The 10 Best Remote Desktop Apps for Android

Discover the best remote desktop apps for Android to effortlessly access your PC anywhere, anytime. Enhance productivity with top picks for 2024!

Updated: 02 Mar, 24 by Lisa P 8 Min

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In today's fast-paced world, the need for remote access to your computer has become more critical than ever. Whether you're a professional on the go, a student needing access to your files, or simply someone who wants the convenience of controlling your PC from your Android device, remote desktop apps for Android have got you covered. In this article, we'll explore the best remote desktop apps for Android that allow you to stay connected to your computer no matter where you are.

The core purpose of this article is to help you discover the best remote desktop apps for your Android device, but we cannot overlook the fundamental question: "How can you use a remote desktop on Android?" It's essential to understand the process before diving into the app recommendations.

To connect to your Windows computer from an Android device, you'll typically need a reliable remote desktop app installed on your Android device and the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) enabled on your Windows PC. With these prerequisites in place, you can establish a secure and seamless Android remote desktop connection, granting you access to your computer's desktop, files, and applications right from your Android smartphone or tablet.

Now that you clearly understand how remote desktop connections work on Android, let's explore the best remote desktop apps for Android that make this powerful functionality accessible and convenient for everyone.

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1. AnyDesk

  • Price: Free for personal use; Paid plans starting at $14.90/month for business use.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS.
  • Key Features: AnyDesk offers seamless two-way remote access, meaning you can control your Android device from other supported platforms as well. This Android remote desktop app boasts excellent streaming quality and connection speed. AnyDesk simplifies the remote desktop experience with a user-friendly interface and provides features like screenshot capture, file transfer, and a text chat for easy communication.

2. Chrome Remote Desktop

  • Price: Completely free.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works with Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, Brave, and Edge.
  • Key Features: Chrome Remote Desktop is a free, web-based remote desktop solution. It grants full control of your computer through an easy-to-use browser extension. You can navigate your computer using your Android device's touchscreen or a mouse cursor. It offers options for remote desktop stream scaling, video codec settings, and file transfers from your Android device to your PC.

🤔 Curious about accessing your computer from afar? Our essential guide on How to Use Chrome Remote Desktop demystifies remote desktop use for everyone.

3. Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Price: Free.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Chrome OS.
  • Key Features: Microsoft's native remote desktop solution provides access to webcams, printers, and storage devices on the host computer. It supports multi-monitor setups and dynamic display resolution changes. While primarily designed for Windows, it's also available on other platforms. It enables file transfers between devices but lacks features like chat and two-factor authentication.

4. RemotePC

  • Price: Starts at $24.50/year for a single consumer license.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux.
  • Key Features: RemotePC offers robust security with encrypted connections. It provides features like remote printing, a whiteboard, and chat support. Users can drag and drop files between devices, and multiple users can access one computer simultaneously. Notably, it includes a blackout feature to conceal the host computer's screen and 24/7 email and chat support.

5. TeamViewer

  • Price: Free for personal use; Paid plans for business and commercial use.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and more.
  • Key Features: TeamViewer is a widely trusted application for remote controlling PCs from anywhere. It offers excellent performance, minimal lag, and supports real-time sound and video transmission. Security is top-notch, and it allows for two-way file transfers. It's a favorite among businesses and professionals for its reliability and robust features.

6. Splashtop Personal Remote PC

  • Price: Paid service starting at $24.50 for a single consumer license.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Splashtop Personal Remote PC offers access to macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. It is a versatile solution.
  • Key Features: This app provides a shortcut menu for accessing tools like an on-screen keyboard with extended function keys. It supports remote printing, rebooting, whiteboard, and chat functions, offers 60fps streaming speed, and allows users to drag and drop files for easy transfers. Additionally, it permits multiple users to access one computer simultaneously. Splashtop is favored for its strong encryption, keeping connections secure. It also offers a feature to black out the host computer's screen to safeguard sensitive information from prying eyes. The app even provides 24/7 email and chat support for users.

7. VNC Viewer

  • Price: Free with the option to connect up to five devices for free.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: VNC Viewer can establish remote sessions with popular OS devices, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • Key Features: As one of the best Android remote desktop apps, VNC Viewer prioritizes security with end-to-end encryption and password protection, ensuring secure and private connections. The app is entirely free for personal use, with trial and subscription versions available. It simplifies keyboard and mouse commands with integrated gestures for a user-friendly interface.

8. AirDroid

  • Price: AirDroid offers both free and premium plans, with premium plan pricing varying by location and features.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: This remote desktop app seamlessly connects mobile phones and desktop PCs.
  • Key Features: AirDroid offers two-way communication, allowing remote control of a desktop via an Android phone. Users can manage notifications and calls from the desktop. It's a complete solution for IT professionals, enabling control of multiple devices with ease. Notably, it can locate a lost Android device and even wipe its data remotely if necessary.

9. Unified Remote

  • Price: Unified Remote is available for free with additional features available through in-app purchases.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: This app provides universal remote control for PCs and offers support for IR and NFC actions.
  • Key Features: Unified Remote stands out with more than 100 program features, offering complete control over various aspects of a PC without needing a mouse and keyboard. It supports gestures, offers a user-friendly interface, and prioritizes encryption and password protection for maximum security.

10. LogMeIn Pro

  • Price: LogMeIn Pro is a comprehensive remote desktop solution offering a 14-day free trial and various subscription options.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: LogMeIn Pro supports Chrome OS and Samsung DeX, making it a versatile choice.
  • Key Features: With 1 TB of cloud storage, LogMeIn Pro excels in file sharing between PCs and Android devices. It provides quick and secure connections for remote sessions, including real-time streaming of videos and music. Additionally, it includes features like remote reboot, connection time control, and even an antivirus license for added security.

With the best remote desktop apps for Android at your fingertips, you can easily access and control your computer from anywhere. Whether you need to retrieve important files, manage your desktop, or troubleshoot issues, these apps offer a wide range of features and security measures to keep your remote sessions safe and efficient. After choosing the best remote desktop app for Android, stay connected and productive with its power of remote desktop access on your Android device.

Lisa P

Lisa P

Hello, everyone, my name is Lisa. I'm a passionate electrical engineering student with a keen interest in technology. I'm fascinated by the intersection of engineering principles and technological advancements, and I'm eager to contribute to the field by applying my knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.