Best free alternatives to TeamViewer and AnyDesk

TeamViewer and AnyDesk are familiar ways to control another computer, but personal-use restrictions, commercial-use warnings, and subscription pricing lead many home users to look elsewhere. The good news is that occasional family support and access to your own PC do not require a business remote-monitoring suite.

This guide compares RustDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, and HelpWire. They solve slightly different problems: RustDesk emphasizes open source and self-hosting, Chrome Remote Desktop favors simplicity, and HelpWire is designed around sending a support link to another person.

Quick comparison

1. Chrome Remote Desktop—easiest for your own computer

Chrome Remote Desktop provides two modes. Remote Access registers one of your computers under your Google account and protects it with a PIN. Remote Support generates a one-time code so another person can connect after you approve the request.

The host can run on Windows, macOS, or Linux. You connect from a web browser or the Android and iOS clients. Google states that sessions are fully encrypted. The service still depends on a Google account and Google's infrastructure, and Google collects some anonymized diagnostic information such as session duration and network delay.

Pros

• short setup and no server administration;
• good choice for reaching your home PC while away;
• one-time codes for attended support;
• works through a browser and mobile apps;
• no separate subscription for ordinary use.

Cons

• requires a Google account and hosted service;
• not open source or self-hostable;
• fewer technician, session-management, and transfer tools than dedicated support products.

2. RustDesk—best open-source alternative

RustDesk is an open-source remote-control client with a free, open-source relay and ID server. The client runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and the web, although iPhones and iPads cannot be controlled remotely. It supports clipboard synchronization, file transfer, audio, multiple displays, and unattended access.

The quickest start uses RustDesk's public infrastructure. Advanced users can deploy RustDesk Server OSS and point every client to it, keeping the coordination layer under their control. Self-hosting does not automatically make a deployment secure: the server needs timely updates, protected administration, reliable DNS or network access, and backups of its configuration.

Pros

• familiar ID-and-password connection flow;
• open-source client and free basic server;
• broad desktop and mobile availability;
• file transfer and unattended access;
• option to control the relay infrastructure.

Cons

• self-hosting adds maintenance and networking work;
• performance can vary when a connection must use a relay;
• enterprise web-console and management features belong to the paid server edition.

3. HelpWire—best for helping friends and family

HelpWire is a proprietary remote-support service for Windows, macOS, and Linux. An operator sends a dedicated link; the other person opens it, installs the small client, and approves access. The product supports attended and unattended sessions, chat, clipboard use, file transfer, multiple monitors, reconnecting after reboot, and elevation for Windows administrative tasks.

HelpWire currently describes the product as free while all features are unlocked during early access. That wording matters: it is a hosted commercial service, and the future plan or limits may change. Check the current pricing page before adopting it as a permanent business workflow.

Pros

• the person receiving help does not need to create an account;
• link-based sessions are easier to explain over the phone;
• file transfer, chat, multiple monitors, and reboot reconnection;
• attended access requires explicit approval.

Cons

• not open source or self-hosted;
• mobile operator and mobile host apps are not currently the main supported path;
• the free offer is labeled early access rather than a permanent open-source guarantee.

Choose the right setup

• Occasional support: use a one-time Chrome Remote Desktop code or a HelpWire invitation. End the session when the task is complete.
• Your own computer: configure Chrome Remote Desktop with a strong Google account and unique PIN, or RustDesk unattended access with a strong unique password.
• Several personal machines: RustDesk provides more control and file-transfer options.
• Self-hosted environment: RustDesk Server OSS is the relevant choice, but only if someone will maintain it.

Remote-access safety

• Share one-time codes only with a person you contacted and trust.
• Read the name or email shown in the approval dialog before accepting.
• Assume a remote controller can see and operate everything in your logged-in session.
• Close banking, email, password-manager, and private document windows first.
• Do not reveal passwords or one-time authentication codes during the session.
• Remove unattended access after it is no longer needed.
• Keep the operating system and remote-access client updated.

Which free remote desktop should you use?

Chrome Remote Desktop is the best default when you only want to reach your own machine. HelpWire has the clearest workflow for assisting a nontechnical relative. RustDesk is the strongest option for people who prefer open source, need file transfer, or want to operate their own server.