Best Software For Remote Access

For work purposes, many people need to have remote access to their files and company server. Remote access is also used for helping to install software or to get into a file saved on another device.

However, while remote access is an easy way to gain control of another computer, accessing another device using this method leaves both computers vulnerable to attack.

Using a highly capable brand enhances your privacy and security when using remote access software. If you need to connect to another device using remote access and want to do this safely, securely and with a high level of encryption then we recommend that you select from one of our recommendations below.

In this guide, we investigate fundamental principles like what exactly remote access software is and how it works. By understanding these notions, a greater understanding of why using one of our recommended software providers is so important.

6 Best Softwares to Use Remote Access Securely

Below we have listed six pieces of remote access software that offer many features that improve security when accessing computer files from outside an original secure network.

1. Go To My PC

Go To My PC has often been the remote access software of choice for many companies. The reason being is that it is so easy to use. This results in any employ being able to adopt it straight away with no trouble. It allows for quick drag and drop file transfers and has the ability to have multi monitor support. Plus, it is possible to use it almost totally from a web browser or through a desktop shortcut so getting into work files is almost immediate.

While some users will quibble over the reduced amount of features when using the software on a Mac, it is still a tough bit of kit to beat. While it may not have the largest amount of features on the market, it still has enough and the result is the software has found the right balance between complicated features coupled with ease of use.

Pricing:

• $35 a month for one user
• $66 a month for up to 50 users
• Corporate plans start at $140 and can be tailored to a client’s needs.

2. TeamViewer

TeamViewer is another piece of fantastic remote access software that is able to perform on almost all desktop and mobile platforms that a customer could think of – or need. That means that should a company have employees who have a mixture of Windows, macOS, iOS and Android operating systems, they can still use Teamviewer on their device. This even extends to Chrome OS and Blackberry OS. We really like how this software is also able to offer online meetings in one app as well as remote access software itself.

That being said, all this functionality and the wide range of features (that includes one of the slickest looking interfaces you’ll find with remote access software) comes at a cost. It is pretty expensive, so companies will need to weigh up whether all the features it comes with are really being put to good use.

Pricing:

• $50 a month for one user
• $105 a month for up to 50 users
• $165 a month for up to 200 users
• Also offers bespoke subscription plans, should these prices not fit a customer’s needs.

3. LogMeIn

LogMeIn is another piece of remote access software that we rated highly for a number of reasons. Firstly, we liked that it had an incredibly clear interface. So many remote access software providers fall at this hurdle and it actually is a massive problem for users to overcome – if the software is not clear enough, employees will constantly being working less efficiently than they could be otherwise. Plus, it comes with 1TB of cloud storage that is great for file sharing.

Again, however, this software is not the best to use with a Mac. It lacks the features that the Windows has. However, it is still highly suitable for both personal and corporate use owing to the straightforward file sharing and remote access capabilities it has.

Pricing:

LogMeIn does not offer monthly subscriptions, only yearly ones.

• $249.99 per year for two computers
• $599.99 per year for five computers
• $4,999.99 per year for fifty computers

4. RemotePC

RemotePC is one of the easiest pieces of remote access software that a person can use. Plus, it comes at an eye wateringly low price, especially when compared to other remote access software providers on this list. Users tend to like it for its stripped-back interface that is incredibly simple. It works on PCs and Macs so is a good option if you have a group of people who use various different types of devices yet need to be able to share files easily and quickly between themselves. Plus, the intuitive nature of the interface means that all those different people, with their varying levels of technological sophistication, will be able to use RemotePC from the get-go.

The problem with that simplicity is that RemotePC does not allow users to have more than one remote monitor open. This can be quite constrictive for users, especially when we are all growing more and more used to having several windows open at the same time to complete our work.

Pricing:

• $6.95 for the first year with one user accessing 10 computers. This then increases to $69.50 per year
• $49.50 for the first year with an unlimited number of users accessing up to 100 computers. This then increases to $499.50
• There is an option for a single free one user plan which allows access to just one other remote computer

5. VNC Connect

VNC Connect is a piece of software that allows both remote access and the ability to hold shared meetings. The software is aimed at both personal or business use. The reason it is so popular for personal use is that it has a number of free plans, though small businesses will also be attracted to the fact that subscribing to VNC Connect’s service is fairly inexpensive too. Users will like that it is straightforward to use and business owners will like that it is very secure.

It has a few kinks in its abilities, however. The first being that the setup and installation is confusing at first. Plus, there is no drag and drop file transfer feature which is so popular amongst most remote access software applications.

Pricing:

There are three levels of subscription plan for VNC Connect with increasing levels of security the higher the subscription plan that is chosen.

• Free for a fuss free version for up to five computers and three users
• $40 per year for one user for the Professional version
• $55 per year for one user for the Enterprise Version

6. Splashtop Business Access

Splashtop is another example of an inexpensive remote access software brand that provides both individuals and small businesses with an opportunity to gain all the benefits from remote access working, but at a fraction of the price. It has a number of fantastic security options and features that are all easy to use, plus users like the fact that the software provides remote access without the need for a password.

It does not have all the advanced features or capabilities that more expensive brands have however. Plus the overall look and interface of Splashtop is not as sleek or slick as others on the market.

Pricing:

• $60 per user per year – each user can access up to 10 computers
• If a company pays for more than four users, there is a 20% discount

What is Remote Access Software?

In short, remote access software is a means of being able to view one computer, or even control another computer, from any location in the world. Viewing or control does not even have to be across a shared network. Many help desks use it as a way to be able to view a customer’s computer desktop as well as control the computer to carry out essential technical work if needed.

Remote access applications also allow users to transfer files between machines without the need of sending those files via email or the use of other services like file sharing.

How Does Remote Access Software Work?

Remote access software can work by creating a connection between a user’s actual computer and a remote host over the internet. The user requests access to the remote server which the remote server can then verify and authenticate by the means with which has been given to identify safe users.

This then provides the user with access to the remote server’s network which, in the case of companies, means that the user can access all the company’s files and systems for use as they see fit.

The exact technicalities behind remote access software vary from provider to provider – of which there is a whole host these days. All with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Why Am I at risk?

For people who often work on the move, being able to remotely access a computer at their desk or the company server, is vital. As a consequence, cloud storage has become popular in recent years as it provides remote access that allows users to view emails, access files, and also help to fix software problems, all from a distance.

However, using remote access without proper security is dangerous and can leave sensitive information open to attack or allow malicious software to be installed on a network. This is because the computer that you could be using is not secure like a work network computer would so often be. Just because you are accessing the files and systems of your work, does not mean that you then immediately fall under the security software and procedures that your company has put in place on its own computer hardware.

Conclusion

Remote access is a great way in which you can work when traveling, help friends and family out with their computer problems, or simply get access to a file on your computer at home.

Doing so without the best remote access software leaves your personal information and connection unsecured and open to attack.

By using any one of the remote access software providers above you get:

• Secure and encrypted connection for using remote access safely
• Reliable connection to a remote server that won’t suddenly cut out
• Straightforward software that anyone can use and work within minutes
• Helpful customer service team

To use remote access without fear of compromising data or having someone snoop on your activity, then you should use a reputable remote access software provider straightaway.