AnyDesk (opens in new tab) is an ideal solution if you are looking for the best remote desktop software (opens in new tab) for your business needs. It’s a firm favorite, mainly for the ease with which it delivers streamlined remote and unattended access. AnyDesk is often the go-to desktop solution for many sole proprietors and small businesses, thanks to its affordability and powerful set of tools.
Another reason many business owners choose AnyDesk is the way it can be used by larger remote workforces. With an increasing number of employees working from home or in the field, AnyDesk can help streamline workflow by allowing employees to access their work computers in a secure environment.
AnyDesk review: plans and pricing
There is a free plan from AnyDesk that allows you to provide remote support for an unlimited number of computers (opens in new tab), although this is purely for personal use. In that regard, AnyDesk is one of the best remote desktop software solutions for casual users who don’t need to connect too often.
Meanwhile, for anyone wanting unattended access, there’s the Essentials package, which costs $9.90 per month, although it’s limited to a single user who is allowed to manage one remote device.
A more substantial option if you run a business and need a more powerful array of connectivity is the Performance plan. This currently costs $19.90 per user, per month. For that you get three remotely managed devices per user. The good thing about this is that users are not limited to just accessing the devices they add, but can actually access each of the licensed devices.
If this is not substantial enough, there is an Enterprise plan, for which AnyDesk will request a quote if necessary. While all plans are paid annually, there are also 14-day trial options for the Essentials and Performance packages.
AnyDesk Review: Features and Utilities
AnyDesk has been around since 2015 and had a facelift in 2021, with version 7 being the current edition. This latest version offers a much more streamlined user experience, with a wonderfully sensible desktop layout with session tools tucked away in a toolbar, rather than arranged separately in the workspace.
The software has always been useful for individual users, as well as for IT teams that can provide remote technical support. The software works by providing access to Windows and Mac computers (opens in new tab), as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. There is a built-in file manager for easy transfer of content between remote host ad machines, although there is no provision for dragging and dropping files.
Organizational tasks are covered by an address book system to track all computers accessed remotely. There are also plenty of tools for easy collaboration (opens in new tab), with, for example, a text chat box that can assist with remote support. There is also a virtual whiteboard and the ability to invite other users on your network, which is also useful for support scenarios.
AnyDesk: set up
Like any other remote desktop access package, AnyDesk isn’t particularly difficult to set up. You need to install the software on your computer and AnyDesk will display your unique connection address.
To connect to a remote support session using your computer as the host computer, this unique address must be given to a remote user. This can also be done with an email invitation.
Conveniently, it’s possible to select a list of permissions presets, which determine how much a user can do once they’re on your shared computer.
AnyDesk: interface and performance
You can also use AnyDesk to access and manage remote connections on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices, both supervised and unattended. The good news is that, for doing this, the AnyDesk interface is one of the best out there in terms of clear and simple usability.
There are plenty of tools to help speed up your workflow, with the address book integrated into the address input bar. This makes it a cinch when you want to connect to machines that are normal connection points. Another bonus is the way AnyDesk can automatically detect other enabled devices on your local network. That really reduces the amount of manual intervention required for business users.
In terms of stability, we have experienced AnyDesk as a highly skilled performer. Along with the user-friendly interface, using the software is a quick and easy exercise, which is always a plus if you are a time-constrained employee or business owner.
AnyDesk: security
You will find that AnyDesk comes with end-to-end encryption (opens in new tab), which includes all your remote sessions. This means it can help prevent unauthorized access to your network.
At the same time, there is also support for two-factor authentication, which adds an extra level of security with the added option of creating a whitelist so that only specific devices can access your computer.
In addition, AnyDesk allows you to set a limit on what controls are available to remote users.
AnyDesk: support
AnyDesk comes with a solid level of support services, although at the moment this only seems to extend to contact via email rather than phone. Support includes numerous online resources, accessible through the website.
There is also an option to submit a ticket if you need to contact AnyDesk about a specific issue or question. AnyDesk also seems to have a pretty good social media setting, which is always good for lots of general info, tips, tricks, and workarounds.
AnyDesk: the competition
While AnyDesk is certainly more than adequate for everyday use, you’ll need a slightly bulkier package if you’re a business owner who needs access to multiple machines.
TeamViewer (opens in new tab) is arguably one of the best options in that regard, despite the higher cost factor. Look forward to the powerful option of being able to manage up to 200 devices with one IT employee as a prime example. Add to that mass deployment options and command line control and you have a solid package that’s more powerful than AnyDesk.
Conversely, Zoho Assist (opens in new tab) is a great option if you are looking for a better value and also remote support. It is great value for money and will meet the needs of many medium to larger companies.
Sandwiched in between are plenty of other options when it comes to competing products in the best remote desktop software space.
AnyDesk: final verdict
We’re big fans of AnyDesk and it really comes into its own for anyone who wants the occasional remote desktop access and doesn’t need all the bells and whistles. However, there are some shortcomings if you run a larger business and need the kind of power tools you’ll find in something like TeamViewer. Nevertheless, AnyDesk is an easy-to-use package, and the price is good too; it’s even better if you just need the free version.
Connect to your computer with one of the best business smartphones.
