SilkRemote
Windows has more remote desktop options than any other platform, from Microsoft's own RDP to gaming-focused streamers and open-source tools. That abundance makes choosing harder, not easier. We compared ten popular apps with a Windows PC as the host and looked at smoothness, security, setup effort, and which devices you can use to connect.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Free plan | Platforms | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SilkRemote | Smooth control from phones, tablets and browsers | Yes, on your local network | Host: Windows (beta), Mac. Client: any browser, Android | 120 fps, end-to-end encrypted, no client install |
| Windows App (RDP) | Office PCs on Windows Pro | Free (Pro host required) | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Native Windows sessions |
| TeamViewer | Cross-platform support | Personal use | Nearly everything | Deep feature set |
| AnyDesk | Lightweight access | Personal use | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Small, fast client |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Free basics | Yes | Windows, Mac, Linux, browser, mobile | Browser-based |
| Parsec | Gaming | Personal use | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android | Low latency |
| Splashtop | Business access | Check current plans | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, more | Business tooling |
| RustDesk | Self-hosting | Yes, open source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Own your server |
| Moonlight + Sunshine | DIY game streaming | Yes, open source | Host: Windows, Linux. Clients: many | High frame rates |
| NoMachine | Linux and mixed fleets | Personal use | Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile | NX protocol |
1. SilkRemote: best overall for Windows users who want speed and simplicity
SilkRemote streams your PC at up to 120 fps and up to 2560x1440 at around 40 Mbps, with capture-to-screen latency of roughly 17 ms on a local network. The big practical win is the client side: you can control your PC from any modern browser (Chrome, Edge, or Safari 17+ on iPhone and iPad) without installing anything, or use the native Android app, which also works well on Samsung DeX. Add the web app to your home screen and it feels like a native app.
Security is built in rather than bolted on. Each session is end-to-end encrypted with ECDH P-256 and AES-256-GCM, so even the relay cannot see your screen, and devices must be paired with a QR code or one-time code before they can connect. SilkRemote tries a direct peer-to-peer WebRTC connection first and only falls back to its encrypted relay when needed.
We want to be upfront: the Windows host is currently in beta, so expect rough edges as it matures. SilkRemote also does not offer a multi-user admin console for IT departments yet. But for individuals and small teams who want the smoothest way to reach a Windows PC from a phone, tablet or any browser, it is the strongest option. It is free on your local network; Pro ($6/month or $49/year) adds access from anywhere.
Pros: 120 fps, very low latency, browser client, end-to-end encryption, no ads. Cons: Windows host in beta, no native iPhone app yet, no Linux host.
2. Windows App (Microsoft Remote Desktop)
Microsoft's RDP clients, now branded Windows App on several platforms, deliver true Windows sessions with excellent integration: clipboard, printers, multiple monitors and more. The catch is that the host PC needs Windows Pro or Enterprise; Windows Home cannot accept RDP connections. Reaching a PC outside your network typically means a VPN, a gateway, or careful port configuration.
Pros: Free, native, very capable. Cons: Requires Windows Pro on the host, and remote access across the internet needs extra setup.
3. TeamViewer
TeamViewer runs on almost any platform and includes file transfer, unattended access and remote support features. It is free for personal use with commercial-use detection, and businesses need a paid plan.
Pros: Feature-rich, widely known. Cons: Personal users can be flagged for commercial use, and the interface is busy.
4. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is fast to install and connect, with clients for every major platform. It is free for personal use and offers paid plans for professional use.
Pros: Lightweight, responsive, cross-platform. Cons: Free tier is personal-only, and some advanced features sit behind paid plans.
5. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is free and works from a browser, making it an easy first step. You need a Google account and a PIN for each computer.
Pros: Free, simple, browser-based. Cons: Limited features and not tuned for high frame rates.
6. Parsec
Parsec is built for low-latency gaming and is a favorite for playing PC games on other devices. It is free for personal use with paid tiers for teams.
Pros: Excellent responsiveness for games. Cons: No official iPhone or iPad app, and it is less focused on everyday productivity.
7. Splashtop
Splashtop is a mature remote access suite with strong business and education offerings, including remote support and management tooling.
Pros: Reliable, well supported. Cons: Business-oriented; check current pricing for personal use.
8. RustDesk
RustDesk is open source and lets you self-host the server that brokers connections, which is attractive for privacy-minded users and small IT teams.
Pros: Free, open source, self-hostable. Cons: Self-hosting requires technical effort and maintenance.
9. Moonlight + Sunshine
Sunshine is an open-source game streaming host, and Moonlight is the open-source client that connects to it. Together they deliver very high frame rates and low latency on a good network.
Pros: Free, very fast, wide client support. Cons: Gaming-first and more hands-on to configure than a typical remote desktop app.
10. NoMachine
NoMachine uses its NX protocol to deliver solid performance and is particularly popular with Linux users and mixed environments. It is free for personal use with paid enterprise editions.
Pros: Good performance, broad platform support. Cons: Interface feels dated, and the many options can be confusing.
Which should you pick?
If you are on Windows Pro and mostly connect from another Windows PC inside an office network, Windows App is excellent. If you want to reach your PC from an iPad, phone or a browser on someone else's laptop, a streaming-first tool is a better fit. Gamers should also read our guide to remote desktop for gaming at 120 fps, and anyone on a budget can start with our roundup of free remote desktop software.
Verdict
SilkRemote takes the top spot for Windows users who want the smoothest, most secure way to use their PC from other screens. It streams at up to 120 fps, needs no install on the client, and encrypts every session end to end. The Windows host is in beta, so try it on your local network for free first, then upgrade when you need access from anywhere. Download SilkRemote or compare plans.