Buying guide · Remote support tools

Remote support tools for American small & mid-sized businesses

When someone’s computer isn’t working, every minute feels longer. These remote support tools let you or your IT provider connect quickly, see the screen, and fix issues without needing to be on-site.

Everything we recommend

If you want a smoother way to support staff or clients on different networks and in different locations, start with one of these tools. Then scroll down for more detail on how they compare.

We may earn a small commission if you sign up with any of these tools and services, at no extra cost to you. We only feature tools that are appropriate for American businesses like yours.

Top pick
AnyDesk

AnyDesk

Best for: Best for small businesses needing fast, lightweight remote support sessions

Why we like it: Fast and responsive remote connections

AnyDesk offers straightforward remote desktop access designed for quick IT support and team collaboration. It is often praised for its low latency and easy setup, making it suitable for small businesses that require responsive remote assistance without complex configurations.

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Runner-up
ConnectWise ScreenConnect

ConnectWise ScreenConnect

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote access with strong session controls

Why we like it: Supports Windows, Mac, and mobile devices

ConnectWise ScreenConnect is a remote support tool commonly used by SMBs to provide fast, secure access to employee and client devices. It offers detailed session management and supports multiple platforms, helping IT providers and internal teams resolve issues efficiently.

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Also great
LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn Pro

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote access with multi-device support

Why we like it: Supports multiple devices and operating systems

LogMeIn Pro offers remote access and support tools designed for small and mid-sized businesses. It provides reliable connections across multiple devices and platforms, helping teams and IT providers manage systems remotely with ease.

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Who this is for

Remote support tools like these are a strong fit if:

  • Your team depends on laptops or desktops to get work done and you need a fast way to help when something breaks, even if the user is off-site.
  • You support staff or clients in more than one location—different offices, home offices, or even different cities—and on-site visits aren’t always practical.
  • Simple issues currently eat up a lot of time because people struggle to describe what they’re seeing, or support has to walk them through fixes step by step.
  • You want controlled access to devices so support can connect when needed, log what was done, and keep things secure and auditable.
  • You’d like tools that grow with you—starting small, but able to support more technicians, more endpoints, or more clients as your business expands.

If this sounds familiar, the remote support tools below make it easier to help people where they are—without constant travel or long, frustrating support calls.

Top pick

AnyDesk

Best for: Best for small businesses needing fast, lightweight remote support sessions

Reliable remote access for quick IT support and collaboration

AnyDesk is commonly used by small and mid-sized businesses to provide fast remote support and access to workstations. Its lightweight design helps IT providers and internal teams connect quickly to troubleshoot issues or collaborate without delays.

Many users appreciate its simple installation and responsive performance, which helps reduce downtime and improve productivity.

A solid default if you just want a reliable, business-ready option.

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Runner-up

ConnectWise ScreenConnect

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote access with strong session controls

Reliable remote support for quick issue resolution and team access

ConnectWise ScreenConnect helps small and mid-sized businesses provide remote support and access to devices across different locations. It is often used by internal IT teams and external providers to troubleshoot problems quickly and securely. The tool supports Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, making it practical for diverse work environments.

Great if you want similar benefits with a slightly different feature mix.

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Also great

LogMeIn Pro

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote access with multi-device support

Reliable remote access and support for small business IT needs

LogMeIn Pro is commonly used by small businesses to access and support computers remotely. It allows staff and IT providers to connect securely from different locations, making it easier to troubleshoot issues or work remotely without complex setup.

Its multi-device support and straightforward interface help reduce downtime and improve productivity for teams that need dependable remote access.

Worth a look if the top two don’t quite fit how your team works.

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Detailed breakdowns

If you’re deciding between remote support tools, these breakdowns show how each product handles things like connection quality, unattended access, security, integrations, and day-to-day usability for busy support teams.

AnyDesk

Our top pick

Reliable remote access for quick IT support and collaboration

Best for: Best for small businesses needing fast, lightweight remote support sessions

Why teams choose it: Fast and responsive remote connections

AnyDesk is often chosen by small businesses and IT providers who need a straightforward, efficient way to remotely access computers for support or collaboration. It is designed to minimize lag and provide a smooth experience even on lower bandwidth connections, which can be important for businesses with limited internet resources.

Typical use cases include IT help desks remotely resolving technical issues, managers accessing office computers from home, and teams collaborating on projects without needing complex setups. Its lightweight client installs quickly and requires minimal configuration, making it accessible for non-technical users.

While AnyDesk offers solid remote access features, it may lack some advanced management and integration options found in other remote support tools. Businesses with more complex IT environments or strict compliance needs might consider alternatives with more extensive policy controls.

Overall, AnyDesk suits small to mid-sized businesses looking for reliable, easy-to-use remote support software that helps reduce downtime and keeps teams connected without adding administrative overhead.

Where this tool fits best

  • Fast and responsive remote connections
  • Lightweight client with easy installation
  • Works well on low bandwidth networks

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced management features than some competitors
  • Limited built-in compliance and policy controls
  • May not scale as well for larger IT teams
IT Support & Help Desk Network Management

Best for: Best for small businesses needing fast, lightweight remote support sessions

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ConnectWise ScreenConnect

Runner-up

Reliable remote support for quick issue resolution and team access

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote access with strong session controls

Why teams choose it: Supports Windows, Mac, and mobile devices

ConnectWise ScreenConnect is designed to facilitate remote support and access for SMBs that require dependable connections and detailed session controls. Many businesses use it to allow IT providers or internal staff to remotely troubleshoot and resolve technical issues without needing to be onsite. This can reduce downtime and improve productivity.

The tool supports multiple operating systems, including Windows and Mac, and offers features like session recording, permission controls, and file transfer. These capabilities help businesses maintain security and compliance while providing flexible support options.

While it offers strong session management and broad platform support, some SMBs may find the setup and pricing more suited to teams with dedicated IT resources or external IT providers. It is often positioned as a solution for businesses that value control and security in their remote support workflows.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports Windows, Mac, and mobile devices
  • Detailed session controls and permission settings
  • Allows file transfer during remote sessions

Things to keep in mind

  • Setup may require IT knowledge or support
  • Pricing can be higher than basic remote tools
  • Interface may be complex for non-technical users
Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote access with strong session controls

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LogMeIn Pro

Also great

Reliable remote access and support for small business IT needs

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote access with multi-device support

Why teams choose it: Supports multiple devices and operating systems

LogMeIn Pro is often chosen by small and mid-sized businesses that require consistent and secure remote access to office computers or servers. It supports multiple devices and operating systems, which is useful for teams with diverse hardware setups or IT providers managing client systems.

Typical use cases include remote troubleshooting, file access, and supporting remote workers without needing on-site visits. The tool is designed to be user-friendly for non-technical staff while providing enough features for IT support teams to work efficiently.

While LogMeIn Pro offers solid reliability and multi-device access, it may come at a higher price point compared to some alternatives. Businesses with very basic remote access needs or tight budgets might consider simpler or more cost-effective options. However, for those prioritizing ease of use and dependable connections, it is a practical choice.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports multiple devices and operating systems
  • Reliable and secure remote connections
  • User-friendly interface for non-technical users

Things to keep in mind

  • Pricing may be higher than some competitors
  • May offer more features than very small teams need
  • No built-in advanced IT management tools
IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote access with multi-device support

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Parallels Access

Access and control office computers remotely with simple app-based tools

Best for: Best for small teams needing quick, app-focused remote access to office Macs and PCs

Why teams choose it: Simple app-based remote access for Macs and PCs

Parallels Access is designed for small and mid-sized businesses that require reliable remote access to their office computers, especially Macs and Windows PCs. It allows users to control their desktop environment from mobile devices or other computers, making it easier to work remotely without changing existing workflows.

Many SMBs use Parallels Access to access specialized software or files stored on office machines, avoiding the need to transfer data or set up complex VPNs. Its app-based approach simplifies remote work for employees who may not be highly technical.

While it offers solid remote control features and good support for both Mac and Windows, it may not include some advanced management or security features found in other remote support tools. It is best suited for businesses prioritizing ease of use and straightforward access over extensive IT management capabilities.

Where this tool fits best

  • Simple app-based remote access for Macs and PCs
  • Good mobile device support for remote work
  • Minimal setup required for quick access

Things to keep in mind

  • Limited advanced IT management features
  • May lack some security controls needed by larger teams
  • Not ideal for complex multi-user support scenarios
Cloud Services IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for small teams needing quick, app-focused remote access to office Macs and PCs

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RemotePC by IDrive

Reliable remote access and support for small business teams

Best for: Best for small businesses needing straightforward remote support with flexible access options

Why teams choose it: Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices

Many small and mid-sized businesses use RemotePC by IDrive to enable remote support and desktop access for their teams and IT providers. It is often positioned as a straightforward solution that balances ease of use with essential features like file transfer, session recording, and multi-platform support.

Typical use cases include IT help desks remotely troubleshooting employee devices, managers accessing office computers from home, and service providers supporting client systems without onsite visits. The tool supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, which suits businesses with diverse device environments.

RemotePC offers flexible pricing options that can be more predictable for SMB budgets compared to some competitors. However, it may lack some advanced integrations or customization features found in higher-end remote support tools, so it fits best for teams prioritizing simplicity and reliable core functionality.

Overall, it is a practical choice for businesses that want to reduce downtime and support costs by enabling secure, easy remote connections without a steep learning curve.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices
  • Simple setup suitable for non-technical users
  • Offers file transfer and session recording features

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced integrations compared to some competitors
  • Limited customization options for complex IT environments
  • Interface may feel basic for users needing advanced tools
IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for small businesses needing straightforward remote support with flexible access options

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Splashtop Business Access

Secure remote access for staff and IT support with reliable connections

Best for: Best for small businesses needing straightforward remote access for internal teams and external IT providers

Why teams choose it: Reliable remote connections with low latency

Many small and mid-sized businesses use Splashtop Business Access to provide remote desktop access for employees working offsite or for IT providers managing support tasks. It is often chosen for its balance of security and ease of use, allowing users to connect to their office computers from home or on the road without complicated configurations.

The tool supports multiple simultaneous sessions and offers features like file transfer and remote printing, which help maintain workflow continuity. Its security includes encrypted connections and multi-factor authentication options, addressing common concerns about remote access risks.

While Splashtop is well-suited for teams that need reliable, straightforward remote access, it may not have as many advanced management features as some competitors. Businesses with complex IT environments or extensive compliance requirements might find other tools more fitting. However, for many SMBs, it provides a practical solution that balances cost, security, and usability.

Where this tool fits best

  • Reliable remote connections with low latency
  • Supports multiple devices including Windows and Mac
  • Strong security with encryption and MFA options

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced management features than some competitors
  • Limited integrations with other IT management tools
  • May not meet complex compliance documentation needs
IT Support & Help Desk Network Management

Best for: Best for small businesses needing straightforward remote access for internal teams and external IT providers

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TeamViewer

Reliable remote support for quick issue resolution and device access

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote access for IT support and troubleshooting

Why teams choose it: Supports multiple platforms including Windows and Mac

TeamViewer is a remote support solution frequently chosen by small and mid-sized businesses to enable IT providers or internal staff to access computers and devices remotely. This helps reduce the need for onsite visits, speeding up problem resolution and minimizing disruptions to daily operations.

It supports a wide range of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, which makes it suitable for businesses with diverse device types. The tool is often used for troubleshooting, software installation, and remote training or demonstrations.

While TeamViewer offers strong connectivity and ease of use, some SMBs may find its pricing higher compared to simpler remote access tools. It is best suited for teams that require reliable, multi-platform support and are willing to invest in a comprehensive remote support solution.

Overall, TeamViewer fits well for businesses that rely on external IT providers or have internal IT staff needing flexible, secure remote access to maintain productivity and reduce downtime.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports multiple platforms including Windows and Mac
  • Reliable connections for remote troubleshooting
  • Widely used by IT providers for remote support

Things to keep in mind

  • Pricing may be higher than basic remote access tools
  • Can be complex for very small teams with simple needs
  • Some advanced features may require additional setup
IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote access for IT support and troubleshooting

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Zoho Assist

Remote support with flexible session options and multi-platform access

Best for: Best for SMBs needing customizable remote support with unattended access

Why teams choose it: Supports both attended and unattended remote sessions

Zoho Assist is commonly used by small and mid-sized businesses that require flexible remote support options. It allows IT providers or internal staff to connect to client or employee devices for troubleshooting, software installation, and maintenance. The tool supports both attended sessions, where the user is present to grant access, and unattended access, which is useful for managing servers or workstations outside business hours.

Its multi-platform support includes Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices, which helps businesses with diverse device environments. The interface is designed to be straightforward, which suits SMBs without dedicated IT teams or with limited technical expertise.

While Zoho Assist offers a range of features, it may not have as many advanced integrations or extensive third-party ecosystem support as some competitors. However, its pricing and feature set often appeal to businesses looking for a balance between capability and cost. It is well suited for companies that want reliable remote support without overly complex administration or licensing.

Overall, Zoho Assist fits SMBs that need a practical, flexible remote support solution that can handle both immediate user help and scheduled maintenance tasks.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports both attended and unattended remote sessions
  • Works across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices
  • Simple setup suitable for small IT teams

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer third-party integrations compared to some competitors
  • Interface may feel basic for advanced IT users
  • Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for SMBs needing customizable remote support with unattended access

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