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Whether for professional or personal reasons, sometimes you need to access your Mac without being physically in front of it. This could be because you are working in a different location than usual. At the home or at another office because you work abroad or maybe you are traveling. For many years, the solution to this growing need has been an ever-changing combination of the best remote access tools for connecting to Mac, designed to overcome network complexity. These solutions allow you to remotely control or monitor a computer. when you work from home, sometimes you need to access a computer in your office or elsewhere. Remote access tools allow you to use a computer located elsewhere as if you were sitting in front of it.
Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues remotely, solving customer issues, streamlining processes, running sysadmin or other tasks, remote desktop software for Mac can help in all kinds of business scenarios. This is even more true in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has increasingly forced teams to work remotely. More modern tools that have become available in recent years can pass audio inputs and outputs, provide access to peripherals and transfer files. Remote desktop and screen sharing solutions are becoming more advanced and there are more options than ever before. This presents the challenge of choosing between them and determining which remote desktop application for Mac works best for your needs.
What is Remote Access Tool?
A Remote Access Tool (RAT) is a type of software or programme that lets someone control and access a computer or other device from afar over a network, most often the internet. RATs can be used for good things, like helping people with technical issues or managing systems from afar, but they can also be used for bad things, like getting into someone else’s system without permission, stealing data, or spying. RATs have caused security concerns because they can be abused, and they are sometimes linked to cyberattacks and hacking incidents. People who use RATs need to be careful and make sure they are used in an honest and safe way.
Benefits of Remote Access Tools
Remote Access Tools are very useful in today’s digital world because they have many advantages. Here are a few important pros:
Better productivity: Remote access tools let users work from home or anywhere else by letting them access their workstations or files. This makes people more productive and lets them finish tasks even when they’re not at their desk.
Savings on costs: Remote access tools cut down on the need to be in the office, which saves money on parking and travel. Businesses can also hire talented people from all over the world without having to pay for their relocation.
Flexibility and Convenience: Provides Users with the freedom to work from anywhere they choose, including at home, in a coffee shop, or while travelling. This improves work-life balance and makes it easier to keep track of tasks.
Support and troubleshooting: IT experts can use remote access tools to fix technical problems on users’ devices even when they’re not there in person. This means that problems are fixed faster and employees have less downtime.
Better Collaboration: Tools for remote access make it easier for team members in different places to work together in real time. This makes it easy to share files, documents, and information, which makes teamwork more effective.
Best Remote Access Tools for Connecting to Mac
In the table below, you can see a full comparison of the best remote access tools for Mac computers. It talks about important things like price, security protocols, compatibility, and how easy it is to use. This guide will help you make an informed choice, whether you’re a businessperson who needs easy access for work or a home user who wants a good remote control.
Remote Access Tool | Supported Platforms | Cross-Platform Access | Security Features | Pricing Model |
---|---|---|---|---|
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes | 256-bit SSL encryption | Subscription |
Chrome Remote Desktop | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes | 128-bit AES encryption | Free |
Microsoft Remote Desktop | Windows, Mac, iOS | Yes | Network Level Authentication | Free |
Zoho Assist | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes | 256-bit AES encryption, Two-factor authentication | Subscription |
TeamViewer | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes | 256-bit AES encryption, Two-factor authentication | Subscription |
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
Advanced Remote Access | Troubleshooting Tools | Security Features |
---|---|---|
Provides unattended and swift remote access to endpoints. | Enables encrypted and secure file transfers between devices. | Implements role-based restrictions to control access levels for different users. |
Allows viewing and monitoring of multiple monitors on remote devices. | Provides quick access to system manager tools for efficient troubleshooting and maintenance. | Ensures secure login using protocols like SAML, MFA, and SSO for enhanced authentication. |
Facilitates collaboration with multiple users during remote sessions. | Offers automated power management options for remote devices. | Requires end user confirmation for specific actions, adding an extra layer of security. |
Offers the ability to customize session resolution for optimal viewing. | Allows scheduling of system maintenance tasks for convenience and efficiency. | Maintains a complete track record of remote sessions for auditing and accountability purposes. |
Provides real-time network diagnosis for troubleshooting connectivity issues. | Includes unlimited communication tools for seamless collaboration. | Features a credential manager to securely store and manage login information. |
Allows recording and screen capture during remote sessions for documentation purposes. |
Need help getting to endpoints inside and outside your IT network and fixing problems? You’re in the right place. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is a complete solution that was built from the ground up. It has over 12 diagnostic functions and cutting-edge remote access tools to fix IT device problems without getting in the way of users’ work. For example, Remote Access Plus works with IT managers in healthcare, finance, education, and other fields.
It has strong admin policies, user and role-based management, and customizations to make sure it follows rules like HIPAA. Remote Access Plus can help you whether you want an on-premise or cloud-based solution. In addition, we have a special edition just for small and medium-sized businesses that lets them use all of our advanced features for free. We can help you take charge of your IT troubleshooting from a single dashboard!
The Good
- Efficient File Transfer
- Comprehensive Communication Options
- No Need for Remote Session
The Bad
- Dependence on Technology
- Learning Curve
Chrome Remote Desktop
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Cross-Platform Access | Allows connecting to macOS from various devices. |
Secure Connection | Encrypted connections for data protection. |
Multi-Monitor Support | Viewing multiple screens during remote access. |
File Transfer | Easy file transfer between devices. |
Free for Personal Use | No cost for personal use. |
One of the easiest ways to access a remote computer is Google Chrome Remote Desktop. For this to work, you must be using the Chrome browser on both computers and be signed in to a Google account. You must also set up the Remote Access extension on each computer you want to access. On the computer you want to access, download Chrome and log in to your Google account.
Go to remotedesktop.google.com/access, click Remote Access and follow the instructions to add the extension to your browser. Just choose a name and six-digit PIN and you’re done. You can remotely access this computer from any Chrome browser as long as you are signed in to the same Google account. To access your remote computer, go to remotedesktop.google.com/access and click on the computer in question.
The Good
- Free: It’s a free and easy-to-use tool.
- Cross-Platform: Works on various operating systems.
- Google Integration: Convenient if you use Google services.
- Simple Setup: Quick and straightforward installation.
The Bad
- Basic Features: May lack advanced capabilities.
- Limited Support: May not have extensive customer support.
Microsoft Remote Desktop
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Platform | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Microsoft Ecosystem | Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft services and products. |
Secure Authentication | Supports Azure Multi-Factor Authentication. |
Printer Redirection | Print documents from remote macOS to a local printer. |
Customizable Interface | Tailor the experience to your preferences. |
Free Mobile Apps | Mobile apps for remote access on the go. |
Microsoft Remote Desktop is available for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android so you can connect to your office PC from anywhere. It allows easy access to your work PC’s applications, files and network resources as if you were there. So if you’re working from home or elsewhere and need to copy a file, launch an application, or even troubleshoot a problem, MRD makes sure that anything is possible.
With this tool, you can even keep applications open on your office PC and then view those applications from home. Secure connection, audio and video streaming and easy management also make it worth a try. What’s more, it’s free and deservedly number one on our list!
The Good
- Integrated with Mac: Developed by Microsoft for Mac access.
- Secure Connection: Strong encryption for safe remote access.
- User-Friendly: Generally easy to set up and use.
- Cross-Platform: Available on multiple operating systems.
The Bad
- Windows-Centric: Primarily designed for Windows-to-Mac connections.
- Complex for Some Users: May be intimidating for beginners.
Zoho Assist
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Platform | macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux |
Unattended Access | Offers unattended access for remote support. |
Encryption | End-to-end data encryption for security. |
Reboot and Reconnect | Ability to reboot and reconnect to the remote Mac. |
File Transfer | Easy file transfer and chat support. |
Screen Sharing | Share your screen with a remote user. |
One of the most popular remote desktop software for Mac users, Zoho Assist offers remote support and unattended remote access for Macs and PCs. Zoho Assist is a comprehensive remote access tool that provides customer support features and the ability to access or control another device. That includes mobile devices. This software is particularly suitable for customer support and IT professionals, IT help desks, outsourced IT and managed service provider support.
Includes a sophisticated set of features including your company’s custom branding and remote printing. This tool is also very secure, using two-factor authentication, SSL, and 256-bit encryption. Zoho Assist also has an action log viewer that shows who is accessing your network in real time. One of the main disadvantages of Zoho Assist is that, as a web-based software, it relies on users having access to a sufficient internet connection. If the Internet is not available, you will not be able to establish a session.
The Good
- Multi-Platform Support: Works across various operating systems.
- File Transfer: Allows easy file sharing during remote sessions.
- Secure: Utilizes encryption for data protection.
- Custom Branding: Option for branding the tool with your company logo.
The Bad
- Subscription Required: Advanced features may require a paid subscription.
- Learning Curve: Slightly steeper learning curve for beginners.
TeamViewer
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Platform | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
High Performance | Fast and reliable connections for macOS. |
Cross-Platform Access | Connect to macOS from various devices. |
Remote Printing | Print documents locally from the remote Mac. |
Secure Data Transfer | Secure data transfer and remote access. |
Multi-Monitor Support | Viewing multiple screens during access. |
TeamViewer is a premium remote access tool with a generous free option. While many remote access services charge for unattended access, TeamViewer does not. It’s also exceptionally easy to use and requires little setup. First, download the TeamViewer app on the computer you want to access. For the sake of simplicity, it is better to define up a TeamViewer account and log in. In the main client window, click Set up Unattended access and follow the steps to complete the process.
You can check the “Start TeamViewer with system” checkbox if your computer restarts. To access your remote computer, download the TeamViewer application on your home computer and then log in. On the Computers and Contacts tab, you should see a list of computers you can connect to. double click on the one you want and wait for the connection to be established.
The Good
- Feature-Rich: Offers a wide range of features and tools.
- Cross-Platform: Available on Mac, Windows, and mobile devices.
- High Performance: Known for fast and stable connections.
- Commercial Use: Suitable for both personal and commercial use.
The Bad
- Pricing: Higher cost for commercial licenses.
- Complexity: Extensive features may be overwhelming for some users.
Questions and Answers
TeamViewer for macOS is without a doubt one of the best remote desktop programmes for Mac. Its great cross-platform compatibility, powerful collaboration tools, and safe data transfer options make it a must-have for both businesses and individuals.
Pick Go > Connect to Server in the Finder on your Mac. This is where you type the computer or server’s network address. Read about the right way to write network addresses on Servers and shared computers you can connect to. Press “Connect.”