Since the pandemic, teleworking has gone from being the exception to becoming the norm for the majority of office jobs. Undoubtedly, having to all stay at home and realizing that the world kept turning helped companies open their eyes and become more flexible in their processes. However, teleworking also brought some challenges; for example, the need for remote attention and access.
Having a reliable remote connection platform is no longer a bonus, but has become a necessity. These programs are especially necessary for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need to intervene in real time, save trips, and keep their teams operational regardless of where they are.
For years, TeamViewer has been the absolute benchmark in this field. It is compatible with all operating systems, allows remote support, file transfer, online meetings, and much more. But, although it remains an interesting option, it is not always the most suitable tool for companies. In 2025, many companies are looking for lighter, more affordable, or simply… easier-to-use solutions.
But there is life beyond TeamViewer (and not little). In this article we have compiled the 5 best alternatives you can find on the market: AnyDesk, ConnectWise ScreenConnect, Splashtop, Chrome Remote Desktop and Microsoft Remote Desktop. Which one fits your business best? Let’s find out.
Which option to choose?
Why look for an alternative to TeamViewer?
As we have been saying, TeamViewer is an option that can be very interesting for many companies. It is a very complete remote desktop software product that, in general terms, helps businesses of all sizes organize their teams from anywhere in the world. But this is not about demonizing TeamViewer, but about understanding that, like any veteran tool, it also has certain limitations.
Although many of the obstacles that TeamViewer faces are more related to its scalability than to its own system, many companies may find themselves lost when using TeamViewer. Additionally, the security and permission controls can be limited or complex to configure, which affects customization and secure management of the remote environment. That’s why it’s worth exploring alternatives that make it easier. Some of the most common criticisms of TeamViewer are:
- High price and non-transparent structure. Despite having a remote access plan starting at €24.90/month, its licenses for technical teams are noticeably more expensive. Moreover, some users report false detections of “commercial use” on free accounts.
- Too many features… for those who don’t need them. Its interface is full of options. But if you only need to connect occasionally with another device, this can become more of an obstacle than a help.
- Restrictive licensing model. The end of perpetual licenses has caused a wave of migrations to other platforms. Many companies complain about mandatory annual updates and payments for features that used to be lifetime, which has generated significant criticism.
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users. Although technicians can make the most of it, TeamViewer’s user interface may be unintuitive for non-technical users. Therefore, it might be better to explore other options.
All these criticisms make TeamViewer an option that can be improved. Even though it remains the market leader, there are more options in the industry, many with the same or superior power. Thus, it might be interesting for you to explore simpler alternatives with less steep learning curves, or more customizable options.
Price is another weak point. Its scalability is not entirely clear, and it has also faced recent controversy over the end of perpetual licenses. All this is leading SMEs to seek migration to other options. In this article, we highlight five: AnyDesk, ConnectWise ScreenConnect, Splashtop, Chrome Remote Desktop, and Microsoft Remote Desktop. But which one do you really need?
Comparison Table: Which Remote Access Tool Fits You Best?
| AnyDesk | Agile technical support and teams without technical training | €22.90 | Great performance on slow connections and flexible licenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| ConnectWise ScreenConnect | MSPs and internal IT departments | €39 | Robust security and granular access control |
| Splashtop | Creative professionals and education | €5 | Smooth streaming up to 4K, multiplatform support, and mobile device compatibility |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Basic use and occasional connection | €0 | Completely free, access from any device via web browser, no installation or maintenance |
| Microsoft Remote Desktop | Corporate Windows environments | €4.50/user (CAL) | Native integration in Windows and secure internal connection |
AnyDesk: A fast, lightweight, and efficient remote desktop solution
One of the options that has gained the most popularity in recent years, especially after the pandemic, is AnyDesk. The reasons why it has reached such heights are clear: its simplicity, speed, and adaptability on networks with limited bandwidth. It is a simple option that causes the fewest possible problems, which is why many choose it to provide remote assistance in seconds, without heavy installations or complex configurations.
What makes it different from TeamViewer?
The great advantage of AnyDesk is its performance. It works perfectly with slow networks, thanks to its proprietary DeskRT codec. Additionally, it does not require significant resources, which makes it a perfect solution for clients with old or low-powered computers. And the best part is that its licenses are designed for technical teams, not for concurrent users, which allows for significant savings for SMEs with several support agents.
Pros and cons of AnyDesk
| Excellent performance even with slow connections | Only allows one connection per session |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and simple installation | Does not always notify when a session is disconnected |
| Clear and flexible licenses for technical teams | Some advanced options require manual configuration |
| Very easy to use for technicians and clients |
AnyDesk Plans and Pricing
AnyDesk uses an annual subscription model. Its most popular plans are:
| Solo | From €22.90/month | A technician with up to 3 devices |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | From €35.90/month | Teams of up to 20 technicians |
| Advanced | From €79.90/month | Companies with 100 or more technician users |
| Enterprise | Custom | Corporations with advanced customization and premium support |
Who is AnyDesk designed for?
It is a tool that can be perfect for SMEs, freelance technicians, IT agencies, or support departments that need efficiency and speed without complications. If TeamViewer’s performance has failed you on slow connections, AnyDesk is your most reliable option; you will stop having problems instantly.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect: Total remote control for those who need greater security
ConnectWise ScreenConnect (formerly simply called ScreenConnect) is one of the most powerful solutions on the market, and it has also become popular in recent years. It is ideal for those who prioritize security and customization, as it has been designed with managed service providers (MSP) in mind, but it is also used by internal IT departments of medium and large companies.
What differentiates it from TeamViewer?
Unlike TeamViewer, which tries to be an “all-in-one” solution, ScreenConnect focuses on remote support in a very professional way. Its role system, permission management, and 256-bit AES encryption make it one of the most secure options on the market. Additionally, it allows controlling multiple sessions at once, something that AnyDesk does not have.
Pros and cons of ConnectWise
| Practically military-grade security | Higher price than other alternatives |
|---|---|
| Unattended access and management of multiple simultaneous sessions | May have occasional issues with the remote agent |
| Customizable panel and own branding | Less modern interface than other competitors |
ConnectWise Plans and Pricing
ScreenConnect starts at a plan of €39/month for one technical user. However, there are other plans to consider:
| One | €39/month | Technical professionals or freelancers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | €59/month | Technical teams with multiple connections |
| Premium | €69/month | Companies needing advanced access control |
Who is ConnectWise designed for?
ConnectWise is ideal for both companies that manage remote support for multiple clients as well as internal teams that prioritize security above all. Remote control is often related to cybersecurity, so if your company works with sensitive data, this is the best path you can take.
Splashtop: Visual Performance Made Easy
While other tools focus more on speed or power, Splashtop focuses on graphic performance. It is one of the best alternatives for those who prioritize the visual aspect above all. Therefore, it is widely used by designers, architects, teachers, and any professional who needs to connect to another device to perform heavy tasks, with minimal latency and excellent image quality.
What differentiates it from TeamViewer?
TeamViewer also allows remote access to computers, but Splashtop does it with a much higher visual quality, even in 4K resolutions. Additionally, it is optimized to work on multiple screens simultaneously. It also allows sound transmission, remote printing, and session recording so you can have everything saved.
Pros and cons of Splashtop
| Smooth streaming, even for video or design | The mobile app may have occasional bugs |
|---|---|
| Very competitive prices | The update process can interrupt sessions |
| High cross-platform compatibility | Some features limited depending on the subscribed plan |
Splashtop Plans and Pricing
Splashtop has two types of plans, depending on whether it is for remote access or technical support. Some of the most used are:
| Business Access Solo | From €5/month | Freelancers or personal use |
|---|---|---|
| Business Access Pro | From €8.25/month | Professionals managing multiple teams |
| SOS (Technical Support) | From €17/month | Technicians offering on-demand support |
Who is Splashtop designed for?
Although it can adapt to large companies and businesses of all kinds, Splashtop is especially designed for designers, creatives, or, in general, people who work in artistic environments or where image is above all else. It is also very commonly used by video game developers, as it provides total visual fluidity without overpaying.
How is it different from TeamViewer?
Although it is a tool developed by Google, it is much more basic than TeamViewer. That is, it does not have advanced file transfers or multiple sessions. But, to occasionally connect to your work computer, or to help a specific client, it is more than enough. It does not require installation beyond a Chrome extension, so it can save you on rare occasions.
Pros and cons of Chrome Remote Desktop
| It is free and without ads | Very limited for professional use or multiple devices |
|---|---|
| Easy to set up in seconds | Does not have advanced support tools |
| Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS | Speed can depend heavily on the browser |
Chrome Remote Desktop Plans and Pricing
This is undoubtedly the best thing about Chrome Remote Desktop: it is completely free for all users. In fact, there are no paid plans or premium versions. You can’t pay even if you wanted to.
Who is Chrome Remote Desktop for?
This tool is designed for user-level, non-professional use. However, it can be ideal for freelancers, self-employed individuals, or workers who only need occasional access to another device. It also works as an emergency tool when no other options are available. An ace up the sleeve for crisis moments.
Microsoft Remote Desktop: The ideal solution for companies working with the Windows ecosystem, hassle-free
Most companies worldwide work with Windows, and many of them also use Microsoft 365. Bill Gates’ company is well aware of this, which is why they have developed a system that can perfectly replace TeamViewer. Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is an integrated solution in Windows that allows access to other computers over a network or the Internet. It does not require external software and is widely used by businesses around the world.
What is the difference from TeamViewer?
The main difference of Microsoft Remote Desk is that it is not just another app: it is part of the operating system. Although it is not as intuitive as TeamViewer, it allows connection to remote desktops, resource redirection (printers, drives), and management of multiple sessions when used with Remote Desktop Services (RDS). It is an ideal solution… but not as simple as it seems. ### Pros and cons of Microsoft Remote Desktop
| Free and integrated into Windows | Not suitable for Mac or Linux without external solutions |
|---|---|
| Secure if configured properly | Requires technical knowledge for advanced configuration |
| Ideal for internal corporate networks | Requires additional licenses for multi-user use |
Microsoft Remote Desktop Plans and Pricing
Although it is a free application, it also has a business option for companies. Its plans are:
| RDP Client | Free (with Windows) | Individual use or occasional connection |
|---|---|---|
| RDS + CAL | From €4.50/user | Businesses with multiple network users |
Who is Microsoft Remote Desktop designed for?
We reiterate that Microsoft Remote Desktop, despite its obvious differences with other options, can be perfect for companies that already use Windows infrastructure. If your business depends on local servers, remote desktops, or internal accesses, this solution keeps you from relying on third parties. The best part is that you don’t have to install anything else; the downside is that you will need to learn how to use it well before putting it into operation.
Comparison by categories: Which TeamViewer alternative to choose?
Before reviewing the table, it is important to highlight that each TeamViewer alternative presented is just one of the possible options to consider, depending on the specific needs of each user.
| Ease of use | Chrome Remote Desktop |
|---|---|
| Performance with low connection | AnyDesk |
| Security and enterprise control | ConnectWise ScreenConnect |
| Streaming and visual quality | Splashtop |
| Integration with Windows | Microsoft Remote Desktop |
Quick guide: Continue with TeamViewer or switch?
- Worried about performance with slow connections? → AnyDesk. The main reason it has become so popular in recent years is that it works despite potentially low bandwidth. If what you’re looking for is speed, it’s your ideal option.
- Does your technical team need advanced permission control? → ScreenConnect. It is a much more personalized, manageable, and technical alternative, which might not be the easiest compared to others, but can help you protect your company.
- Are you a designer or do you need high image quality? → Splashtop. It is the alternative that prioritizes, above all, graphic performance. Therefore, it can be ideal for artists, creatives, or designers.
- Want something free and quick for emergencies? → Chrome Remote Desktop. If you’re not looking for a fully professional solution, but something that gets you out of trouble, and you don’t want to spend a single euro, the best is not to overthink it and go with Google’s option.
- Do you work with 100% Windows environments? → Microsoft Remote Desktop. Most companies work with Windows, but not everyone knows that within its ecosystem they already have a tool that lets you access remote control. It is not the easiest to use, but it can be very useful.
Which option to choose?
Conclusion: What is the best remote access and file transfer tool for your SME?
At this point, it’s clear that you have drawn your own conclusions. However, the conclusion is the same as at the beginning: no tool is the best nor the worst; they are simply different. What is becoming clear is that, although TeamViewer is a great tool, it has not been the only one on the market for years. The needs of remote work have evolved, and there are options that are more agile, more economical, or more specific for different types of companies.
Besides the TeamViewer alternatives analyzed, you can also consider other popular options like GoToMyPC, Iperius Remote, and Zoho Assist, which stand out for their ease of use, advanced features, and security. Although they did not make our cut, we recommend visiting their websites to compare details, features, and prices.
Our recommendation, therefore, is to try several options before deciding on the final one. All offer free versions or demos. But until you try them yourself, you won’t know exactly what you need. Test them and you will know which one fits your workflow, your team, and your clients best. And the best part is that you can make a decision with the confidence of knowing there are solutions as powerful (or more) than the classic TeamViewer.