Alternatives to Chrome Remote Desktop
Free remote access via Chrome
Chrome Remote Desktop ranks #8 of 9 in Remote desktop tools, with an Alt Score of 42. It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Web. 5 of 10 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Anyone who needs to access their own computer remotely (e.g., from home to a work PC or vice versa) or provide/receive ad hoc tech support on someone else's machine, without setting up VPN or dedicated remote-access infrastructure.
Free remote access to a computer's full desktop from a browser, the Chrome app, or Android/iOS apps. Two modes: 'My Computers' for unattended access to machines you own, and 'Remote Support' for one-time, invite-based screen sharing with another person. Connections run over Google's infrastructure with encrypted (WebRTC-based) sessions. No enterprise account required, just a Google account and the Chrome Remote Desktop extension/app installed on the host machine.
Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app on the computer you want to access and set a PIN (for unattended access), or generate a one-time access code to let someone else connect (for support sessions). The connecting device then signs in with a Google account, enters the PIN or code, and gets a live view/control of the remote screen through the browser or mobile app.
Why people leave Chrome Remote Desktop
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
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Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
How Chrome Remote Desktop compares with its alternatives, feature by feature.
| Remote desktop tools checklist | Chrome Remote Desktop | AnyDesk | NoMachine | Splashtop | TeamViewer | RustDesk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Cross-platform | ||||||
| Unattended access | ||||||
| File transfer | ||||||
| Self-hostable server | ||||||
| E2E encryption | ||||||
| Free for personal use | ||||||
| Wake-on-LAN | ||||||
| Multi-monitor | ||||||
| Low-latency mode (gaming) | ||||||
| Mobile clients |
Every fact and feature listed for Chrome Remote Desktop is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web verified 2026-07-11
You can use a computer or mobile device to access files and applications on another computer with Chrome Remote Desktop.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523?hl=en -
Cross-platform Yes verified 2026-07-11
You can use a computer or mobile device to access files and applications on another computer with Chrome Remote Desktop.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523?hl=en -
Unattended access Yes verified 2026-07-11
the PIN required to access another computer
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop -
File transfer Partial verified 2026-07-11
On ChromeOS kiosk devices, you can transfer files to and from the remote host. Thereby, allowing you to download logs and upload required data to devices during troubleshooting.
https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/9547497?hl=en -
Self-hostable server No verified 2026-07-11
If you don't have it, on the browser, go to remotedesktop.google.com/access.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS -
Mobile clients Yes verified 2026-07-11
Securely access your computers from your Android device.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.chromeremotedesktop&hl=en_US
FAQ
Yes. AnyDesk, NoMachine and TeamViewer have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
RustDesk and Remmina — every license claim links its source.