Chrome Remote Desktop
Google's free remote access tool that runs from the browser with a Google account.
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- Alternatives ranked
- 5
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About Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is Google's no-cost way to reach your own computers or briefly help someone else. You set up remote access on a Windows, Mac or Linux machine by installing a small host component from the remotedesktop.google.com site, protect it with a PIN, and then connect from Chrome or another browser, or from the Android and iOS apps. For one-off help the other person generates a one-time access code and reads it to you. There are no paid tiers, no commercial-use checks and no device limits worth worrying about, which makes it a favourite for home users and very small teams. The trade-off is a thin feature set: no proper file-transfer manager, no session recording, no multi-user administration and limited multi-monitor handling. Everything is tied to a Google account, so organisations that avoid Google services or need audit trails usually look elsewhere.
Best for: Home users who want free, simple access to their own computers.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free with no commercial-use restrictions
- Works from any modern browser
- One-time codes make quick help sessions easy
Why people leave
- Few admin, logging or team features
- Basic file transfer and multi-monitor support
- Requires a Google account on both ends
Top Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives
See all 5- 1
RustDesk66.5Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.
- 2
TeamViewer62.6Far more features for supporting others, still free for personal use.
- 3
Windows App59.6Microsoft's client for connecting to Windows PCs over RDP without a third-party service.
- 4
AnyDesk57.2Better performance and file transfer when you outgrow the browser-based setup.
- 5
Parsec55.3Much smoother video and input for gaming or creative work on a home PC.
Why people left Chrome Remote Desktop
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Reviews
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Chrome Remote Desktop: common questions
Is Chrome Remote Desktop free?
Yes, Chrome Remote Desktop is free to use.
Is Chrome Remote Desktop open source?
No, Chrome Remote Desktop is not open source. Open-source alternatives include RustDesk.
What platforms does Chrome Remote Desktop run on?
Chrome Remote Desktop is available for Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Chrome Remote Desktop?
The highest-ranked Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives right now are RustDesk, TeamViewer and Windows App. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.