Operations

Best Remote Support Software Compared

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Being able to deliver support from anywhere in the world is more important than ever. Remote support software can seamlessly connect to other devices, whether across town or across the globe. We spent weeks researching dozens of options and found Zoho Assist is the best remote support software for most. It is easy to use, has a ton of amazing features, and even offers a free version for personal use.

The Best Remote Support Software for Most

Zoho Assist logo

Zoho Assist

Best for Most

If a remote software tool is good enough for the United Nations, it’s likely the best option for most people. Zoho Assist is a robust, feature-rich platform with excellent security and flexible packages for a variety of company sizes and needs, with all plans under $25/month.

Zoho Assist makes viewing your client’s screen a breeze. This fast and easy-to-use program is beloved by many in the IT space, mostly because of its affordability, smoothness, and web-based setup. Rather than clients needing to download an app to their devices, Zoho Assist allows users to log on through a website, which means that clients can quickly jump onto their remote support meeting. It is a robust software tool, offering a variety of features and excellent security, all for a low price. It even offers a free version!

Still, Zoho Assist may not be right for your individual needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best kinds of remote support software available, no matter what your personal or professional requirements are.

The Best Remote Support Software to Consider

  1. Zoho Assist – Best for most 
  2. LogMeIn Rescue – Best for thousands of users 
  3. FixMe.IT – Best for both personal and professional use 
  4. Parallels – Best for accessing your computer via your phone
  5. Splashtop – Best for educators 
  6. Chrome Remote Desktop – Best free support option 

When Does It Make Sense to Invest in Remote Support Software?

Remote support software allows you to control your client’s screen, run diagnostics, collaborate with team members, and access files from anywhere. It makes solving problems more smooth and efficient, resulting in a better experience for you, your team, and your clients. That said, there are a few specific circumstances when investing in it will bring you and your company some very strong benefits. 

For example, if you offer remote customer support and troubleshooting, investing in an excellent remote support software program is absolutely necessary. It will allow you or your employees to see and control their clients’ screens, increasing efficiency and communication while reducing frustration and potential customer complaints. 

If you have a large team of technicians, robust remote support software is even more important. Unlike most free remote software platforms, the ones that cost money allow multiple technicians to be working with different clients all at the same time. This increased efficiency and flexibility is well worth the investment and will save tons of time and money on the back end.  

Also, remote support software is an excellent tool for education, particularly higher education. It can be used to collaborate, teach or tutor from the computer, engage your students, and access your files from anywhere. If your company works in education or even does frequent remote presentations, investing in remote support software can spell the difference between being able to serve your clients and, well, not. 

The bottom line: For personal use or individual freelance software support, there are many free support software programs available that could work very well for your needs and save you money. However, if you have a team that offers remote software support, if you manage a remote team, or if you need to access files from anywhere (especially for teaching purposes), it may be worth it to invest money into remote support software.

No matter what is best for your business, whether that’s free or not, for computer or mobile devices, we have found the best options for you.

#1 – Zoho Assist — The Best for Most

Zoho Assist logo

Zoho Assist

Best for Most

If a remote software tool is good enough for the United Nations, it’s likely the best option for most people. Zoho Assist is a robust, feature-rich platform with excellent security and flexible packages for a variety of company sizes and needs, with all plans under $25/month.

When it comes to remote support software, Zoho Assist is unbeatable. With affordable packages and dozens of specialized features, Zoho Assist can accommodate almost any remote scenario you could imagine for your business. 

Zoho Assist includes file transfer, screen sharing, instant chat, and much more. Some of the extra features include:

  • Voice and video chat
  • Multi-monitor navigation
  • Reboot and automatic reconnect
  • Scheduled sessions
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Wake on LAN
  • Annotation
  • Mobile support
  • Rebranding
  • API Documentation
  • Mobile solutions

There are many more features included in the packages on their website. There are some slight differences in features depending on the package you choose, so make sure to carefully read the list of features for each one on their website.

 Pricing plans include:

  • Free
  • Standard – $12/month 
  • Professional – $18/month
  • Enterprise – $24/month

The price is also further reduced if you choose to purchase Zoho Assist annually instead of monthly.

There are also opportunities to purchase unattended remote access packages, meaning that you would be able to access a device even when it is not being used, starting at $10 a month.

Another reason people love using Zoho Assist so much is because of its excellent security system–at least, the United Nations Foundation seems to think so. The software includes two-factor authentication, inactive session timeout, and SSL and 256-bit AES encryption. It also generates a log after meetings to show who on your team is doing what.

Start your free Zoho Assist trial to see if it’s the right software for you. 

#2 – LogMeIn Rescue — The Best for Thousands of Users 

LogMeIn Rescue logo

LogMeIn Rescue

Best for Large User Bases

If your company has hundreds or thousands of remote employees, LogMeIn Rescue will literally rescue you. Its multi-platform, scalable remote capabilities are designed for large staff numbers and don’t even require individual software installment.

LogMeIn Rescue is one of the most advanced and seamless options for remote control support, capable of handling businesses with thousands of employees. LogMeIn offers multi-platform support, from all options between desktop, mobile, Windows, and Mac. 

They offer a variety of features with a subscription, including:

  • Real time monitoring & reporting
  • Diagnostics
  • File transfer
  • Unattended machine access
  • Customization and branding
  • Integrations, APIs, and mobile SDK
  • Scripting
  • Agent collaboration
  • Desktop calling card
  • Custom and predefined support channels
  • Agent and administrator management

For an extra fee, LogMeIn also offers a package of mobile features, including smartphone and tablet support, SMS connection, mobile device configuration, SDK for in-app support, and more.

You can also be assured that if any problems arise, LogMeIn will be available to help. It offers 24/7 live support as well as instant chat features. Not only that, but this software does not require customers to install anything on their computers. They simply go onto the website and connect to it from there. 

These excellent features do come at a price, though. LogMeIn’s base package costs $108.25/month, making it the most expensive option on this list. However, its scalability and capability to handle up to 10 sessions at once set it apart from the other remote support software options.

Ultimately, LogMeIn is fast, easy to use, and able to support large volumes of employees–and if you have any doubts, you can ask why Microsoft, HP, and IBM are loyal customers.

Start your 14-day free trial to see if LogMeIn is right for you. 

#3 – FixMe.IT — The Best for Both Personal and Professional Use 

FixMe.IT logo

FixMe.IT

Best for Personal & Business Use

If you use the same computers for personal and work needs, FixMe.IT has your back for remote support. It allows multiple accounts and multiple computers per user, and includes unattended computer connection at no extra cost.

FixMe.IT by Techinline allows users to have multiple accounts for both personal and professional use, all at just $30 a month for every person using the account. It can store many computers for anytime access, and is trusted by Dell and UPS. 

Clients will have to download an app, but the installation process is simple. The software includes all kinds of features, like:

  • Multi-session handling
  • Instant chat
  • Whiteboard tools
  • Instant chat
  • Video session recording
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Two-way desktop sharing
  • 4K remote desktop access

FixMe.IT is frequently compared to more upscale remote software support services, like LogMeIn. Not only that, but it includes the capability to connect with an unattended computer as a part of its original package and requires no extra fees for the feature. With its cost and capabilities, FixMe.IT is perfect for individuals or smaller businesses.

The one major downside to keep in mind is that it’s not Mac-friendly. FixMe.IT only works on Windows operating systems, so Apple enthusiasts are out of luck. 

See if FixMe.IT is the right choice for you with its 15-day free trial (no credit card required). 

#4 – Parallels Access — The Best for Accessing Your Computer Via Your Phone 

Parallels logo

Parallels Access

Best for Mobile Access

Mobile remote access can be a headache and a half. Thankfully, Parallels Access lets you access your computer from your phone with no feature limits or extra costs. You can literally do everything you’d normally do on your desktop, through your phone. Headaches not included.

For many of these software solutions, mobile features cost extra, or are much more limited compared to web features. For Parallels Access, this couldn’t be more different.

Parallels Access focuses mainly on allowing you to use your computer from your phone–including viewing and editing documents, copying photos, and using computer applications just as if they were normal apps on your phone. Ease of use on mobile devices has been at the forefront of Parallels Access’ creation.

It also allows users to access their computer’s hard drive, access their files stored in the cloud, and store files locally. 

They also have some more specialized features that are specifically valuable for mobile users like:

  • Seamless navigation for Mac and PC applications
  • Can scroll, tap, and click to zoom just like normal
  • Home screen app for Android users
  • iPad multitasking

Pricing plans include

  • Personal – $19.99/year
  • Business – $49.99/year

There are also options to purchase the software for two years, which brings the price down even more, to $34.99 and $89.99 a year respectively. Parallels Access is one of the most affordable options on this list, costing less than an ice cream cone.

Try Parallel’s 14-day free trial of Access now.

#5 – Splashtop — The Best for Educators

Splashtop logo

Splashtop

Best for Educators

Need to create a remote classroom for students, or to make a presentation? Look no further than Splashtop. Its classroom functions allow for remote screen sharing, and its excellent security protects student privacy. Best of all, the remote classroom only costs $30/month!

Splashtop is an incredible remote software support program, complete with many advanced features that rival the more expensive software options, like LogMeIn and FixMe.IT. 

The basic plan costs only $5 a month, which allows you to have remote access on up to two computers at a time.

Beyond that, Splashtop is one of the only remote software support programs to offer a “classroom” package. Starting at $29.99 per month, this feature allows educators to share their screens remotely with their students. Once connected, students can view, edit, and even annotate lesson plans. 

The young scholars can be engaged from their desks, teachers can control their Smartboard from their iPads, and visually impaired students will be able to see better. Splashtop can work with Chromebooks, iPads, and recently, iPhones.

Beyond that, Splashtop offers excellent security like intrusion protection, two-factor authentication, SSO integration, screen auto-lock, data privacy, and more. This means that you and your students will be able to use Splashtop worry-free, without fear of people hacking into your session.

That may be why over 1 million teachers and administrators have already started using Splashtop Classroom! And, if you’re not a teacher, Splashtop is still a fantastic remote support software for IT and remote team use.

Try Splashtop for seven days free with no credit card required. 

#6 – Chrome Remote Desktop — The Best Free Remote Support Option

Google logo

Chrome Remote Desktop

Best Free Option

At the end of the day, sometimes you just need something free that will get you started. Chrome browser includes a free remote support software tool that covers all the basics and works for any operating system. You probably already have access to it right now.

If you have a device that supports the Chrome browser, you can use its remote support software for free. This basic plan allows users to access one another’s devices, but does not have the bells and whistles that some of the other, more expensive software options do. 

However, for personal use, Chrome is easy to use and the price is unbeatable. It can be used on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It offers screen sharing, unattended access support, and mobile access. While it is simple, it gets the job done, and would be ideal for personal use or for beginning freelance tech support workers.

Try out Chrome Remote Desktop for yourself for free.

Methodology for Choosing the Best Remote Support Software

There is no lack of choices when it comes to the best remote support software. While it’s great that there are so many options, sometimes trying to make a decision can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of criteria to help you make the best decision possible for your business. 

Seats Supported

The range of employees these remote support software tools offer is a range. For personal use only, we recommend Zoho Assist, Parallels Access, and Chrome the most due to their quality and economical pricing.

For medium to large-sized enterprises, there are many great options. Almost every remote software we featured in this post has larger packages to accommodate more people. The best choices would likely be Zoho Assist, Splashtop, and FixMe.IT.

When it comes to full-blown enterprises, we recommend LogMeIn, which has the capabilities of hosting companies with thousands of employees.

Security

One of the most important aspects of choosing the right remote software is security capabilities. Fortunately, all of these options have security as one of their primary values. Several of them offer two-factor authentication and shuts down the program after a period of inactivity.

The choice with the most comprehensive security on this list is Zoho Assist, which includes 256-bit AES encryption and consent-based access.

Unattended Access

Unattended access allows your team to access computers from anywhere in the world – even when your customer isn’t actively using their device.

When it comes to efficiency, unattended access gives your team another leg up. By not relying on your customer’s schedules, you will have more freedom and flexibility when it comes to working.

For that extra unattended access capability, we recommend LogMeIn Access and FixMe.IT. They already have unattended access included in their base packages, but if you want to splurge and add another package to your Zoho Assist account, that would allow you to use unattended access too.

Even with the extra package on Zoho Assist, the cost comes out to be less expensive than the base package for LogMeIn Access, although it is pretty close.

Mobile Capabilities

Mobile capabilities can be absolutely essential to your team depending on the type of work you do. While many remote support software options make mobile remote support available, there is a wider range of quality for this category.

Most remote software support is focused on computers, leaving the mobile support quality to be vastly different – or even nonexistent – from company to company.

For mobile support, we recommend Parallels Access. Like we mentioned before, mobile support is a front-facing priority of their company. However, if you’re looking for a software tool that is not as specifically focused on mobile but still has a great mobile package, we recommend Zoho Assist and LogMeIn. However, Parallels Access has the highest mobile quality and least expensive price out of all three options.

Zoho Assist logo

Zoho Assist

Best for Most

If a remote software tool is good enough for the United Nations, it’s likely the best option for most people. Zoho Assist is a robust, feature-rich platform with excellent security and flexible packages for a variety of company sizes and needs, with all plans under $25/month.

Summary

Ultimately, the best remote control software for most is Zoho Assist, but there are many other great programs that fit specific needs better than others. 

No matter which program you choose, remote support software can greatly increase your productivity by creating a more streamlined diagnostic and resolution process, as well as being able to collaborate with team members more easily. 

While Zoho Assist is the software best for most, it still may not be the perfect choice for your business, so don’t forget to use the decision criteria to determine what’s right for you.


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