10 Best Remote Support Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 24 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Remote support software lets technicians quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues, minimizing downtime as they can assist users from anywhere in the world. This article will walk you through the top 12 options. I’ve examined each tool’s features and pricing and shared why I have included the tool.
What Is Remote Support Software?
Remote support software is an application that allows IT professionals to provide technical support to employees or customers remotely. This software enables technicians to access and troubleshoot devices from anywhere, reduce on-site visits, and solve technical issues outside regular business hours.
The 10 Best Remote Support Software Reviews
Here’s a brief description of each remote support system featured on this top 10 list. I’ve also included a screenshot of each solution to give you a glimpse of their user interfaces.
SetMe is an advanced remote desktop solution designed to provide secure access and control over remote computers from anywhere in the world.
Why I picked SetMe: It offers end-to-end encryption using WebRTC technology, ensuring secure, real-time connections. This is crucial for maintaining data security during remote sessions and file transfers, a significant benefit for businesses that prioritize data protection. Furthermore, SetMe supports cross-platform functionality, enabling connections between Mac and Windows devices while facilitating easy file transfers. This is particularly advantageous for organizations with mixed IT environments.
SetMe Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include advanced reporting and user management capabilities that provide critical insights into user activities. Additionally, the software's ability to manage multiple sessions simultaneously increases productivity by allowing multitasking, a key advantage for support teams handling numerous requests.
Integrations are not available with SetMe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Facilitates easy drag-and-drop file transfers
- Cross-platform support
- Ensures secure communication and data sharing
Cons:
- Potential compatibility issues with older operating systems or devices
- Plan comes with a max of three licensed users
Front is a customer communication platform with powerful remote support software features like a team inbox that can improve response times and workflows.
Why I picked Front: Front caught my eye because it lets users access and manage emails, social media messages, chats, and SMSes in a shared inbox. It lets teams assign conversations to specific team members to ensure accountability. Team members can leave comments within conversations to share relevant information or seek input from others.
Front Standout Features and Integrations:
Features I want to highlight are collision detection, which prevents duplicate responses by alerting team members when someone else is working on a conversation. With automated workflows, you can set up rules and automation to streamline repetitive tasks (e.g., if an agent doesn’t reply to an email within 30 minutes, tag it as an SLA breach). You also get real-time notifications about updates and progress to stay informed.
Integrations are available natively for 50+ tools, including Asana, ClickUp, Drift, HipChat, Intercom, Jira, PagerDuty, Outreach, and Salesforce. APIs and Zapier connection are available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Let's you snooze conversations or set reminders to follow up at a later time
- Pre-built email templates for commonly used responses
- Can use live chat widget and chatbot
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find older conversations from an email thread
- Steep learning curve
SuperOps is a PSA-RMM software designed for managed service providers (MSPs). It offers a comprehensive range of features, like IT management, help desk management, and workflow automation.
Why I picked SuperOps: I like that SuperOps allows MSPs to manage entire IT infrastructures remotely, with the ability to provide support using the service desk feature. This feature allows technicians to view all contextual information about a ticket and communicate with customers to find solutions. It also allows technicians to collaborate internally with its in-platform collaboration tools, which helps facilitate remote support.
SuperOps Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include extensive automation capabilities, like automatic time tracking, ticket assignment, and scheduling, as well as event-based triggers for various kinds of workflows and repetitive tasks. It also supports automated invoicing and recurring payments. Its RMM capabilities include policy, asset, patch, network, and desktop management.
Integrations include Splashtop, TeamViewer, Bitdefender, Xero, QuickBooks, Stripe, SentinelOne, Guardz, Hudu, Emsisoft, Microsoft Azure, and Webroot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy-to-use platform with an intuitive interface
- Good automation capabilities, including for managing tickets
- Comprehensive asset management
Cons:
- Limited support for languages other than English
- Client portal could be improved
TeamViewer is a remote access and support software solution that prioritizes security and privacy while maintaining simplicity.
Why I picked TeamViewer: I picked TeamViewer because it offers multi-platform access for Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS and Android mobile devices. You can connect from mobile to PC, PC to mobile, and mobile to mobile. You can share your iPhone and iPad screens to a remote device, use its QuickSteps toolbars for shortcuts, and record sessions for training and auditing.
TeamViewer Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that stand out for me are that it can provide remote access for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) devices, as well as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors. It offers secure and encrypted connections with two-factor authentication (2FA) and support for HIPAA compliance. You can also share and transfer files with drag-and-drop functionality.
Integrations are available natively for Freshworks, Slack, ServiceNow, NinjaOne, Synology, Microsoft Teams, and Atlassian. APIs are available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Access control for managing permissions and roles
- Wake-on-LAN functionality for accessing switched-off devices
- High-definition remote sessions with audio and video conferencing capabilities
Cons:
- Speed may sometimes be slow
- Pricing plans are higher than other competitors
ConnectWise ScreenConnect is a cloud-based solution that offers remote support, remote access, and remote meetings.
Why I picked ConnectWise ScreenConnect: I chose ConnectWise for its customization capabilities — you can add your brand identity elements like logos without coding. There are over 1,200 edit options; you can use custom URLs and white label your portal with icons, favicons, colors, and designs. You can even use your local language for menu items and embed TeamViewer into your site with an iframe.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I liked are its compatibility with ChromeOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix operating systems and browser support for Edge, Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. Technicians can enable a live stream session to resolve user issues in real-time. They can even save visual records for evidence and billing purposes.
Integrations are available natively for platforms like Acronis, ConnectWise PSA, Freshdesk, Solarwinds Passportal, and Zendesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 2FA and SSL connectivity
- Self-hosted option
- Unattended support available
Cons:
- Occasional glitches and bugs during use
- Steep learning curve
Blitzz is a video-powered remote support software that enables enterprises to quickly and reliably support their customers and field employees.
Why I picked Blitzz: What impresses me about Blitzz is that field technicians, such as inspectors, claim specialists, or agents, can use it for remote visual support. Agents can simply create a link for support and send it to the end user. Once the user opens that link, the agent can identify the problem without an in-person visit, thus saving time and effort.
Blitzz Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I focused on during my evaluation are that you can invite users to the video call by SMS, email, and WhatsApp on any device — the customer doesn’t have to download any app to open the invite link. You can magnify video streams and use the pointing and collaborative markup feature on screen share.
Integrations are available natively for Salesforce, Cisco Finesse, GSuite, Okta, Cisco Teams, AWS S3 Cloud storage, ServiceNow, and Zendesk. APIs and Zapier connection are available.
ControlUp is primarily a digital experience monitoring and optimization platform. It lets you get insights into the health of your end-user environments from any location and workspace.
Why I picked ControlUp: ControlUp stands out to me for its real-time monitoring capabilities for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), End-User Computing (EUC), and servers. It can also alert you in case of critical failures, and you can customize issue resolution methods like cleaning up temporary directories, increasing disk space, and logging off idle users.
ControlUp Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I admire about ControlUp are that it lets you customize dashboards to visualize the performance of resources. It offers script-based automation and remediation, and you can access historical performance data to analyze trends and make informed decisions about resource allocation. You can monitor and manage user sessions to ensure productivity and security.
Integrations are available natively for Citrix, Amazon Web Services (AWS), PowerShell, Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDS), and VMWare Horizon. APIs are available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Role-based permissions
- Multi-tenancy support available
- Automation capabilities for common tasks
Cons:
- Not suitable for smaller environments
- Complexity of some features may require dedicated support staff
UltraVNC is a powerful remote administration software that allows users to control other computers remotely over the internet or local network.
Why I picked UltraVNC: What I like about UltraVNC, even though it’s free and open-source, is that you can do a lot with it. It lets you transfer files securely, supports encryption to ensure secure remote access and protect sensitive data, and you can embed a chat widget. It offers screen scaling options to adjust the remote desktop's size to fit the local screen.
UltraVNC Standout Features and Integrations:
Features I liked during my assessment are that it supports multiple monitors, allowing users to control and view multiple screens remotely. You can capture screenshots or videos of the remote desktop for documentation or troubleshooting purposes. Users can copy and paste text or files between the local and remote computers with its clipboard.
Integrations are available as plugins, including Mirror Driver, MS Logon, and Java Viewer.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Can create custom keyboard shortcuts
- Easy to install
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- No remote printing support
- No Wake-on-LAN
ISL Online is a multi-platform remote support solution with features like file sharing, remote printing, and online collaboration tools.
Why I picked ISL Online: During my analysis, I found that ISL Online has plenty of features to simplify remote support. You can connect to ISL via options like a desktop app, website, email invite, live chat, access password, mobile app, and more. You can view, control, pause, resume, and share screens from Windows, macOS, or Linux computers.
ISL Online Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I liked about ISL are that it lets you make a video call for personal support and you can work with multiple monitors. There are also whiteboard tools, customization options for language and colors, a clipboard for easy copy-paste, keyboard shortcuts, and groups and tags for selecting relevant remote computers.
Integrations are available natively for BMC Remedy, ConnectBox, and Remote Desktop Manager. APIs are available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Can use a black screen to hide critical information
- AES 256 end-to-end encryption and 2FA for enhanced security
- You can select a specific part of your client’s screen for easy resolution
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- Can require extensive training to utilize its features fully
With Zoho Assist, you can provide technical support for your customers, access files and folders remotely, and collaborate with team members in real-time.
Why I picked Zoho Assist: I like Zoho Assist’s ease of use yet robust features. You can remotely access devices, even unattended. Screen sharing, screen recording, file sharing, live chat, remote printing, and reboot — you get all this on multi-platform support, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and more.
Zoho Assist Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I want to highlight are that you can use its whiteboard feature to draw diagrams, make annotations, or brainstorm ideas collaboratively. Zoho Assist supports Wake-on-LAN, allowing you to remotely turn on a device in sleep or hibernation mode. If you need to transfer the session to another technician, Zoho Assist makes it possible without interrupting the support session.
Integrations are available natively for Zendesk, Service Now, Jira, Freshdesk, Spiceworks, Zoho Desk, G Suite, Slack, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Can record sessions
- Support for iOS and Android available
- In-depth reports and easy downloads in CSV and PDF format
Cons:
- Slow customer support
- Lacks advanced functionalities such as remote scripting
The 10 Best Remote Support Software Summary
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
SetMe | From $41/seat/month (billed annually) | Website |
Front | From $19/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
SuperOps | From $59/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
TeamViewer | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
ConnectWise ScreenConnect | From $27/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Blitzz | From $35/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
ControlUp | Pricing upon request | Website |
UltraVNC | Free To Use | Website |
ISL Online | From $34.90/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Zoho Assist | From $8/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Remote Support Software To Consider
Here are a few more options if you want additional suggestions:
Selection Criteria For Remote Support Software
I’ve used the following selection criteria to create the best remote support solution shortlist.
Core Functionalities
When choosing remote support software, these are the functionalities I considered:
- Capability to remotely access and troubleshoot devices, even without user interaction
- Ability to view and control a user's screen remotely
- Ability to record remote support sessions for future reference
- Compatibility with various operating systems to provide support to a range of devices
Key Features
The key features I examined were:
- Mobile support: Can the tool provide remote support on mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets?
- Custom scripting: Can the software create custom scripts or macros to automate repetitive tasks during remote support sessions?
- Remote diagnostics: Can the solution allow support personnel to diagnose and troubleshoot issues remotely?
- Integrations: Can the software integrate with other tools like ticketing systems to streamline your support workflow?
Usability
For our purposes here, I assessed the usability of the tools for the following factors:
- An intuitive interface that allows easy navigation and quick access to necessary features
- Consistent design and behavior throughout different screens and functionalities to avoid confusion
- Keyboard shortcuts or saved settings to improve productivity
- Comprehensive help resources, such as user guides or FAQs, to assist users in troubleshooting and understanding the software
- Training materials or onboarding support to facilitate the adoption and usage of the software by support personnel
People Also Ask
Have some more questions on remote support software and what they have to offer? Here are some FAQs to help you out:
How does remote support software work?
What are the benefits of using remote support software?
Is remote support software secure?
Summary
By evaluating factors like pricing, features, and ease of use, I have identified the strengths and weaknesses of each software solution. This analysis aims to assist businesses in making an informed decision when selecting the remote support software that best aligns with their requirements.
Whether you prioritize affordability, robust functionality, or superior customer service, I hope my reviews will guide you toward finding the ideal remote support software for your organization.
Subscribe to The CTO Club newsletter for technology-related posts written by industry experts.