8 Best PC Remote Access Software in 2026 (Free and Paid)
Need to reach your home or office computer from somewhere else, or help a parent fix their laptop from across the country? PC remote access software lets you see and control another computer over the internet as if you were sitting in front of it. Many of the tools in our original list have closed, but remote access is now easier, faster and often free. Here are the best PC remote access software options in 2026.
Quick answer: For free personal use, Chrome Remote Desktop is the easiest choice. Windows Quick Assist is built into Windows for helping family. RustDesk is a free open-source option, TeamViewer and AnyDesk are popular for support work, Windows App (Remote Desktop) suits Windows Pro PCs, and Parsec is best for low-latency gaming and creative work.
Table of Contents
Best PC remote access software in 2026
- Chrome Remote Desktop: free from Google. Install a small host app, set a PIN, and connect from any browser, Android or iPhone. Works on Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Quick Assist: built into Windows 10 and 11. The helper signs in with a Microsoft account and shares a code, and the other person approves screen sharing or full control. Ideal for family tech support.
- RustDesk: a free, open-source alternative to TeamViewer. You can even run your own relay server for full privacy.
- TeamViewer: the best-known remote support tool, free for personal, non-commercial use, with file transfer, chat and mobile apps.
- AnyDesk: fast and lightweight even on slow connections, with a free plan for personal use.
- Windows App (Remote Desktop): Microsoft’s Remote Desktop is built into Windows Pro and Enterprise. Connect from Windows, Mac, iPhone or Android using Microsoft’s Windows App.
- Parsec: very low latency streaming at high frame rates, popular for remote gaming and video editing.
- Splashtop: affordable paid remote access for businesses and IT teams.
What can you do with remote access?
- Open files and programs on your home PC while travelling.
- Help friends and family fix computer problems.
- Restart, update or check a home server.
- Transfer files between computers. For files you need everywhere, also try portable apps on a USB drive.
How to set up remote access safely
- Install the app on the computer you want to reach (the host) and on your phone or laptop.
- Use a strong PIN or password and turn on two-factor authentication for the account.
- Keep the host computer awake and connected. Change power settings so it does not sleep.
- Do not open Remote Desktop’s port (3389) directly to the internet. Use a VPN or a tool that connects through the vendor’s servers.
- Remove unattended access when you no longer need it. Check your home network for devices you do not recognise.
Beware of remote access scams
Scammers often call pretending to be from Microsoft, a bank or tech support, and ask you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or Quick Assist. Never give remote access to someone who contacted you first. Genuine companies do not cold-call to fix your computer.
FAQ
What is the best free PC remote access software?
Chrome Remote Desktop for personal use, and RustDesk if you want open source.
Can I access my PC from my phone?
Yes. Chrome Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, RustDesk and Windows App all have Android and iPhone apps.
Does Windows Home support Remote Desktop?
Windows Home cannot be a Remote Desktop host. Use Chrome Remote Desktop or Quick Assist instead.
Originally written by guest blogger Srikanth, who wrote about tips, gadgets and technology on the Tech Inspiration blog at ekoob.com. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips. Photo by momentmedia (CC).
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This article misses the key players in the market! NetSupport Manager is way better than all of those other solutions and has an install base of more than 11 Million licenses!
I like Radmin. Fastest and safest.And cheapest
You said about TeamViewere it has standard SSL, but it has OPEN SSL as well as all other VNC programs, so what security u r talking about?))
tightvnc really works for remote access, this is also an opensource tool for remote access
Very Good.
There is a full java app for remote access PC at HomeCenter.MOBI .
There are many websites which are offering remote access applications but I would suggest you to check Banckle Remote Access Application which is a web based tool and does not require any installation on your system. It is Free for one year.
We use a bullet-proof secure applet (500K) from eBLVD.com called Remote Desktop for $10/month. Flash and Java won’t be around much longer – Steve Jobs can kill either single-handedly. VNC and all Open Source relatives: VNC, TightVNC, RealVNC, UltraVNC, VNCViewer, TridiaVNC, Glance, CrossLoop, Radmin are not secure and require you to turn off basic security features like UAC. It is common sense to pay a little, get a lot, and dont have your personal info or credit cards hijacked.
nobody has used LogMeIn? It’s a great application for PC remote access. We can organize meeting with clients or friends on the net through this application.
Realtime Spy is also a smart tool for remote spy ,which is used for personal and employee monitoring.
Yes remote pc access software might be a thing of the past very soon. More and more information and software applications are being converted to web based. It is definitely the future.
Vote for Radmin. Best remote access software ever!
I’ve got three letters for you: SSH
Provided you’re not using something with a pathetically useless CLI like Windows, you have access to a whole truckload of CLI apps. VNC and these proprietary remote desctop apps are slow and not that useful.
hey guys don’t listen to that there are a few open source VNC programmes out there that you can use for free try realVNC for example
VNC sounds like a very cool PC Remote Access software. I currently use Proxy Networks, but have also heard very good things about TechInLine and Hamanchi. Mobile apps for VNC are sometimes hard to use (a lot of scrolling) but my interface on my bb isnt so bad. Most of them have great free trial version, or like LogMeIn, a complete free trial version. I suggest shopping around before buying anything.
TeamViewer is great tool for pc access via remote. It’s provide great flexibility to user and it is easy to understand at first look.
no PuTTY?
Gbridge blew all these away for me. It’s quick and easy to run and setup. The only caveat is that you must have a gmail account.
how can i access my school computer when everything is blocked,please give mu some tips or ideas i can use to bypass into blocked websites
Hi, I’m a representative for MyGreenPC. Our remote pc access service is very easy to setup and use and even allows the remote user to remotely power-on/off their PCs. Btw, we are giving away free premium accounts for a while, so be sure to sign-up!
Very nice info, but do you know of something that works on Mac, Windows & Linux?
Hi Tom,
The appliance by RHUB works on any platform and does much more than just Remote Access.
Steve
VNC
free, and pretty much said universal.
Great list!however with google and several other services looking to shift all your online data and computer usage with web based apps and servers we won’t need tools such as these to gain access to our data.
Another alternative to remote access is by RHUB. RHUB offers a 4-in-1 appliance you can own and control that includes: remote access to any mac/pc, remote support, web conferencing, and webinars. All in one box… convenient isn’t it?
https://www.rhubcom.com/v5/index.html