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Best Remote Access Software 2026

Work safely from any device, platform, or network, at home or on the go. These remote access software apps garnered top reviews from remote workers and organizations and are carefully vetted by our in-house experts. Click on each app for more info and exclusive offers!

Quick comparison

The products on this list side by side: our score, a highlight and a link to our full review.

ProductScoreHighlightReview
1GoToMyPC9.8Best OverallRated 9.0 out of 10 by TrustRadius
2GoTo Resolve9.6ExcellentFREE All-in-one IT support software
3RemotePC9.5Very GoodScalable plans at different price points
4Parallels Access9.2Very GoodRun desktop applications like native phone apps!

How we rank these products

Our scores are editorial opinions out of 10 and are reviewed regularly. We look at four things:

  • Features what the product does and how well it does it.
  • Ease of use setup, everyday use and how it works on a phone.
  • Value for money prices, free plans or trials, and what each plan includes.
  • Security and support how your data is handled and what help is available.

This site earns a commission from some of the providers listed, which can affect the order in which they appear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Remote Access Software?

Remote access software allows an individual to connect the computer in front of them to another computer elsewhere. For example, if you were working from home you could connect to your work device and gain access to all your files and programs as if you were actually sitting at your desk – negating the need to download costly and often intensive software twice. Another benefit is that it can allow trusted third parties to control your computer remotely – rather than IT trying to run you through a solution over the phone they can temporarily access your device and apply the fixes personally.

Do I need Remote Access Software?

As companies are rapidly adapting to a new ‘hybrid’ style of work, with productivity split between the home and work office, it is essential that seamless connectivity exists between both. Nothing hampers productivity quite like realizing you have left a vital document at home, or you can only complete a task with a program only accessible at work. Remote access software takes the separate spaces of the work and home office and makes them one. The benefits of remote access software also expand beyond hybrid working. Remote access does not merely mirror the screen of a connected computer, it provides complete access to that machine’s hardware and software. Say you don’t want to invest in endless licenses for an expensive piece of software you only use infrequently, such as photoshop. Now, a single license and single device can serve an entire office as and when it is needed, simply by accessing it remotely.

What to Look for When Choosing Remote Access Software?

What precisely you need will be dependent upon the reason you wish to access a device remotely, as well as the environment you work in. However, here are the key factors you should certainly consider before making a decision.

  • Wake on WAN - All this means is the ability to turn a device on without physically flicking the switch. If you want to activate a work computer over the weekend or a home machine while no one is there, this is a must. By sending a wireless signal to the computer you wish to access, you can turn it on and off remotely without anybody present.

  • File Transfer - Allowing you to remotely move files from one computer to another. A must-have function if you or your employees are working remotely at least some of the time.

  • Device Compatibility - Do you only need to remotely access computers, or do you also need to access tablets, smartphones, and other devices? Make sure to check your service of choice supports the correct devices and operating programs.

  • Simultaneous Connections - Whether you are a single user or a team leader of 100+, make sure your remote access software permits enough users to connect at the same time.

Can I use Free Software to Access My Computer?

Though there are numerous free versions of remote access software they are limited to fairly basic functions. The absence of advanced and particularly convenient features such as file sharing and limited simultaneous connections make them unsuitable for more professional applications. They may serve a limited purpose for small-scale use but to feel the full benefit of remote access, free software does not compare to a premium model.

Disclaimer

The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect software for your needs in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. Software.fish does not feature all of the software available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in each vertical. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the software companies that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the software is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Software listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.