Best Remote Access Software in 2026: Windows, Mac, Home, and Business
Remote access software lets you control a computer from anywhere. Whether you’re a home user helping a family member, a staff member working from home, or an IT professional supporting clients — the right tool makes the job significantly easier. All tools in this guide support both Windows and Mac unless otherwise noted.
Mac Remote Access: A Note on Apple’s Built-In Tools
Before spending money, Mac users should know about two built-in options:
- Screen Sharing (built into macOS): Works over a local network for free. Go to System Settings → General → Sharing → Screen Sharing. Good for within the same building, not practical over the internet without additional configuration.
- Back to My Mac / iCloud Remote: Discontinued by Apple. No longer an option.
For anything over the internet or for professional use, you’ll need one of the tools below.
Best Remote Access for Home Users
1. Chrome Remote Desktop — Best Free Option (Windows & Mac)
Completely free, works through the Chrome browser, cross-platform. The Mac version works reliably — install the Chrome extension on the Mac you want to access, and connect from anywhere. Performance isn’t as smooth as paid tools but for occasional use it’s perfectly adequate.
Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Works well, Chrome required Pricing: Free
2. AnyDesk Free — Best Free Performance (Windows & Mac)
AnyDesk’s free tier (personal use only) delivers noticeably better performance than Chrome Remote Desktop on both Windows and Mac. The Mac app is native and well-optimised. Fast, responsive sessions — just note personal use only, not for business.
Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Native Mac app, Apple Silicon native Pricing: Free (personal use)
Try AnyDesk →3. Apple Remote Desktop — Best for Mac-to-Mac (Paid)
Apple’s own Remote Desktop app (£69.99 one-off from the Mac App Store) is the most capable tool for managing and accessing multiple Macs. Used by IT administrators in Mac-heavy environments. Not useful for Windows machines.
Windows: ❌ Mac only Mac: ✅ Best Mac-to-Mac management tool Pricing: £69.99 one-off (Mac App Store)
Best Remote Access for Remote Workers and Small Businesses
1. Splashtop Business Access — Best for Staff Working from Home (Windows & Mac)
Purpose-built for the remote worker accessing their office computer use case. The Mac version is excellent — fast, reliable, and supports Retina display quality. Good choice for creative professionals remotely accessing their Mac workstation from a MacBook or iPad.
Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Retina display support, Apple Silicon native Pricing: From ~£4/user/month
Try Splashtop Business Access →2. AnyDesk Business — Best Value All-Round (Windows & Mac)
Fast, reliable remote access at a fraction of TeamViewer’s cost. The Mac client is polished and native. Covers the most common business use cases — IT support, remote working, unattended server access.
Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Native Mac app, Apple Silicon native Pricing: From ~£9/month (1 user)
Try AnyDesk Business →3. Microsoft Remote Desktop — Best Free Windows Option
Built into Windows Pro at no cost. Good for Windows-to-Windows remote access. A Mac client is available (free from the App Store) so you can connect from a Mac to a Windows PC — useful for businesses with mixed environments.
Windows (host): ✅ Built in Mac (client): ✅ Free Microsoft Remote Desktop app on Mac App Store Pricing: Free (Windows Pro required on host)
Best Remote Access for IT Professionals
1. TeamViewer Business — Best for IT Support and MSPs (Windows & Mac)
The benchmark for IT professionals. Strong Mac support — you can connect to and manage Macs alongside Windows machines from the same console. The device management features, client grouping, and integrations make it the most capable tool for managing a mixed environment at scale.
Windows: ✅ Full feature set Mac: ✅ Connect to and from Mac, manage Macs in device console Pricing: From ~£24/month (1 user)
View TeamViewer Plans →2. ConnectWise Control — Best for MSPs at Scale (Windows & Mac)
Built for managed service providers managing large numbers of client devices. Mac agent available — manages Windows and Mac machines from the same console.
Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Mac agent available Pricing: From ~£19/month (1 technician)
3. Jamf + Apple Remote Desktop — Best for Mac-Only IT Environments
For businesses running entirely on Macs, Jamf Pro for device management combined with Apple Remote Desktop gives you the most capable Mac management platform available. Used by schools, creative agencies, and businesses fully committed to the Apple ecosystem.
Windows: ❌ Mac/Apple only Mac: ✅ Best-in-class Mac management Pricing: Jamf Pro from ~£3/device/month + ARD £69.99 one-off
Quick Comparison
| Product | Windows | Mac | Price From | Unattended | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome Remote Desktop | ✅ | ✅ | Free | ✅ | Free home use |
| AnyDesk Free | ✅ | ✅ | Free (personal) | ✅ | Free performance |
| Apple Remote Desktop | ❌ | ✅ | £69.99 | ✅ | Mac-to-Mac |
| Splashtop | ✅ | ✅ | £4/user/month | ✅ | Remote workers |
| AnyDesk Business | ✅ | ✅ | £9/month | ✅ | Value business |
| Microsoft RDP | ✅ | Client only | Free | ✅ | Windows free |
| TeamViewer | ✅ | ✅ | £24/month | ✅ | IT pros/MSPs |
| Jamf + ARD | ❌ | ✅ | £3+/device/month | ✅ | Mac-only IT |
Our Top Picks
- Best free home (Mac or Windows): Chrome Remote Desktop
- Best free performance: AnyDesk (personal)
- Best Mac-to-Mac: Apple Remote Desktop
- Best for remote workers: Splashtop Business Access
- Best value business: AnyDesk Business
- Best for IT pros: TeamViewer
- Best Mac-only IT: Jamf + Apple Remote Desktop
Try AnyDesk → Try TeamViewer →
Last updated: May 2026. Pricing and features subject to change — always check vendor sites for current information.