Top Twenty Remote Access Surveillance Applications Ideal for Smaller Corporations
In today's dynamic business landscape, remote work has become the norm, necessitating robust solutions for managing and monitoring remote desktop activities. Here is a comprehensive, expert-curated list of the leading remote desktop monitoring and access solutions for businesses in 2025, consolidating standalone remote desktop tools and full Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platforms for endpoint management.
---
### **Remote Desktop Access Solutions**
These tools provide remote access to computers, offering flexibility for businesses to meet changing needs, such as tracking employee activity during non-working hours or in remote areas.
| Software | Key Features | Pricing | Compatibility | Best For | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | **TeamViewer** | Remote control, file transfer, multi-platform support, strong encryption, session recording | Freemium; paid plans | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | IT support, cross-platform access[1] | | **GoTo Pro** | Real-time control, multi-monitor support, clipboard sync, remote printing, whiteboard, 2FA | Contact for quote | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android (browser access) | SMBs, help desks[2] | | **Splashtop** | High-speed remote access, file transfer, session recording, multi-user support | Subscription | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | SMBs, MSPs[4] | | **GoTo Assist** | Remote support, unattended access, file transfer, mobile device support | Subscription | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | IT teams[4] | | **Microsoft RDS** | Virtual desktops/apps, centralized management, supports RDP protocol | Included in Windows Server/Azure | Windows (server/client) | Enterprises needing VDI[2] | | **GO-Global** | Application publishing (not full desktop), lightweight, encryption, MFA | Concurrent user pricing | Windows (app delivery to any OS client) | ISVs, app providers[1] | | **Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops** | Full VDI & app virtualization, advanced security (zero-trust), HDX performance | Enterprise pricing | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, mobile | Large enterprises[1] |
---
### **Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Platforms**
These tools go beyond simple remote access, offering comprehensive endpoint monitoring, automation, and security.
| Software | Key Features | Pricing | Compatibility | Best For | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------| | **NinjaOne** | Endpoint monitoring, patch management, automation, reporting | Quote-based | Windows, macOS, Linux | MSPs, IT teams[3] | | **Atera** | AI-powered scripting (Copilot), patch management, PSA integration | Per-technician flat fee | Windows, macOS | MSPs, SMBs[3] | | **GoTo Resolve** | Rapid deployment, remote access, troubleshooting, asset management | Quote-based | Windows, macOS | MSPs, IT teams[3] | | **Kaseya VSA** | Endpoint management, built-in MDM, automation, patch management | Quote-based | Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile | Large MSPs, enterprises[3]| | **Pulseway** | Mobile-first monitoring, automation, remote control, cloud-based | Subscription | Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile | SMBs, IT teams[3] | | **ConnectWise Control** | Remote access, multiple monitor support, file transfer, voice and video chat, on-demand remote support, unattended remote access, and starts at $24/mo (annual payment) with a 14 days free trial | **Datto RMM** | Remote monitoring, patch management, screen connect, backup integration | Quote-based | Windows, macOS | MSPs[3] | | **Action1** | Patch management, remote desktop, software deployment, IT asset management | Freemium; paid plans | Windows | SMBs[3] | | **N-sight** | Remote control, automation, reporting, integrations | Quote-based | Windows, macOS | MSPs[3] | | **SuperOps** | Unified PSA/RMM, automation, remote access, integrations | Quote-based | Windows, macOS | MSPs[3] | | **ManageEngine Endpoint Central MSP** | Patch management, remote control, software deployment, mobile device management | Subscription | Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile | MSPs, enterprises[3] | | **Freshdesk** | Remote support, ticketing, knowledge base, live chat | Subscription | Web-based, mobile | Support teams[4] |
---
## **Key Features Comparison**
- **Remote Desktop Access:** TeamViewer, GoTo Pro, Splashtop, GoTo Assist, Microsoft RDS, GO-Global, Citrix. - **Full RMM Capabilities:** NinjaOne, Atera, ConnectWise Automate, Kaseya VSA, Pulseway, Datto RMM, Action1, N-sight, SuperOps, ManageEngine. - **Cross-Platform Support:** Most top tools support Windows, macOS, and often Linux and mobile devices. - **Security:** Encryption, MFA, session logging, and compliance reporting are standard in leading solutions[1][2]. - **Pricing Models:** Mix of subscription, per-user, per-technician, and quote-based enterprise pricing. Freemium options exist for some tools (e.g., TeamViewer, Action1). - **Scalability:** Citrix and Microsoft RDS are best for large enterprises; Atera, Pulseway, and Action1 cater to SMBs; most RMMs target MSPs[1][3].
---
## **Summary Table**
| Category | Examples | Typical Pricing | Platform Coverage | Best Use Case | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------| | Remote Desktop Access | TeamViewer, GoTo Pro, Splashtop | Freemium, Subscription | Multi-OS, mobile | IT support, SMBs | | Virtual Desktops/Apps | Citrix, Microsoft RDS, GO-Global | Enterprise, Concurrent | Multi-OS, VDI | Enterprises, ISVs | | Full RMM Platforms | NinjaOne, Atera, ConnectWise Automate | Quote, Per-tech, Subscr. | Multi-OS, mobile | MSPs, IT teams, Enterprises | | Support & Ticketing | Freshdesk | Subscription | Web, mobile | Support teams |
---
## **Selection Guidance**
- **For simple remote support:** TeamViewer, GoTo Pro, Splashtop, GoTo Assist. - **For application delivery (not full desktops):** GO-Global. - **For virtual desktops/apps at scale:** Citrix, Microsoft RDS. - **For comprehensive endpoint management:** NinjaOne, Atera, ConnectWise Automate, Kaseya VSA, Pulseway, Datto RMM, Action1, N-sight, SuperOps, ManageEngine. - **For support ticketing + remote access:** Freshdesk.
Most vendors offer free trials or demos. Pricing is often opaque and requires direct contact, especially for enterprise and MSP solutions[2][3]. Always evaluate based on your specific security, scalability, and integration needs.
- In today's dynamic business landscape, remote work has made time tracking and activity monitoring essential components for businesses, requiring solutions that offer remote desktop access.
- Remote desktop access tools like TeamViewer, GoTo Pro, Splashtop, GoTo Assist, Microsoft RDS, GO-Global, and Citrix enable clock-in/clock-out and screenshots for efficient remote employee monitoring.
- For businesses seeking more integrated solutions, Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platforms such as NinjaOne, Atera, ConnectWise Automate, Kaseya VSA, Pulseway, Datto RMM, Action1, N-sight, SuperOps, ManageEngine, and Freshdesk provide comprehensive activity monitoring, along with automation and security features.
- Integrating these tools with project management, finance, and lifestyle applications can optimize workflows and enhance financial planning, while technology like computer monitoring enables flexibility for businesses to meet changing needs, such as tracking employee activity during non-working hours or in remote areas.
- In the realm of remote desktop access, most top tools support multiple platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
- When it comes to security, encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), session logging, and compliance reporting are standard in leading remote desktop access and RMM solutions.
