Best Free Remote Desktop Client For Mac

11-05-2021 admin

Best Remote Desktop Software Remote desktop software allows a user to seamlessly connect to and interact with a computer in another location via an internal network or the internet. Remote desktop software enables the user to see and control a connected PC or laptop as though they were sitting directly in front of it.

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Applies To: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016

I have been issued a Mac and not had to RDP via OSX much before. The Microsoft Remote Desktop app on OSX seems pretty limited, I can't seem to really organize the list of 80ish servers that I'll be adding other than dragging servers up and down a list. Use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app to connect to a remote PC or virtual apps and desktops made available by your admin. The app helps you be productive no matter where you are. Getting Started Configure your PC for remote access first.

You can use the Remote Desktop client for Mac to work with Windows apps, resources, and desktops from your Mac computer. Use the following information to get started - and check out the FAQ if you have questions.

Note

Curious about the new releases for the macOS client? Check out What's new for Remote Desktop on Mac?
The Mac client runs on computers running macOS 10.10 and newer.
The information in this article applies primarily to the full version of the Mac client - the version available in the Mac AppStore. Test-drive new features by downloading our preview app here: beta client release notes.

Get the Remote Desktop client

Follow these steps to get started with Remote Desktop on your Mac:

Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop client from the Mac App Store.
Set up your PC to accept remote connections. (If you skip this step, you can't connect to your PC.)
Add a Remote Desktop connection or a remote resource. You use a connection to connect directly to a Windows PC and a remote resource to use a RemoteApp program, session-based desktop, or a virtual desktop published on-premises using RemoteApp and Desktop Connections. This feature is typically available in corporate environments.

What about the Mac beta client?

We're testing new features on our preview channel on HockeyApp. Want to check it out? Go to Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac and click Download. You don't need to create an account or sign into HockeyApp to download the beta client.

If you already have the client, you can check for updates to ensure you have the latest version. In the beta client, click Microsoft Remote Desktop Beta at the top, and then click Check for updates.

Add a Remote Desktop connection

To create a remote desktop connection:

In the Connection Center, click +, and then click Desktop.
Enter the following information:
- PC name - the name of the computer.
  - This can be a Windows computer name (found in the System settings), a domain name, or an IP address.
  - You can also add port information to the end of this name, like MyDesktop:3389.
- User Account - Add the user account you use to access the remote PC.
  - For Active Directory (AD) joined computers or local accounts, use one of these formats: user_name, domainuser_name, or user_name@domain.com.
  - For Azure Active Directory (AAD) joined computers, use one of these formats: AzureADuser_name or AzureADuser_name@domain.com.
  - You can also choose whether to require a password.
  - When managing multiple user accounts with the same user name, set a friendly name to differentiate the accounts.
  - Manage your saved user accounts in the preferences of the app.
You can also set these optional settings for the connection:
- Set a friendly name
- Add a Gateway
- Set the sound output
- Swap mouse buttons
- Enable Admin Mode
- Redirect local folders into a remote session
- Forward local printers
- Forward Smart Cards
Click Save.

To start the connection, just double-click it. The same is true for remote resources.

Export and import connections

You can export a remote desktop connection definition and use it on a different device. Remote desktops are saved in separate .RDP files.

In the Connection Center, right-click the remote desktop.
Click Export.
Browse to the location where you want to save the remote desktop .RDP file.
Click OK.

Use the following steps to import a remote desktop .RDP file.

In the menu bar, click File > Import.
Browse to the .RDP file.
Click Open.

Add a remote resource

Remote resources are RemoteApp programs, session-based desktops, and virtual desktops published using RemoteApp and Desktop Connections.

The URL displays the link to the RD Web Access server that gives you access to RemoteApp and Desktop Connections.
The configured RemoteApp and Desktop Connections are listed.

To add a remote resource:

In the Connection Center click +, and then click Add Remote Resources.
Enter information for the remote resource:
- Feed URL - The URL of the RD Web Access server. You can also enter your corporate email account in this field – this tells the client to search for the RD Web Access Server associated with your email address.
- User name - The user name to use for the RD Web Access server you are connecting to.
- Password - The password to use for the RD Web Access server you are connecting to.
Click Save.

The remote resources will be displayed in the Connection Center.

Connect to an RD Gateway to access internal assets

A Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) lets you connect to a remote computer on a corporate network from anywhere on the Internet. You can create and manage your gateways in the preferences of the app or while setting up a new desktop connection.

To set up a new gateway in preferences:

In the Connection Center, click Preferences > Gateways.
Click the + button at the bottom of the table Enter the following information:
- Server name – The name of the computer you want to use as a gateway. This can be a Windows computer name, an Internet domain name, or an IP address. You can also add port information to the server name (for example: RDGateway:443 or 10.0.0.1:443).
- User name - The user name and password to be used for the Remote Desktop gateway you are connecting to. You can also select Use connection credentials to use the same user name and password as those used for the remote desktop connection.

Manage your user accounts

When you connect to a desktop or remote resources, you can save the user accounts to select from again. You can manage your user accounts by using the Remote Desktop client.

To create a new user account:

In the Connection Center, click Settings > Accounts.
Click Add User Account.
Enter the following information:
- User Name - The name of the user to save for use with a remote connection. You can enter the user name in any of the following formats: user_name, domainuser_name, or user_name@domain.com.
- Password - The password for the user you specified. Every user account that you want to save to use for remote connections needs to have a password associated with it.
- Friendly Name - If you are using the same user account with different passwords, set a friendly name to distinguish those user accounts.
Tap Save, and then tap Settings.

Customize your display resolution

You can specify the display resolution for the remote desktop session.

In the Connection Center, click Preferences.
Click Resolution.
Click +.
Enter a resolution height and width, and then click OK.

To delete the resolution, select it, and then click -.

Displays have separate spacesIf you are running Mac OS X 10.9 and disabled Displays have separate spaces in Mavericks (System Preferences > Mission Control), you need to configure this setting in the remote desktop client using the same option.

Drive redirection for remote resources

Drive redirection is supported for remote resources, so that you can save files created with a remote application locally to your Mac. The redirected folder is always your home directory displayed as a network drive in the remote session.

Remote Desktop Connection For Mac

Note

In order to use this feature, the administrator needs to set the appropriate settings on the server.

Use a keyboard in a remote session

Mac keyboard layouts differ from the Windows keyboard layouts.

The Command key on the Mac keyboard equals the Windows key.
To perform actions that use the Command button on the Mac, you will need to use the control button in Windows (e.g.: Copy = Ctrl + C).
The function keys can be activated in the session by pressing additionally the FN key (e.g.: FN + F1).
The Alt key to the right of the space bar on the Mac keyboard equals the Alt Gr/right Alt key in Windows.

By default, the remote session will use the same keyboard locale as the OS you're running the client on. (If your Mac is running an en-us OS, that will be used for the remote sessions as well. If the OS keyboard locale is not used, check the keyboard setting on the remote PC and changing the setting manually. See the Remote Desktop Client FAQ for more information about keyboards and locales.

Support for Remote Desktop gateway pluggable authentication and authorization

Windows Server 2012 R2 introduced support for a new authentication method, Remote Desktop Gateway pluggable authentication and authorization, which provides more flexibility for custom authentication routines. You can now this authentication model with the Mac client.

Best Free Remote Desktop For Mac

Important

Custom authentication and authorization models before Windows 8.1 are not supported, although the article above discusses them.

To learn more about this feature, check out http://aka.ms/paa-sample.

Tip

Questions and comments are always welcome. However, please do NOT post a request for troubleshooting help by using the comment feature at the end of this article. Instead, go to the Remote Desktop client forum and start a new thread. Have a feature suggestion? Tell us in the client user voice forum.

Contents

3 15 best TeamViewer alternatives that can be used for remote desktop software applications

Are you looking for the TeamViewer alternatives? Well, don’t worry anymore as in this article we have listed some of the best alternatives to TeamViewer.

Unfortunately, TeamViewer is not as secure as it used to be. Ever since TeamViewer got hacked, security experts are warning users to ditch it and look for a different remote desktop software alternative or face problems.

In this article, we have provided 15 of the best TeamViewer alternatives. Remote desktop software for free and paid keeping in mind the requirements of every kind of users.

What is remote desktop software?

Remote Desktop Access is a great way to manage the files on your desktop as well as any other possible location, and also to help your associates with troubleshooting their problems remotely.

In other words, remote desktop is a program or an operating system feature that allows the user to connect to a computer in another location, see that computer’s desktop and interact with it as if it were local.

Also, remote desktops are an excellent way to expedite the deployments for developers. Remote desktop applications are used to remotely configure data centers and are the standard in industrial applications.

While the advantages to the remote desktop are too good to be overlooked, the right tools are needed to connect with your friends and family safe and secured. One of the most common and widely used Remote Desktop software is ‘TeamViewer’ and we will be looking at a few alternatives that better this tool.

Remote Desktop Mac To Mac

Why the need for TeamViewer Alternative?

While TeamViewer is a useful tool for getting started on a remote desktop, it doesn’t provide the simplicity and dependability expected from such a tool. Security is one primary concern that causes many users to flock away from TeamViewer, if not properly configured.

If the average user doesn’t configure the settings on this tool correctly, your system is directly put at risk.

Although the personal license version is for free, TeamViewer charges a heavy fee for the business version. Even though TeamViewer features many useful functionalities like file transfers, collaborations, and mobile access, there are better TeamViewer alternatives should you decide to do away with it.

15 best TeamViewer alternatives that can be used for remote desktop software applications

1. Windows Remote Desktop Connection

Windows Remote Desktop Connection is a free feature built into the Microsoft Windows Operating System, Ultimate and Business versions that give fast and complete access control over a remote PC. And is best remote desktop software like TeamViewer.

Supported by Windows and Mac OS X, the tool is simple, easy-to-use and easy to set up that makes this tool a great fit for beginners and amateurs, beginning out on the Remote desktop application.

This setting can be accessed from the computer’s System settings, found in the control panel. The router of the remote PC needs to be routed on the port 3389 to direct it to your PC. However, this tool is not capable of controlling multiple PC control at a time.

2. DWService

DWService is free of charge multi-platform support solution (Windows, Linux, Mac, Raspberry) that allows users to remotely connect to end-user systems from their computer or mobile device with any browser.

Like TeamViewer, It also provides instant, secure, and trouble-free connections utilizing the latest industry standards and infrastructure to ensure the highest level of security and privacy for our users.

You can connect to any computer both inside and outside your local network. It traverses major web proxies and firewalls and shielded with industry-standard security.

3. Join.me

Developed by LogMeIn, Join.me is a premium online conferencing and meeting tool that allows multiple people from multiple locations connect with each other at the same time, which is supported by Windows and Mac OS X.

Join.me offers unlimited audio, which means that anyone can join a call from any device, whether that is internet calling (VoIP) or phone lines. It also offers recording, one-click meeting scheduling, and phone numbers in 40 different countries to facilitate worldwide conferencing.

The paid versions offer up to 250 participants to join the meeting and a presenter swap lets people share their views across the attendees

While the service is free for basic VoIP, it is $15/mo for Pro plan and $19/mo for Enterprise plans with premium meetings and advanced management.

4. Splashtop

Splashtop offers free and paid remote desktop solutions for individuals and businesses alike and is one of the best TeamViewer alternatives. Splashtop is easy to use once you get past the difficulties with installation.

Supported by Windows, OS X, Linux, Android and iOS, Splashtop remote PC access software offers fast connections and multiple levels of security.

You can use the tool for Free if you are using it for personal purposes on up to 5 computers.

Setting up the tool on your Windows or Mac and accessing remotely over your Android or iOS-based mobile phone is what Splashtop achieves pretty enormously.

There is minimum latency on audio and video streaming, so that makes it easier for you to even enjoy your media remotely.

It is free for 6 months, after that $1.99/month (Individual use) and $60/year per user for businesses.

5. Real VNC

RealVNC provides both free and paid versions of the Remote Desktop Client. The software consists of a server and client application for the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol to control another computer’s screen remotely.

Somewhat more complicated than setting up TeamViewer, RealVNC offers the dependability and features like cross-platform remote control, VNC authentication, encryption, file transfer, collaboration tools and chat, to ensure that your remote connection bodes well for the person on the other end of it.

The cross-platform utility allows you to connect individually to a remote computer or also connect multiple PC’s behind a public IP Address.

The supported platforms for this software are Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, UNIX, Ubuntu, and Raspberry Pi. The software is free for private use, while it is $30 per desktop for Personal Commercial Use and $44 per desktop for Enterprise Use.

6. Ammyy Admin

Ammyy Admin is free of charge, fast and easy way to gain remote sharing and remote desktop control solution for both individuals and businesses alike.

Unlike heavy remote desktop software like TeamViewer, this tool comes in as a tiny application under 1MB. In addition to remotely connecting to the other system, you can also perform actions like file transfers and live chat.

Supported by Windows, secure connection and easy to manage software makes Ammyy Admin one of the most preferred free remote desktop clients.

While it is free for non-commercial uses, the Starter, Premium and Corporate licensed tools are priced at $33.90, $66.90 and $99.90 respectively.

7. Ultra VNC

UltraVNC is a free tool based on the VNC technology that is developed for systems based on Windows to remotely access other systems.

It offers a simple setup process that gets you connected in a matter of minutes. Once the connection is established, you can complete work on another remote system.

Just like TeamViewer this tool also allows file transfer that makes it a useful little free tool for quickly establishing a remote connection and getting your work done.

8. LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn offers one of the best remote desktop software for Windows and Mac OS X for individuals and businesses.

Even though the free version of LogMeIn was discontinued recently, that doesn’t keep it from being listed as one of the best teamviewer alternatives.

In spite of this, LogMeIn still serves as one of the best premium alternatives to TeamViewer with many key features like file transfer, audio and video streaming, full-remote access to transfer files, print documents to a local printer and share documents with collaborators.

Although priced somewhat less than the TeamViewer app, LogMeIn offers features that are non-existent in many remote desktop applications of its kind.

It is $99/year for individuals (Access up to 2 computers), $249/year for small businesses with 5 computers and $449/year for Businesses with 10 computers.

9. WebEx Free

Cisco’s WebEx free and premium tool allows you to remotely connect with people based on different systems through free mobile or desktop applications.

These remote desktop setups although having to be an attended one on the other side. The one hosting the meeting could share his desktop and choose to pass over the control of mouse and keyboard to other presenters. Sharing files, chat and face-to-face live interaction, scheduling in Outlook, Password protected messages are also capable with this tool.

Supported by Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Mobile Apps, Cisco’s WebEx would be a great fit for your needs if you are looking for a premium business solution or just for remotely accessing a desktop with an added bit of interaction to it.

While it is free for 3 People, paid plans include Premium 8 ($24 per month for up to eight attendees), Premium 25 ($49 per month for up to 25 attendees) and Premium 100 ($89 per month for up to 100 attendees.)

It is one of the best paid remote desktop software alternative for teamviewer.

10. Chrome Remote Desktop

This remote desktop software is available as an extension for the Google Chrome browser, accessible on any operating system running it and is fully secured.

Setting up is simple and the add-on costs nothing in addition to providing an easy-to-use setup for getting your remote desktop connection. The add-on lets users remotely access any desktop and its contents right from their browser.

Unlike teamviewer it is very simple to use and acts as one of the best teamviewer alternative.

11. Supremo

Supremo offers free and paid plans to remote control PCs/servers and host Meetings. It allows multiple connections just through the exchange of ID and password and can be set-up for unattended access.

No configuration of the router or firewalls makes it a great solution to provide assistance rapidly, even from iOS and Android devices. Supremo is a secure app, thanks to TLS 1.2 cryptographic protocol, and can be customized with your brand/logo.

Just like Teamviewer it also has both free and paid plans. Free for personal use, it provides a very flexible and affordable commercial offer. Users can choose between Business and Solo plans, depending on the number of simultaneous sessions.

Both can be billed Annually or Quarterly, starting from 8€/mo for unlimited installs on an unlimited number of devices.

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Download Supremo from Apple App Store
Download Supremo from Google Play Store

12. ThinVNC

ThinVNC is another reliable TeamViewer alternative that can be used as a screen sharing tool. Furthermore, it also offers remote desktop features as well as file sharing ability. Well, ThinVNC has a clean and beginner-friendly UI. In addition to that, the installation of ThinVNC is pretty straightforward.

ThinVNC eliminates the need of installing client software as remote control of desktop is possible through any browser of choice that supports HTML 5.

Using ThinVNC users can easily transfer data even using a smartphone or a tablet. Overall, ThinVNC is one among the best TeamViewer alternatives that offer web remote access to Windows desktops.

13. Mikogo

The next best software like Teamviewer is Mikogo. Well, if you used Teamviewer for online meetings than Mikogo will definitely impress you. Unlike many other Teamviewer alternatives, Mikogo eliminates the need of installing any additional software and it works directly through a web browser.

Mikogo can be used on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and every other OS that has a well-developed browser. Using Mikogo you can connect with up to 25 people and this paid tool enables data transfer between the participant and whoever is presenting the meeting using integrated data transfer function.

14. AnyDesk

AnyDesk is another feature-rich TeamViewer alternative that allows users to access their devices from anywhere in the world. It is worth noting that, in some areas like transfer speeds and reliability of connection AnyDesk even outperforms TeamViewer. Furthermore, AnyDesk also offers even double the frame rates as compared to TeamViewer.

Best Free Remote Desktop App For Mac

As for security, AnyDesk relies on TLS 1.2 technology along with RSA 2048 asymmetric encryption to verify every connection. The free version is perfectly fine for personal use while you have to have pay for business or commercial use.

Remote Desktop From Pc To Mac

15. Parallels Access

The last reliable TeamViewer alternative on the list is Parallels Access. Using Parallels Access you can easily access any of your computing devices in the fastest and simplest ways. Parallels Access offers very well developed mobile applications.

In addition to that, using Parallels Access you can easily operate any computer-based application on your smartphone using touch gestures.

So these were some of the best TeamViewer alternatives both paid and free that will help you with remote desktop software needs.

It’s so frustrating reading posts like this! First, it’s insane to open native Windows RDP to the Internet!! Crazy! Second, if looking for an alternative to TeamView, the FIRST items listed should all NOT require port forwarding or opening different ports on your firewall!!! You install TeamViewer on computer A in location A, and then install TeamView on computer B in location B, and then you can connect!! You don’t need to do ANYTHING on the firewall! Most of these tools require mucking with networking, so those are all “class B” solutions as alternatives to TeamViewer. AnyDesk, for example, can be set up and work without messing with networking. LiteManager, conversely, requires network fiddling so it’s a worse alternative.