5 free remote desktop apps to use instead of TeamViewer
The best free alternative to TeamViewer is UltraViewer. A simple, lightweight remote support tool, connected with an ID and password like TeamViewer.
Other great options: RustDesk, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop and Quick Assist.
Quick pick: Open source, every operating system, with your own relay server if you want: RustDesk. Free even for work, through the browser: Chrome Remote Desktop. A simple, lightweight option for quick support sessions: UltraViewer.
Reviewed November 2026 against each vendor's official website.
Free plans and trial lengths are set by the vendor and can change. Check the official website before signing up.
Nothing matches this filter.
A simple, lightweight remote support tool, connected with an ID and password like TeamViewer.
Free, lightweight remote desktop tool for Windows, commonly used for IT support and helping colleagues.
Platforms: Windows
Open source for Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile; you can self-host the server.
Open-source remote desktop app and an alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk. You can host your own relay server for faster, private connections.
Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted
Light and fast, free for personal use.
Light, fast remote desktop software that is free for personal use.
Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone
Free even for work use, running through Chrome.
Google's free remote desktop service, used through the Chrome browser. It has no time limits and is allowed for work use.
Platforms: Web · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone
Built into Windows, handy for helping family fix their PC.
Built into Windows 10 and 11, it lets someone view or control your PC using a 6-character code. Handy for helping family or coworkers fix their computer.
Platforms: Windows
| App | Type | Platforms | Ease of use | GitHub stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 UltraViewer | Free | Windows | Easy to use | — |
 RustDesk | Open source | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, Self-hosted | Easy to use | 128,600 |
 AnyDesk | Freemium | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone | Easy to use | — |
 Chrome Remote Desktop | Free | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone | Easy to use | — |
 Quick Assist | Free | Windows | Easy to use | — |
Open source: anyone can use, study and modify it, including businesses. Free: no cost, but the code is closed. Freemium: a lasting free plan with paid tiers for extra features. Source available: code is public but the license adds conditions.
The most popular picks are UltraViewer, RustDesk, AnyDesk and Chrome Remote Desktop. Open source, every operating system, with your own relay server if you want: RustDesk. Free even for work, through the browser: Chrome Remote Desktop. A simple, lightweight option for quick support sessions: UltraViewer.
The free version is for personal use only. You can submit a reset request to TeamViewer, or switch to RustDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop or UltraViewer.
WinRAR
IDM (Internet Download Manager)
Google Drive, Dropbox
LastPass, 1Password
Windows