Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Chrome Remote Desktop: few admin, logging or team features, and basic file transfer and multi-monitor support. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Chrome Remote Desktop, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. RustDesk currently ranks first.

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Show all 5 alternatives

The best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for most people

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for a free option

Windows App

Microsoft's client for connecting to Windows PCs over RDP without a third-party service.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

TeamViewer

Far more features for supporting others, still free for personal use.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for open source

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for self-hosting

AnyDesk

Better performance and file transfer when you outgrow the browser-based setup.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for Mac

Parsec

Much smoother video and input for gaming or creative work on a home PC.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for Windows

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for Linux

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for iPhone and Android

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for working in the browser

TeamViewer

Far more features for supporting others, still free for personal use.

Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop?

RustDesk ranks first right now. Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer. TeamViewer and Windows App follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop?

Yes. RustDesk (open source), TeamViewer (free plan + paid), Windows App (free) and AnyDesk (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop?

Yes: RustDesk. RustDesk can also be self-hosted.

Which Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives work on Linux?

RustDesk, TeamViewer, AnyDesk and Parsec run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Chrome Remote Desktop?

The complaints we hear most: few admin, logging or team features; basic file transfer and multi-monitor support; requires a Google account on both ends.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Chrome Remote Desktop, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.