Top 7 Best Remote Access Software for Personal Use in 2025

What makes the best remote access software for personal use?

There are multiple occasions when users need personal use remote access software. For example, users who have already left the office must deal with work documents saved on their work computers. The best remote access apps for personal use should meet these demands:

• Secure: Whether remote access software for businesses or individuals, security is essential. No one wants computers attacked and data leaked during remote connections. 
•  Easy to set up and use: Usually, individual users have no professional knowledge about remote access. The best and cheapest remote access software for personal use should require minimal setup and be simple to operate. 
• Affordable: The price of remote access software for non-commercial use shouldn't be as high as an app for business, as individual users don't need some functions for business,  like controlling multiple PCs simultaneously. 

7 best remote access software for personal use

We list the 7 cheapest remote desktop software. They stand out in different highlights, and individual users can pick one based on their preferences.

• 1. AnyViewer [highly recommended]
• 2. Remote PC
• 3. TeamViewer
• 4. Splashtop
• 5. Zoho Assist
• 6. Chrome Remote Desktop
• 7. Microsoft Remote Desktop

1. AnyViewer [One-click control]

AnyViewer is the cheapest remote access software I want to recommend for personal use. It enables users to view the desktop or take full control of a remote computer running Windows from anywhere. 

​​​​​​Pros:

• Free version is offered: AnyViewer has released a free version that can satisfy all basic remote access demands for non-commercial use.
• Strong algorithm to encrypt: The Elliptic Curve Cryptography algorithm, stronger than AES in the same length, is employed for end-to-end encryption to protect data in remote sessions.
• Helpful functions are provided: File transfer, resolution adjustment, chat in session, etc., are available when users use AnyViewer to access their personal computers remotely.

Cons:

• Some features need to be added: Remote print isn't supported.

Key and basic features:

• Unattended remote access
• Send a remote control request
• Fast file transfer
• Multi-monitor switch support
• Chat in session
• Resolution adjustment
• Hide wallpaper
• Remote power management
• Screen wall
• Screen mirroring
• Game mouse

2. Remote PC [Affordable]

RemotePC is a cheap remote access software for personal use.  It enables users to remote into Windows, Linux, and Mac computers without a complicated setup.

Pros:

• The price is low: The RemotePC is relatively cheap and is affordable for many users.
• 7-day free trial is offered: RemotePC offers a 7-day free trial. Thus, users can make a purchase decision after fully experiencing all features of RemotePC.
• Web access is available: RemotePC allows users to access their personal computers via a web browser after the host computer has been set up and users have logged into a RemotePC account.

​​​​​​Cons:

• No free version: RemotePC doesn't offer a free version, whether for personal or business use.
• Account needed: Users have to register for a Remote PC account for remote access, which isn't convenient for one-time access.
• File transfer can be improved: Drag-and-drop file transfer isn't available.

Key and basic features:

• Unattended remote access

• File transfer

• Text chat

• Remote printing

• Remote sound

• Wake-on-Lan

• Session recording

• Multiple monitor support

3. TeamViewer

TeamViewer offers comprehensive functionality. It's user-friendly and excellent for accessing your own devices. Features like file transfers, remote audio and video chats, and more make it one of the best remote access software options for personal use. The standout feature of TeamViewer is its personal use version, which is completely free and includes all the features. However, the free version cannot be used for any type of work and is easily flagged for commercial use, which is an issue for many users.

Pro:

• Easy access: TeamViewer's user-friendly interface allows effortless navigation for users of all technical skill levels.
• Flexibility: Users can choose to create an account for added features or use the software without an account.
• Seamless file transfers: TeamViewer makes transferring files between devices simple and efficient, promoting effective collaboration.
• Free for non-commercial use: TeamViewer offers its full range of features at no cost for non-commercial purposes, making it accessible to both individuals and organizations.

Cons:

• Costly for business use: TeamViewer's pricing plans can be expensive for businesses, particularly those with larger budgets or specific needs requiring additional features.
• No self-service unsubscription: The lack of a self-service option for unsubscribing or modifying subscription plans can be inconvenient and frustrating for users managing their accounts.

Who is it for?

If you're the go-to IT person for your family and need access to their devices, TeamViewer is ideal. It's also perfect if you need occasional remote access to your home server. TeamViewer excels in a work environment, especially for larger organizations. However, small businesses might want to consider more affordable alternatives first.

4. Splashtop

Splashtop is a top-tier remote computer management software crafted to streamline and improve remote access and control. Suitable for business professionals, IT technicians, and individual users alike, Splashtop provides a comprehensive suite of features for efficient remote desktop management. It delivers excellent performance, supports drag-and-drop file transfers across platforms, and includes audio chat.

However, Splashtop can be somewhat complex to set up, and its pricing plan can be confusing. On the positive side, the software is supported by a highly responsive customer service team that proactively addresses user inquiries.

Pro:

• Impressive performance: Splashtop provides outstanding performance, guaranteeing smooth and efficient remote control operations.
• Cross-platform file transfer: Users can easily transfer files by clicking and dragging them, even between different operating systems, boosting productivity and convenience.
• Enthusiastic customer service: Splashtop provides excellent customer support with a proactive team that offers timely assistance and enhances the user experience.

Cons:

• Whiteboard functionality limited to mobile: The whiteboard feature is available only on mobile devices, which may restrict its use for those who primarily work on desktops.
• Complicated pricing structure: The pricing plans can be complex and confusing, making it difficult for users to select the best option for their needs.

Who is it for?

Splashtop is designed with businesses in mind, making it a strong choice for companies, especially those that prioritize excellent customer service. It offers competitive pricing, reliable performance, and effective functionality, which are valuable for medium and large businesses.

5. Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist is a top-tier remote computer management software that provides a robust set of tools to simplify remote access and support. Ideal for IT professionals, support technicians, and business owners, Zoho Assist offers a seamless platform for managing and accessing computers from anywhere in the world.

Zoho Assist operates entirely from the browser, which can introduce some lag. However, this browser-based approach also allows you to access your devices from virtually anywhere, even on computers where software installation isn’t possible.

Pros:

• Affordable remote access: Zoho Assist provides cost-effective solutions, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
• Generous free version: The free version includes essential features, allowing users to explore its capabilities before upgrading to a paid plan.
• Mobile device control: Users can remotely control mobile devices, enhancing flexibility and productivity.
• Integration with popular tools: Zoho Assist integrates seamlessly with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Contacts, facilitating smooth workflow integration and collaboration.

Cons:

• Stuttering performance: Zoho Assist may exhibit performance lag compared to other remote access applications, which can affect the user experience.
• No remote audio: The software does not support remote audio playback, which may be a drawback for tasks requiring audio.
• Cluttered User Interface: The user interface can be cluttered and challenging to navigate, making it difficult to find and access features.

Who is it for?

Zoho Assist is designed with technical support teams in mind, making it particularly suited for remote assistance and troubleshooting. It is predominantly used by these teams to address technical issues. Additionally, Android users should consider Zoho Assist for its robust mobile support features, which can enhance their remote access experience on Android devices.

6. Chrome Remote Desktop [Chrome extension]

Chrome Remote Desktop (unofficially called Chromoting) is a free remote access software for personal use, and it can exist as an extension of Chrome browsers. 

Pros:

• Completely free: Users don't need to pay for it. They just need to add it to Chrome for remote access.
• Cross-platform: Users can install and run Chrome Remote Desktop once the device supports Chrome browsers.

Cons:

• Some key features are missing: Some key features, like Chat in session and remote print, aren't supported.
• Connection is unstable: Users can get CRD issues like Chrome Remote Desktop freezes when using CRD to access remote computers.

Key and basic features:

• Access via PIN
• Access via Code
• Transfer files via uploading and downloading
• Remote audio
• Resolution change in session
• Ctrl+Alt+Del, PrintScreen, and F11 shortcuts

7. Microsoft Remote Desktop [Pre-installed]

Computers running Windows advanced editions, like Windows 11 Professional, come with a Remote Desktop feature, enabling users to access the computers without asking for the help of third-party remote desktop software. 

Pros:

• Time and money are saved: Users don't need to waste time downloading other remote access tools on the remote computer or pay for remote access.
• File transfer is convenient: Copy and paste are available in RDP sessions, which makes file transfer convenient.

Cons:

• Complicated setup for connection over the internet: Users need to configure the router or set up a VPN when accessing computers from an outside network.
• Only available in advanced versions: It is not offered in Windows Home and Windows Standard.
• Users can't share the screen with the one on the other end: The remote computer screen is locked during RDP sessions.

Key and basic features"

• Access via IP address and password
• Copy and paste
• Drag-and-drop file transfer
• Remote audio
• Remote print
• Drive redirection

Pricing and plans:

It comes with Windows Pro and Windows Enterprise and is free. Windows Home and Standard users need to upgrade to Professional. Windows 10/11 Home to Pro upgrade is $99. 

How does remote access software for personal use work - AnyViewer

The pros & cons, features, and pricing of the best 7 remote access apps for personal use have been demonstrated in detail.  Here, take AnyViewer as an example to show how remote control software works. 

First, users must download the remtoe desktop app, install it, and run it on both devices.

To access a personal computer from mobile devices, go to App Store or Google Play to download AnyViewer for iOS or AnyViewer for Android. 

Create an AnyViewer account and log into it on both devices. After logging, the device will be assigned to the computer automatically. 

Then, on your local device, go to Device, click the remote personal computer, and click One-click control. Immediately, you can view the screen of the remote PC and use it without physical access.  

Conclusion

All in all, the 7 aforementioned remote access utilities are good enough for personal use.  For users who need simple and fast free remote access software for Windows, AnyViewer is recommended; for users who need a stable and cheap app for remote access for Windows, Linux, and Mac, RemotePC should be the best one; for users who are fans of Chrome, CRD is the right one; for users who only access Windows computers within the same LAN, Microsoft Remote Desktop is enough.