Remote Desktop Software Comparison 2026: DeskZap vs TeamViewer vs AnyDesk vs Chrome Remote Desktop
Remote desktop software comparison is the process of evaluating tools like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop and purpose-built alternatives against pricing models, features, security and deployment speed. Choosing remote desktop software for a UK team means weighing pricing models, feature depth, security and how quickly the business can be operational. This comparison puts DeskZap, TeamViewer, AnyDesk and Chrome Remote Desktop side by side on the points that matter most to UK buyers.
The pricing model is the first decision
Remote desktop tools split roughly into three pricing approaches. DeskZap uses per-user annual pricing in GBP, from GBP 50 per user per year. AnyDesk uses per-device and per-concurrent-session pricing. TeamViewer is the most expensive and uses enterprise-style seat licensing with annual renewals. Chrome Remote Desktop is free but limited to personal use.
For UK teams, the per-user model is often the easiest to budget because costs stay predictable as you add devices. Per-device pricing charges you more for every new endpoint, even if the number of technicians does not change. Enterprise pricing can include a procurement cycle that small teams do not need.
Features that matter for daily work
All four tools handle the core task of remote screen control. The differences emerge in the features teams use every day: file transfer between local and remote machines, multi-monitor support, session recording for audit, USB device redirection for security keys and dongles, and Wacom Bridge for creative professionals.
DeskZap includes file transfer on all plans. Multi-monitor support, session recording and device grouping come with Business and Advanced. USB redirection and Wacom Bridge are included on Advanced rather than sold as add-ons. TeamViewer and AnyDesk offer these features but often at higher tiers or as paid extras. Chrome Remote Desktop offers none of them.
Security, audit and compliance
For UK businesses that handle client data, financial records or personal information, remote access security is not optional. DeskZap uses AES-256 end-to-end encryption with perfect forward secrecy, tamper-proof audit logs and mandatory session recording. The self-host option on Advanced gives regulated teams full control over data residency.
TeamViewer and AnyDesk also encrypt sessions but their audit and recording features are often tier-dependent or add-on. Chrome Remote Desktop encrypts traffic but has no audit trail, no session recording, and no role-based permissions — it was designed for personal use, not business governance.
Deployment speed and team onboarding
DeskZap is designed for a 5-minute first session: create a workspace, install the operator client, install or invite the host, then connect. Larger rollouts use MSI, MDM or shell scripts for silent deployment. Quick Support Codes let technicians help end-users without creating accounts.
TeamViewer and AnyDesk can take longer to configure for team use, especially when licences, device limits and permissions need to be aligned across a growing user base. Chrome Remote Desktop is fast to set up but offers no team management tools at all.
Decision matrix
| Feature | DeskZap | TeamViewer | AnyDesk | Chrome Remote Desktop |
| Pricing | Per user, GBP 50/yr | Per seat, enterprise | Per device | Free, limited |
| Time to deploy | 5 minutes | Hours / VAR support | 30+ minutes | Browser only |
| File transfer | Included all plans | Included | Included | Not available |
| Multi-monitor | Business+ | Included | Partial | Not available |
| Session recording | Included all plans | Enterprise tier | Add-on | Not available |
| USB redirection | Advanced | Add-on | Add-on | Not available |
| Self-host option | Advanced | Not available | Higher tiers | Not available |
| Unattended access | Yes, no end-user account | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| RBAC / permissions | Business+ | Enterprise tier | Limited | Not available |
Which remote desktop tool is best for UK small businesses?
For UK small businesses, the right choice depends on team size and needs. DeskZap suits teams that want predictable GBP pricing, quick deployment, unattended access without per-device fees and a self-host option. TeamViewer suits large enterprises with complex procurement. AnyDesk suits solo operators who need fast connections. Chrome Remote Desktop suits occasional personal use where features are not needed.
Is there a free remote desktop tool for business use?
Chrome Remote Desktop is free but lacks file transfer, multi-monitor, session recording, team permissions and audit controls. AnyDesk has a free tier for personal use but requires commercial licensing for business. DeskZap offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card required, starting at GBP 50 per user per year for the Starter plan.