Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Remote access to a desktop is one of the most niche power-user features out there. However, it is perfectly doable on an Android device. There are two basic ways to do it. Users can remote into their Android device from a computer. We covered that functionality in our best screen mirroring apps for Android list. This list focuses more on accessing your desktop computer from your Android device. There are a bunch of apps that boast remote access as a feature. However, only some of them are actually good. Here are the best remote desktop apps for Android!
AnyDesk
Price: Free / $79-$229 per year
AnyDesk is a serviceable option in the remote desktop space on Android. It works like any other remote desktop app. You connect your phone to your computer and then use your computer from your phone. It worked pretty well in our testing and it uses a simple UI. There werent any real issues with it. The app is free for personal use. The prices we listed are for commercial use mostly. It definitely has its flaws, but we also put apps in lists for a reason. Give it a try and see if you like it. Worst case, you dont and have four other options. VNC Viewer and this app competed for the fifth slot on this list so its right up there as well.
Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the most popular remote desktop apps. Users install the app from the Chrome Web Store on their computer and then this app from Google Play. From there, follow the installation instructions and you should be able to connect. The app worked most of the time in our testing. Its quicker and simpler than many of the other options, including TeamViewer. However, its also been two years since Chrome Remote Desktop saw an update as of the writing of this article. We recommend trying this one first, but dont be shocked if its not a flawless performance.
Microsoft Remote Desktop is arguably Chrome Remote Desktops biggest free competitor. It works about the same way. You simply enable remote access on your Windows PC and install this app on your phone. The two should let your devices connect to one another. The positive part is you not needing a Google Chrome installation for this one to work on Windows devices. The bad news is the performance is about the same so youre not really getting a better product. In any case, PC users should definitely try this one first since its first-party software and it may prove to be more stable over a longer period of time. Microsoft has another remote desktop app [Google Play], but its more for Windows Server and Enterprise.
Splashtop is a less popular, but still fairly successful remote desktop app. It works like the others with dual apps on your computer and Android device. You can access anything on your computer from your phone on your local network. You can add access from anywhere for $5 per month or $16.99 per year. This lets you access your device on any network, including any WiFi network or mobile data. The app also lets you access your webcam to check up on your home without too much trouble. It worked as well as Chrome and Microsoft did in our testing.
TeamViewer is kind of the obvious choice for remote desktop apps. It gives remote access to your computer from your Android device. Its a little bit more complicated of a setup, but it works just as well as one would expect. It also includes features like file transfers in both directions, encryption, and real-time sound and HD video transmission. There are features included for helping, say, a friend or coworker. However, it works perfectly fine for just goofing around on your computer as well. The app is entirely free for personal use. Those who use it for business need a subscription.