Free remote desktop apps for Windows and Mac: an honest comparison
EnDesk, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop, RustDesk and macOS Screen Sharing compared: what each is good at and what to watch for.
There are plenty of ways to control one computer from another. Which one is right depends on a few practical questions more than on feature lists. This guide covers the main free options for Windows and Mac, what each does well, and what to keep in mind. We make EnDesk, so we’ve tried to be fair about where other tools are the better choice.
What to check before you choose
- Both directions. Can it control a Mac from Windows and a PC from a Mac?
- Over the internet without setup. Some tools work only on the same network unless you configure a router or VPN.
- Accounts. Do both people need to sign up before you can help someone?
- Work use. Several “free” tools are free for personal use only and need a licence at work.
- Approval and passwords. Can the person at the computer see and approve each session?
The options
EnDesk
A small remote desktop app for Windows and Mac. Each computer shows an ID and a password; you enter them on the other computer and the person there clicks Accept. Sessions are encrypted end to end and connect over the internet without setup.
Good for: Windows ↔ Mac control, helping family and colleagues, reaching your own computers. Free for personal and work use, no account, open source.
Keep in mind: no file transfer, clipboard sync, phone apps or multi-monitor switching yet.
AnyDesk
A popular, feature-rich remote desktop tool with apps for desktop and mobile platforms, built around the same ID-based connection.
Good for: people who need extras like file transfer and mobile access.
Keep in mind: the free version is meant for personal use; work use needs a paid licence. See AnyDesk alternative for how EnDesk compares.
TeamViewer
One of the best-known remote access products, covering everything from one-off help to managed IT fleets.
Good for: organisations that need device management, reporting and broad platform support.
Keep in mind: free for personal use only; commercial use requires a licence. See TeamViewer alternative.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Google’s free remote access, set up through the Chrome browser.
Good for: people already using Chrome and a Google account on every computer.
Keep in mind: it’s tied to Chrome and a Google account, and a host component must be installed on the computer you want to reach.
Microsoft Remote Desktop (Windows App)
Built on Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol, with the Windows App client for Mac, iPhone and Android.
Good for: offices with Windows Pro machines on a managed network or VPN. Very smooth on fast connections.
Keep in mind: Windows Home can’t accept incoming Remote Desktop connections, it can’t control a Mac, and access over the internet usually needs a VPN or gateway.
RustDesk
An open-source remote desktop app that you can run with your own server.
Good for: technical users who want to self-host every part of the system.
Keep in mind: running your own server takes setup and upkeep.
macOS Screen Sharing
Built into every Mac and based on the VNC standard.
Good for: Mac-to-Mac on the same network, with nothing to install.
Keep in mind: controlling a Mac from Windows needs a separate VNC viewer, and reaching it over the internet usually means router or VPN setup.
At a glance
| App | Windows ↔ Mac | Over the internet, no setup | Free at work |
|---|---|---|---|
| EnDesk | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AnyDesk | Yes | Yes | No, needs a licence |
| TeamViewer | Yes | Yes | No, needs a licence |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Remote Desktop | Mac → Windows only | Usually needs a VPN | Yes, Windows Pro hosts |
| RustDesk | Yes | Yes | Yes, open source |
| macOS Screen Sharing | Needs a VNC viewer on Windows | Usually needs a VPN | Yes |
Products change often. Check each vendor’s current licence terms before using a tool at work.
Which should you pick?
- You switch between Windows and Mac and want something simple: EnDesk.
- You need file transfer or phone access today: AnyDesk or TeamViewer, with a licence for work.
- Everyone already lives in Chrome: Chrome Remote Desktop.
- An office of Windows Pro PCs with a VPN: Microsoft Remote Desktop.
- You want to run every part yourself: RustDesk.
AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Chrome, Microsoft Remote Desktop, Windows App, RustDesk and macOS are trademarks of their respective owners. EnDesk is not affiliated with any of them.