The Best Remote Buddy Alternatives for Seamless Mac Control
Remote Buddy is renowned as “The most powerful remote control solution for the Mac®.” It offers impressive control over more than 100 applications, virtual keyboard and mouse functionality, presentations, media center software, and crucial system settings directly from your iPhone™, iPod® Touch, Apple® Remote, or various other supported remote controls. While Remote Buddy excels in its offerings, users often seek Remote Buddy alternatives for diverse reasons, including cross-platform compatibility, open-source options, or specific feature sets. This article explores top-tier alternatives that can provide similar or even enhanced remote control experiences for your Mac and other devices.
Top Remote Buddy Alternatives
If you're looking to expand your remote control capabilities beyond Remote Buddy, or simply exploring new options, these alternatives offer a range of features and platform support to suit your needs.
KDE Connect
KDE Connect is a fantastic open-source and free Remote Buddy alternative designed to bridge your devices. It's available across Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and Android Tablet, offering features like clipboard sharing, file transfer, remote media control, SMS sending/receiving, and universal clipboard. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking for comprehensive device communication beyond just remote control.
Unified Remote
Unified Remote transforms your mobile device into a powerful WiFi or Bluetooth remote control for your computer. This freemium Remote Buddy alternative supports Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad. Its customizable nature and remote desktop features make it a versatile option for controlling various aspects of your PC from your smartphone.
iStat Menus
iStat Menus focuses on system monitoring for Mac and iPhone. While not a direct remote control, its commercial offering provides detailed hardware monitoring, real-time system info, fan speed control, and memory usage. It acts as a companion for users who want to monitor their Mac's performance remotely, complementing remote control solutions.
EventGhost
EventGhost is a free and open-source automation tool specifically for MS Windows. It allows users to create macros and use various input devices, including infrared and wireless remote controls. While Windows-exclusive, it's a powerful Remote Buddy alternative for those seeking advanced automation and remote control capabilities on a PC.
Remote Mouse
Remote Mouse turns your smartphone into a wireless touchpad and keyboard. This freemium Remote Buddy alternative offers full control over presentations and supports Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and Apple Watch. Its features include gesture support, multi-touch, and voice recognition, making it a highly intuitive remote control solution.
Pulseway
Pulseway offers comprehensive mobile monitoring and management for enterprise systems. While a commercial solution, it supports Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows S, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad. It's a robust Remote Buddy alternative for those needing to monitor and manage multiple systems remotely, including hardware and software auditing.
WinLIRC
WinLIRC is a free and open-source Windows-specific solution that allows your computer to transmit and receive standard infrared remote control signals. This means you can use almost any IR remote to control your PC. For Windows users, it's a foundational Remote Buddy alternative for basic infrared remote control integration.
AIO Remote
AIO Remote (All In One Remote) provides unparalleled customization, allowing users to create their own remote controls for any application. It's a free Remote Buddy alternative supporting Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, Android Tablet, Blackberry 10, and PlayBook. Its portable nature and remote desktop features make it highly versatile for tailor-made remote control experiences.
ROCCAT Power-Grid
ROCCAT™ Power-Grid™ is an advanced and customizable freemium remote control for your PC. It connects to, monitors, and controls your PC and games directly from your Android or iPhone device. It offers application, cloud, hardware, and server monitoring, making it a robust Remote Buddy alternative particularly for gamers and power users on Windows.
Monect
Monect leverages your smart device's sensors to control your PC, simulating steering wheels, game-pads, touch-pads, and offering Remote Desktop and file sharing. This freemium Remote Buddy alternative is available for Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad. Its auto-installer and DLNA support enhance its ease of use and multimedia capabilities.
Each of these Remote Buddy alternatives offers unique strengths, from cross-platform compatibility and open-source freedom to specialized monitoring and highly customizable control. Consider your primary operating system, desired level of control, and specific feature needs to find the best fit for your remote control requirements.