Developed in 2005 by Rossmanith GmbH, based on the Video Network Computing (VNC) Project, this German-based company created TeamViewer as a solution to present their desktop screen to their client’s PC. TeamViewer is computer software that allows a user to remotely access and remotely control other computers and devices. It helps in the maintenance of devices and communication between people at different locations. It is free for non-commercial use and is available on all platforms. Let’s look into the alternatives to TeamViewer.
Due to the increased need for software such as this on a large scale, TeamViewer has become widely popular. Its only drawback is the high price of the premium and corporate versions, which include an unlimited number of installations and one (premium), and three (corporate) session channel(s). Other alternatives include AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, Ultraviewer, RemotePC, Remote Desktop Protocol, and many more.
TeamViewer Alternatives
- AnyDesk
- Chrome Remote Desktop
- Ultraviewer
- Remote PC
- Remote Desktop Protocol
- AnyDesk: Developed in 2014, AnyDesk serves as a remote access software and screen sharing software locally (LAN) or remotely (internet). It has a tabbed browsing experience and condensed, hidden menus which makes it easy to use. Some features include multi-language support, whitelist (which allows you to grant specific users express permission to freely access your devices without repeatedly asking for permission), remote server monitoring (which allows you to monitor devices connected to a server and perform specific tasks over the network), simple user interface, mobile to PC remote control (which grants mobile devices access to computers with the mobile version installed). It is very light and doesn’t experience frequent lags, it has no time restrictions or a limited number of sessions.
In comparison with TeamViewer:
- It is cheaper
- It is not as compatible with as many devices as TeamViewer
- They are both secure
- It is of the same level of competence as TeamViewer
- It is smaller in size than TeamViewer
- Chrome Remote Desktop: Coming in as Google’s addition to the remote access market, is the Chrome Remote Desktop. It offers users the opportunity to access remote computers through a Google Chrome browser. Due to its price tag of $0 and multiple-device compatibility, it serves as one of the best free remote desktop access software with its downside being that it does not feature most of the features which other remote desktop software does. Its users must have a Google account and the Google Chrome desktop application installed. Users will require a PIN every time they want to remotely access other devices. It also allows users to customize key mapping configurations per device.
In comparison with TeamViewer:
- It is free of charge unlike TeamViewer
- It does not offer file sharing
- It does not offer remote printing
- It does not offer Chat and Audio Support
- It does not offer session transferring or recording
- They both have mobile accessibility options
- Ultraviewer: At a more affordable rate, here comes Ultraviewer. Released recently, as a product of DucFabulous Co. Ltd, it aims at being a competitor to TeamViewer, hence the similar names. It costs very little as compared to TeamViewer and it also has a free version. It is only available for Windows users, it experiences an occasional lag and has a smaller user base, which means technical support (from the company or other users familiar with the software) will be minimum. With a reported 40 million downloads, they offer the same services just as TeamViewer.
In comparison with TeamViewer:
- It doesn’t perform as well as TeamViewer
- It lags more
- It is not as popular as TeamViewer
- It is budget-friendly
- It is of lower quality than TeamViewer
- RemotePC: This is another remote desktop software solution, a product of IDrive Inc. which includes features such as unattended access, file sharing, and collaboration. Users can move files between local and remote computers, check activity logs, and listen to audio files saved on the remote computer on a local device. A chat feature and a whiteboard are among the collaborative features offered by RemotePC. It offers multi-screen capabilities (which allows having multiple remote screens on a single device), attended and unattended access (which allows you to grant specific users express permission to freely access your devices without repeatedly asking for permission), and secure access with its 256-bit AES encryption.
In comparison with TeamViewer:
- They both offer file-sharing capabilities
- They both offer multi-screen capabilities
- They both offer remote printing
- They both offer unattended access
- They both offer advanced security measures
- Remote Desktop Protocol: The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) from Microsoft allows users to establish an “RDP session” and manage the desktop of a remote computer (client) or server. Recently released Windows and Mac operating systems have RDP pre-installed as a feature. This technology requires the user to run RDP client software while simultaneously running RDP server software on the other computer. It provides the option for customizable keys for mobile users. Users can also set their remote desktops to be “awake” all the time, guaranteeing that they are always ready for a remote connection. Administrators will appreciate RDP since it allows them to easily publish remote-access-related materials (like session-based desktop, virtual desktop, and RemoteApp programs).
In comparison with TeamViewer:
- They both offer file-sharing capabilities
- It doesn’t have the session recording option
- It has Audio support
- It doesn’t offer Real-Time Chat options
- It has a mobile feature
- It has remote printing functions
- It isn’t compatible with all devices
- It requires an advanced configuration
Advantages of alternatives to TeamViewer
The major setback which raises the need for alternatives to TeamViewer is its pricing for the corporate and premium versions. Users who are comfortable with an alternative and can make it available for the workplace will eventually reduce the effect of TeamViewer on the corporation’s mind. Some other alternatives have extra features for free which TeamViewer limits.
Disadvantages of alternatives to TeamViewer
TeamViewer has a very large following as it has existed for a very long time, and has been improved over the years. In terms of crashes, bugs, and general problems, there is a community of people to provide solutions.
Conclusion
Alternatives serve as bailouts and help the organization to have a cheaper or more elaborate means of connection. All alternatives may not be comfortable, but they help to reduce cost and enhance productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I decide what alternative to pick?
Factors to be considered include Cost, User Interface, Customer support, multi-OS compatibility, security, etc.
- How does remote desktop software work?
Both devices have to have the software installed. Once installed, it captures inputs from the mouse and keyboard from one end device and sends them to the other end device. This allows the client to use and manage the server-side from a remote location.
- How many screens can you view on your Remote desktop software?
This is dependent on what alternative software you decide to use and its session options at the same time.
- Is there the best alternative to TeamViewer?
No, all alternatives have their pros and cons. Select an alternative depending on how what option you need and the factors mentioned above.
