The Best Screens Alternatives for Remote Access
Screens is a well-known VNC client for iPhone, iPad, and Mac OS X, designed to help users remotely connect to their computers. While Screens offers a robust solution for many, there are numerous reasons why you might be seeking an alternative. Perhaps you need broader cross-platform support, a different pricing model, specific advanced features, or simply a fresh interface. This article explores the top alternatives to Screens, helping you find the perfect remote access solution for your needs.
Top Screens Alternatives
Looking beyond Screens, a diverse range of remote desktop software provides excellent functionality for accessing your computer from anywhere. From open-source powerhouses to feature-rich commercial tools, here are some of the best Screens alternatives available today.
TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a highly popular Screens alternative that allows you to establish a connection to any PC or server within seconds. It offers extensive platform support including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Windows S, Android Tablet, iPad, Kindle Fire, and Raspberry Pi. Key features include remote control, remote reboot, support for multiple monitors, audio/video calling, file transfer (drag and drop), unattended access, and desktop sharing. It's available for free for personal use, with commercial options at various price points.
AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a fast and secure remote desktop application perfect for sharing screens and files across a wide range of devices. As a strong Screens alternative, it focuses on speed and security, offering support for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, BSD, and Raspberry Pi. Notable features include integrated file sharing, remote desktop capabilities, unattended access, cross-platform compatibility, lightweight design, low bandwidth usage, and real-time collaboration. It provides a free personal version with commercial tiers available.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is an excellent free Screens alternative that allows users to remotely access another computer directly through the Chrome browser or a Chromebook. It supports Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, and iPad. Its features include Google Chrome Extensions, a built-in terminal, integrated file sharing, and robust remote desktop support, making it a simple yet effective solution for basic remote access needs.
Remote Desktop Connection
Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is a built-in, free technology in Windows that enables you to connect to a remote computer and control it as if you were sitting right in front of it. While it's primarily a Windows-only platform, its integration and core remote desktop capabilities make it a viable Screens alternative for Windows users. Key features include remote desktop access, screen mirroring, and remote management.
UltraVNC
UltraVNC is a free and open-source remote PC access software that effectively displays the screen of another PC via LAN or the Internet. As a VNC-based Screens alternative, it's exclusively available for Windows. It offers features such as file transfer, integrated chat, lightweight design, portability, remote desktop, and specifically includes a VNC Viewer and VNC Server, making it a powerful choice for those familiar with VNC protocols.
TightVNC
TightVNC is another excellent free and open-source Screens alternative, allowing users to view and control a remote machine's desktop with their local mouse and keyboard. It supports Windows, Linux, and BSD. Features include local network connection, VNC Viewer, integrated file sharing, lightweight design, portability, and robust remote desktop capabilities.
TigerVNC
TigerVNC is an advanced VNC implementation based on the fourth generation of VNC, incorporating features from TightVNC and TurboVNC. This free and open-source Screens alternative provides strong remote desktop functionality, supporting Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD. Key features include integrated file sharing, remote desktop, VNC Viewer, and VNC Server, making it a robust option for VNC enthusiasts.
VNC Connect
VNC Connect, from RealVNC, offers reliable screen sharing software that enables you to connect to a remote computer anywhere in the world. As a freemium Screens alternative, it supports Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, BSD, iPad, and Raspberry Pi. Its features include a VNC Viewer, SSH support, adherence to the VNC protocol, remote desktop access, a VNC Server, and the ability to work behind firewalls.
LogMeIn
LogMeIn is a commercial remote access software that allows you to access your desktop from most computers and smart devices. It is a powerful Screens alternative, supporting Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad. Its core features revolve around remote desktop access, integrated file sharing, and portability, making it suitable for professional use cases.
NoMachine
NoMachine offers easy access to remote computers with enterprise-class speed and features, supporting any content including audio and video. As a freemium Screens alternative, it's available across Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and Raspberry Pi. Key features include ad-free experience, clustering, full controller support, integrated file sharing, media streaming, remote desktop recording, SSH, and VNC protocol support, making it a comprehensive choice for diverse remote access needs.
With a wide array of Screens alternative options available, you're sure to find a remote access solution that perfectly aligns with your specific requirements for platform compatibility, features, and pricing. Explore these alternatives to discover the best fit for your remote computing needs.