9 BEST Remote Administration (Management) Tools in 2023
David Taylor
Remote Access tools are linked with several risks; thus, it is important to choose reputed monitoring tools for businesses.
You should remember, that Installing an ordinary RAT tool paves the way for hackers who steal sensitive information. They can also take control of the device camera and inflict other kinds of harm on you, rendering you helpless. This is why it is highly necessary to research and get expert opinions before purchasing licenses.
Good remote access programs are now a necessity for a modern work environment and efficiency. Security is one of the vital features, but other requirements are easy access, quality of view, speed, convenience, etc.
Hence, to find the best remote access software for your business, we have curated a list of 9 all-rounder software. We conducted extensive research and looked into their features, security level, user list, benefits, and pricing. Read more…
Best Remote Administration (RAT) Tools: Top Picks
| Name | Security | Supported Platforms | Free Trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoho Assist | SSL and 256- bit AES encryption, multi factor authentication | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Raspberry pi, Chromebook devices | 15 days free trial | Learn More |
| Splashtop | Hosted on AWS SOC 2 TYPE 2 and SOC3 certification | Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, Chrome browser, Chromebook | 7 days free trial | Learn More |
| Remote PC | TLSV 1.2/ AES-256 encryption, Secondary passwords | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices | 7 days free trial | Learn More |
| Dameware | MFA with smart card logon and authentication | Windows, iOS, Android, Active Directory environments | 14 days free trial | Learn More |
| Remote access plus | Secure Remote Access Plus tunnel | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | 30 days free trial | Learn More |
1) Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is feature-rich remote connections software. It is a customizable tool where you can add the name of your organization, logo, and favicon and create your choice of portal. Zoho Assist helps you set up several units within your company.
It requires no prior download for on-demand remote access and doesn’t need any installation from support technicians. You can draw, add text and insert shapes during a presentation and also swap screens with other participants instantly.
This remote management tool integrates with several IDP tools, so you can use your existing SAML for user authentication. Zoho Assist also provides you with authority to shut down, log off and restart computers without accessing.
Zoho Assist focuses on product development and has over 80 million, worldwide customers. It is trusted by a globally well-known brand like FedEx. Zoho, as an organization, is devoted to providing security and privacy to customers’ data.
- Security: SaaS, TLS
- Data Transfer: High Quality Data Transfer with SSL 256-bit AES encryption
- Special features: Screen Sharing
- Apps: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook & Raspberry pi
- Free trial: 15-day free trial (No credit card required)
Features:
- Multi-monitor: Connect to multiple monitors concurrently and view them.
- Recording: Record sessions for future purposes like audit and training.
- Screen Sharing: Share your screen on numerous operating systems and devices and hand over the presenter role to any participant.
- Data transfer: Up to 5GB files to remote PCs across various networks
- Reboot: reboot the remote computer during sessions and reconnect without closing the active session.
- Communication: Live chat with customers during support sessions through text, voice, and video.
- Integration: integrated with important help desks tools like Zoho Desk, Zendesk, and G Suite.
- Security: SSL and 256-bit AES encryption, firewall-friendly, multi factor authentication.
- No of users: One user to unlimited users.
- No of computers: 5 to 25 unattended computers
- Supported platforms: Windows, web, iPad, iPhone, Android, Raspberry pi, chromebook, mac and Linux.
- Free Trial: 15 days free trial with all features of a paid plan (No credit card required)
- Price: Starts at $10 a month, billed annually.
Pros
Cons
15 Days Free Trial
2) Splashtop
Splashtop helps you view any remote screen with 4K HD quality with 60 frames per second. It helps you access remote computers and edit files on your device without uploading them to the cloud or transferring them via email.
Using this remote management tool, you can use applications like Adobe creative and video editing tools, CAD programs, etc. It enables WFH employees to enter their on-site systems without worrying about data leakage.
It has an intuitive user interface that provides seamless remote sessions. You only require a session code to access the client’s device without any prior installation. It also helps you organize computers into groups for simplified management and to limit access to certain systems.
Splashtop is known for secure remote access and support with over 30 million users and has garnered above 2000 five-star ratings. It is used by companies like Daikin, Hyundai, and world-class institutes like Harvard, etc.
- Security: SSL
- Data Transfer: Yes
- Special features: Multi-level password security, Two-step verification/two-factor authentication
- Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
- Free trial: 7-day free trial (No credit card required)
Features:
- Multi-monitor: Access multiple endpoints simultaneously and view them.
- Recording: Record video sessions for training, demos, and auditing.
- Screen sharing: Quick sharing for demonstration and instructions.
- Data transfer: Easy drag-and-drop file transfer, copy-paste file transfer control, and remote print.
- Reboot: Role-based permissions for rebooting, disconnecting, streamer restart, etc.
- Snapshots: View snapshots and compare between Windows and Mac hardware and software inventory and download the list.
- Integrations: Available for ticketing systems like Jira, Zendesk, Freshdesk, ServiceNow, and Freshservice
- Communication: Voice calls and chat available both in and outside of sessions.
- Security: TLS 1.2 with 256-bit AES encryption, multi-level password, two-factor authentication.
- No of users: 1 user to 10+ users.
- No of computers: 20 to 100 computers.
- Supported platforms: Windows, MAC, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices.
- Free Trial: 7 days free trial.
- Price: Starts at $5 per month, billed annually.
Pros
Cons
7 Days Free Trial
3) RemotePC
RemotePC is a remote access and desktop tool with almost 60 FPS speed. It is used by IT support professionals for WFH purposes and also serves schools’ remote access needs. It is one of the best remote administration tools has an “Always-On” remote access for monitoring computers anytime.
All you need is a session code to enable safe access to the device. There is no restriction for multiple access to a computer. Hence, several users can simultaneously enter a computer using desktop, web, and mobile.
It also ensures flexibility so you can check emails and docs on the company’s system from your home and vice versa. Furthermore, it has a drag-and-drop feature for exchanging files and folders between remote and local devices.
- Security: TLS v 1.2 / AES-256 encryption
- Data Transfer: Yes
- Special features: Multiple Users into one Computer
- Apps: Android, iOS, mac, linux
- Free trial: 7-day free trial (No credit card required)
Features:
- Multi-monitor view to keep an eye on multiple monitors on a single screen or separate screen for every computer.
- Recording: Record meeting sessions for training purposes and viewing later.
- Screen sharing: Screen sharing for easy collaboration and training, and use whiteboards for drawing.
- Data Transfer: Transfer data, files, mapped drives, and also print files.
- Reboot: Reboot and reconnect off-site computers in normal and safe mode.
- User Management: Create accounts, organize them into groups, and provide access as required.
- Security: TLSV 1.2/AES-256 encryption, secondary passwords, and two-factor authentication.
- No of users: One user to unlimited users.
- No of computers: 1 to 100 computers.
- Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, MAC, iPad, iPhone, and Android devices.
- Free Trial: 7 days free trial on all plans (no credit card required.)
- Price: Starts at $18.38 a year, Discount on yearly payment.
Pros
Cons
7 Days Free Trial
4) Dameware
Dameware is built for IT departments and service providers. It uses an agent for remote desktop sharing, you can install this software while connecting to a computer for the first time. This remote access tool also ensures stringent security by allowing only authorized personnel to access sensitive system data.
Using Dameware Client agent, you can wake sleeping servers to access and troubleshoot when the device owner is away. It also lets you use Intel vPro AMT technology to wake to sleep, in power-saving mode computers, and reboot them.
It is one of the best RAT tools that have chat options with the end-users while troubleshooting for better guidance. It also includes a screenshot feature that helps you record the problem for viewing later.
Dameware is a product of the widely known help desk tool SolarWinds. This brand has established trust among 96% of Fortune 500 companies. Dameware is used by companies like SMC Corporation of America and Blackfriars Group, etc.
Features:
- Multi-monitor: Remote support for multiple monitors.
- Recording: Record sessions for future purposes, including auto-save.
- Screen sharing: Share screens instantly and view them in HD quality.
- Data transfer: Transfer and print files instantly, remote print.
- Remote control: Provides you with granular control to monitor access limits and easy-to-use remote-control PC tools.
- Communications: Chat simultaneously with the end-user while troubleshooting, including voice and video chat.
- Screenshots: Take screenshots of the remote desktop for better problem analysis after sessions.
- Security: AES 256, 3 DES/Triple DES, RC4, and FIPS 140-2 encryption algorithms, MFA, and two-factor authentication.
- No of users: 1 to 100+ users.
- No of computers: Upto 500 endpoints.
- Supported platforms: Windows, MAC, Linux, macOS, AD environments, Android, and iOS.
- Free Trial: 14 days free trial with full functions.
- Price: Starts at $589 with 500 endpoints.
Pros
Cons
14 Days Free Trial
5) Remote Access Plus
Remote Access Plus is a HIPPA-compliant desktop management software. It helps wake both single and bulk computers instantly with just a few clicks. You can customize by renaming remote devices for convenient management.
Resolve issues faster with seamless collaboration that lets technicians invite extra support personnel for efficiency. Once you access the device, you get a detailed list of hardware and software installed to do an in-depth analysis. It also shows the list of users with the user account name, domain name, account type, etc.
Using Remote Access Plus, you can resolve issues instantly with over 12 handy tools. You can switch between several monitors if the remote computer is connected to different systems. For enhanced security, it allows you to request the user’s stamp for approval before beginning the session.
Remote Access Plus is a product of ManageEngine, which is a division of Zoho. ManageEngine has been around for 20 years and has crafted above 120 award-winning solutions. Remote Access Plus is used by 100,000 customers and has 15+ years of pedigree.
Features:
- Multi-monitor: Access a device and all the monitors connected to it and troubleshoot from one window.
- Recording: Record remote sessions for security and auditing purposes.
- Screen sharing: Easy screen sharing by downloading an agent.
- Data transfer: You can create folders and drag and drop files and transfer files without any size restrictions.
- Reboot: Remote reboot and shutdown of computers.
- Communication: Initiate text, voice, or video chat with the end-user while troubleshooting.
- Security: Secure Remote Access Plus Tunnel, SSL certificate.
- No of users: One to five, additional available.
- No of computers: 10 to 10,000, additional available.
- Supported platforms: Web, Windows, MAC, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Free Trial: 30 days free trial with unlimited endpoints.
- Price: Starts at $10 monthly.
Pros
Cons
30 Days Free Trial
6) TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a remote access software that has a platform coverage of 130+ mobile device manufacturers and operating systems. It provides Ad-hoc support for customers and employees for instant problem-solving.
Using this remote management tool, you can access computers plus headless devices like servers. It helps you manage remote devices with alerts by notifying you about system issues. This notification includes vulnerabilities in software that need to be updated, patch OS and third-party apps.
Integrate it with your existing business tools like ITSM, CRM, and UEM. It includes integrated RMM solutions for complete visibility into your IT infrastructure. You can also customize remote management policies so that your clients have a personalized remote monitoring solution.
TeamViewer mainly strives to offer online remote support and global collaboration. It is used by well-known corporations like Dailymotion SA, Acrelec SAS, Red Hat Inc, etc.
Features:
- Multi-Monitor: Connect to devices linked to multi-monitor and access any operating system.
- Recording: Record sessions for future training purposes.
- Screen sharing: Easy screen sharing with quality display.
- Data Transfer: Transfer files quickly and securely without size restriction and print documents on a local printer.
- Mobile Device: Supports iPhones, iPads or any commercial grade devices.
- Security: RSA public/private key exchange, AES 256-bit session encryption, TLS, SRP, PAKE.
- No of users: 1 to 30, additional available.
- No of computers: 3 to 500 devices.
- Supported platforms: Web, Windows, MAC, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Free Trial: 14 days free trial and non-subscription version with limited features.
- Price: Starts at $24.90 per month, billed annually.
Pros
Cons
14 Days Free Trial
7) Anydesk Remote Work
Anydesk Remote Work is a free remote-control application with a refresh rate of 60 fps. Using this tool, you can remote into a device with just a password without needing to request a session. It also provides auto-login, which only asks for your ID or Alias of the remote device.
A small 3.7 MB file is all you need to get started and initiate collaboration. Its interactive access allows you to adjust session permits at any time on its Accept Window. You can also share screens and use Whiteboards for better presentation during collaborations.
Troubleshoot by accessing client devices instantly by just requesting their ID or Alias. You can Work From Home (WFH) by simply waking up your office device remotely. It lets you control heavy-duty systems from anywhere and also allows you to build your IoT.
Anydesk is one of the best remote access software trusted by over 120,000 customers, including leading brands like LG and Samsung. It is downloaded by 600+ million users, and there are 900+ million sessions every month.
Features:
- Multi-monitor: View several monitors by establishing multiple connections to one device.
- Recording: Record sessions for future requirements.
- Screen sharing: Instant screen sharing by just providing an ID or Alias.
- Data transfer: Transfer files without size limitations and by using copy-paste capability, print docs, and files.
- Integration: Use REST-API to integrate with existing software, merge with MDM to manage mobile devices.
- Communication: Easy session invitation, text chat, and use the whiteboard for meetings.
- Security: TLS 1.2 protocol, RSA 2048 asymmetric key exchange encryption, 265-bit AES encryption, other security layers.
- No of users: One to unlimited.
- No of computers: 100 to unlimited.
- Supported platforms: Windows, MAC, Linux, Android, iOS, FreeBSD, Raspberry Pi, and Chrome OS.
- Free Trial: 14 days free trial, a full free version with limited features.
- Price: Starts at $14.90 per month, billed annually.
Pros
Cons
Link: https://anydesk.com/en/solutions/remote-work
8) RealVNC
RealVNC is a fully configurable remote access tool that doesn’t require the device owner to log in. It has an intuitive remote control that allows you to use the mouse, keyboard, and touchscreen with an on-site-like experience.
You can launch RealVNC within seconds to support clients without any software installation. It helps you to manage remote computers and invite technicians to access the device and decide their roles and level of access.
It has a productivity tool suite for employees to remotely control devices and parallelly solve issues. It comes with patent-protected technology that auto-sets the speed of your network in low-bandwidth and high-latency conditions.
RealVNC is used by 90,000+ enterprises, with millions of individuals depending on it every day. Some of the companies that are currently using RealVNC are NBC Universal, Gaudmard Scientific, Peraton, etc.
Features:
- Multi-monitor: Multiple monitor and device access sessions in one go.
- Recording: Record sessions to gather training material for the support team.
- Data Transfer: Share files during sessions in both directions.
- Communication: Real-time chat for better assistance to the clients.
- Deployment: Mass deploy remote device access with reliable security.
- Security: Smart card, MFA, 9-digit unique code for sessions, 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption.
- No of users: Unlimited.
- No of computers: Unlimited.
- Supported platforms: Windows, MAC, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi.
- Free Trial: 14 days free trial and full free plan for non-commercial use with limited features.
- Price: Starts at $3.70 per month, billed annually.
Pros
Cons
Link: https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/
9) Remote Utilities
Remote Utilities help connect a chain of remote computers in different locations. Using this window remote administration tool, you can send keystroke commands. You can also shut down and restart remote computers as per required.
It also helps in managing headless workstations and servers. It has an inbuilt MSI configurator to adjust settings for attended and unattended access. You can use VPN or LAN to build direct connections using Remote Utilities.
It supports Active Directory, which simplifies integrating with AD. This feature eliminates manual actions like importing computers into the address book. You can also choose a self-hosted server for total control over the remote support structure.
Remote Utilities is developed by Microsoft Windows. Companies like Holiday Inns. Inc, Usorris Systems LLC, etc., rely on this tool for their remote administration.
Features:
- Data Transfer: Easy file transfer by copying files from both ends.
- Recording: Record sessions for training employees.
- Communication: Real-time chat for convenient assistance and instant screen sharing.
- Security: TSL 1.2 encryption, two-factor authentication, OTPs, IP filtering.
- No of users: As required and purchased.
- No of computers: Unlimited.
- Supported platforms: Windows, MAC, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi.
- Free Trial: 30 days free trial and a full free plan with limited features.
- Price: Starts at $29, one-time payment.
Pros
Cons
Link: https://www.remoteutilities.com/download/
FAQ
Best Remote Administration (RAT) Tools: Top Picks
| Name | Security | Supported Platforms | Free Trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoho Assist | SSL and 256- bit AES encryption, multi factor authentication | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Raspberry pi, Chromebook devices | 15 days free trial | Learn More |
| Splashtop | Hosted on AWS SOC 2 TYPE 2 and SOC3 certification | Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, Chrome browser, Chromebook | 7 days free trial | Learn More |
| Remote PC | TLSV 1.2/ AES-256 encryption, Secondary passwords | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices | 7 days free trial | Learn More |
| Dameware | MFA with smart card logon and authentication | Windows, iOS, Android, Active Directory environments | 14 days free trial | Learn More |
| Remote access plus | Secure Remote Access Plus tunnel | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | 30 days free trial | Learn More |