seamless integration with other productivity apps used by many organizations
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the free version only allows meetings with up to 100 participants for up to 30 minutes. The paid tiers are required for longer or larger meetings.
Pricing: Webex offers several paid pricing plans starting at $13.50 per host per month. Additional features like webinars, call me, and support are included in higher tiers up to an enterprise plan customized for large organizations.
Some key stats about Webex include:
– Over 700 million users globally
– Used in over 100 countries
– Integrates with tools like Microsoft Teams, G Suite, and Slack
– Availability on all major platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and browsers
8. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a leading remote desktop software that allows users to remotely access computers and share screens. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, AnyDesk has grown to support over 500 million users worldwide.
Pros: Some key advantages of AnyDesk include:
– Very fast remote connections – Screen sharing starts within 2 seconds
– Cross-platform support working seamlessly across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS
– Ability to remote control another computer, transfer files and remotely print
– Intuitive interface that is easy to use
– Free versions available for personal use
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the free personal version has limited support and features compared to the paid business plans.
Pricing: AnyDesk offers the following pricing plans:
– Free for personal use with limited features
– Business Starter – $7.50/user/month billed annually
– Business Growth – $9.90/user/month billed annually
– Business Elite – $12.50/user/month billed annually
– Additional configuration and enterprise plans also available
Some key stats about AnyDesk include:
– Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS
– Over 500 million downloads worldwide
– Used in over 190 countries
– Supports file transfers up to 100 GB
– Available in 14 languages
9. LogMeIn
LogMeIn is a leading provider of remote access and collaboration software. Founded in 2003, LogMeIn offers a range of remote access solutions including LogMeIn Pro, LogMeIn Central and LogMeIn Rescue. With over 3 million customers worldwide, LogMeIn allows users to seamlessly access their computers, files and applications from anywhere via desktop and mobile devices.
Pros: Key advantages of LogMeIn include:
– Feature rich remote access and collaboration tools
– Intuitive and easy to use interface for remote control
– Good support for screen sharing and application sharing
– Wide range of pricing plans for different use cases and number of users
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that the free version has limited features compared to the paid plans. For full remote access capabilities, a paid subscription is required.
Pricing: LogMeIn offers a range of paid plans starting from $49.99 per year for Pro plan (up to 3 remote computers). Other plans include Central (from $14.99/user/month) and Rescue (from $19.99/agent/month).
Some key stats about LogMeIn include:
– Over 3 million customers worldwide
– Available in over 25 languages
– Support remote access via Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux
– Options for individual and business users
10. RealVNC
RealVNC is a leading remote access software company that provides reliable and secure remote desktop solutions. Founded in 1998, RealVNC enables users to remotely access and control computers running Windows, Mac, Linux and other operating systems from anywhere. With over 15 million downloads to date, it is one of the most popular and trusted remote access solutions available.
Pros: Some key advantages of RealVNC include:
– Reliable and secure remote access software
– Supports HD video, file transfers and printing
– Supports various authentication methods including 2FA
– Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile devices
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the free personal use license limits simultaneous connections to two devices. For accessing more than two devices simultaneously, a paid business or enterprise plan would be required.
Pricing: RealVNC offers the following pricing plans:
– Free personal use license allows access to up to 2 devices simultaneously
– Plus premium license starts at $49/year for up to 5 connections
– Pro license starts at $99/year for up to 100 connections
– Enterprise licenses are also available for large scale deployment
Some key stats about RealVNC include:
– Supports remote connections to over 15 million devices worldwide
– Available on all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android
– Provides HD video quality with resolutions up to 4K
– Enables remote file transfers, printing and clipboard sharing
11. Remote Access Client
BeyondTrust Remote Support is a feature rich remote access solution that provides fast and secure remote connections. It allows administrators to access, support, and control remote Macs, Windows, and Linux systems from a single interface.
Pros: Some key advantages of BeyondTrust Remote Support include: it offers both appliance-based and cloud-hosted deployment options, integrates remote support tools like chat, remote control and collaboration directly into the user interface, and provides a fully-featured solution for remote access and support needs.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is the pricing, as BeyondTrust Remote Support is a more expensive commercial solution compared to some free and open source options.
Pricing: BeyondTrust Remote Support pricing starts at $35 per user per month for annual plans. Additional support and professional services are also available for purchase.
Some key features and stats of BeyondTrust Remote Support include: it supports over 20 connection types and protocols, protects over 50,000 endpoints worldwide, and offers remote control, chat, file transfer and more within its interface.
12. Mobile Mouse
Mobile Mouse is a remote access software developed by KeyCDN that allows you to remotely control your Mac from any web browser. With Mobile Mouse, you can view and control your Mac screens from anywhere and share files between devices.
Pros: Some key advantages of Mobile Mouse include:
– Remote control your iOS device
– View and control screens remotely
– File sharing from other devices
– Easy to set up and use with any web browser
– Cross-platform support for maximum flexibility
Cons: Mobile Mouse does not support 4K resolutions for screen sharing yet.
Pricing: Mobile Mouse offers a free basic plan as well as affordable paid plans starting from $9.90 per month for additional features like 4K screen sharing and remote access to multiple devices.
Some key stats about Mobile Mouse include:
– Works on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android devices
– Supports screen sharing of up to 1080p resolution
– File sharing allows transferring files up to 1GB in size
13. Join.me
Join.me is a remote access and online meeting software developed by LogMeIn. It allows users to easily start and join online meetings through a personalized URL. Meetings can be conducted through video calls, screen sharing, files sharing and remote access.
Pros: Some key advantages of Join.me include:
– Simple and intuitive interface for starting meetings quickly
– Fast set up of impromptu meetings without installing any software
– Supports features like screen sharing, chat, notes
– Works directly from a web browser without any downloads required
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the free version only allows meetings up to 40 minutes. For longer meetings, a paid subscription is required.
Pricing: Join.me offers the following pricing plans:
– Free Plan: Allows meetings up to 40 minutes with 3 participants
– Premium Plan: $49/year per host, removes 40 minute limit and increases participants to 25
– Business Plan: $99/year per host, increases participants to 50
Some key stats about Join.me include:
– Used by over 15 million users worldwide
– Supports meetings with up to 1,000 participants
– Offers free and paid subscription plans
– Integrates with various platforms like G Suite, Slack, Outlook etc.
14. TightVNC
TightVNC is a free and open-source remote desktop software for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It allows users to view and control a remote desktop through a VNC connection.
Pros: Some key advantages of TightVNC include:
– Customizable VNC server and client software for different usage scenarios
– Remote control, administration and support capabilities for troubleshooting users’ computers remotely
– Support for Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols like Active Directory for seamless access
– Range of pricing options available for personal, commercial and enterprise use cases
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the free version watermarks the remote screen with the TightVNC logo during remote sessions. The watermark can be removed with a paid license.
Pricing: TightVNC offers different pricing tiers including:
– Free for personal use
– From $49 for 1-3 seats commercial use
– Custom enterprise pricing starting at $999 for 50+ seats
Some key stats about TightVNC include:
– Used by over 50 million users worldwide
– Available for all major platforms including macOS, Windows, and Linux
– Supports resolutions up to 4K
– Supports RFB protocol versions 3.3, 3.7 and 3.8
15. ConnectWise Control
ConnectWise Control is a leading remote access software developed by ConnectWise. It allows users to remotely access and control desktops, servers, applications and devices across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android operating systems. The software uses high-performance streaming technology to deliver a seamless remote support experience.
Pros: Some key advantages of ConnectWise Control include: – Complete remote support solution with remote access, remote control, chat and file/screen sharing capabilities. – Intuitive interface for both agents and customers that is easy to use. – Integrates with other ConnectWise products for features like ticketing, collaboration and security. – Allows multi-session support enabling techs to support multiple devices simultaneously.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the pricing is targeted more towards MSPs and businesses rather than individual users.
Pricing: ConnectWise Control offers different pricing plans depending on business needs. For MSPs and IT service providers there are plans starting from $35 per technician per month. It also has pricing packages tailored for businesses and enterprises starting from $25 per concurrent connection per month.
Some key stats about ConnectWise Control include: – Supports over 150,000 agents and supports over 1 million connections per month. – Available in over 13 different languages. – Used by over 30,000 MSPs, IT service providers and enterprises globally.
Conclusion
Hope this detailed evaluation of the top 15 remote access software solutions for Mac has helped shed some light on the right option for your specific needs. Do some trial tests of the top few based on your budget and requirements before making a final decision. The landscape for remote solutions is rapidly evolving so be open to trying newer entrants as well that may offer enhanced features at competitive prices.