Best RDP Client for Mac: 10 Free & Paid Apps to Secure Access

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RDP client for Mac is a software tool you can install to securely connect to and control another remote device, such as a Windows or Linux machine, over a network. This remote connection helps you access the programs and resources of the remote system and have an experience similar to your physical device.

Chrome RDP and Microsoft RDP are the most common free remote access tools, and they can meet your needs well. However, if you need more advanced features, such as file transfer, audio, and video communication, or managing multiple devices simultaneously, you can use paid tools like AnyDesk and TeamViewer.

If you already have a remote device, you can get started with these tools. But if you need a fast and reliable remote server to run heavy software, access a fixed IP, or manage professional projects, Buy USA RDP could be exactly what you need.

What is a Mac Remote Desktop?

The remote device client allows you to connect to another device remotely and take full control of it without being physically present.

The user can run various programs and tools, download programs/files, access documents and media, etc., on the remote device. Of course, this is provided that the user is connected to the remote device with the login information of a user with sufficient privileges.

Top 10 Remote Desktop Software for Mac

In this section, we will introduce the top 10 macOS tools for accessing remote devices, each with its advantages and limitations. The ranking of these tools is not tied to specific criteria, so the best choice depends entirely on your unique needs and circumstances.

 

best rdp client for mac: 10 free & paid apps to secure access

AnyDesk

Pricing: Free plan + Paid Advanced Plans

AnyDesk is a well-known tool that has become one of the most reliable options for remote desktop access. It allows you to access various other systems, such as Windows, Linux, and Mac, from your local Mac system. AnyDesk also has a web version that eliminates the need for an installation process, so you can start working immediately.

AnyDesk Features

  • High speed and low latency
  • High security with RSA 2048 encryption and TLS 1.2 authentication
  • Compatibility with a variety of devices
  • Remote printing
  • Support for audio and file transfer
  • Support for easy troubleshooting of issues
  • Screen sharing
  • Configure quality and speed configuration
  • Address book for tracking remote computers
  • Web and mobile version

AnyDesk limitations

  • Limited features of the free version
  • No support for automatic reconnect
  • Poor performance on devices with low resolution and low internet speed
  • Paid professional and business versions
  • Requires installation on both local and remote devices

best rdp client for mac: 10 free & paid apps to secure access

TeamViewer

Pricing: Free plan + Paid Advanced Plans

TeamViewer is a popular cross-platform tool for Mac users to create a secure remote connection. In addition to connecting to the remote device, this tool offers various other services, such as file transfer, screen sharing for online meetings, and managing multiple devices simultaneously.

TeamViewer Features

  • High security
  • Support for various operating systems
  • Multimedia support
  • Support for multiple sessions
  • Drag and drop files
  • 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) to keep data and connections secure
  • Screen sharing for online meetings
  • Support for multiple displays
  • Support for remote printing
  • Integrated tools such as user management and reporting for teams

TeamViewer Limitations

  • Lack of features in the free version
  • High cost of commercial versions
  • Connection limitations on weak networks
  • Frequent disconnections during remote meetings
  • Requires installation on both local and remote devices

 

Chrome Remote Desktop

Pricing: Free

Chrome Remote Desktop is a web-based extension and application that allows you to access a remote device through the Chrome browser. To establish a connection between two devices, both must have a web browser and be logged into the same Google account. These requirements ensure security and synchronization between devices.

Chrome Remote Desktop Features

  • Free
  • Simple and quick setup
  • No need to install a separate application
  • Compatible with a variety of devices
  • Supports multiple devices
  • Screen sharing for real-time collaboration
  • Uses WebRTC to enhance infrastructure security
  • Ideal for short-term personal use

Chrome Remote Desktop Limitations

  • No support for additional features such as live chat or file transfer
  • Incompatibility with other browsers
  • Relatively weak security
  • Not compatible with business needs
  • Unstable connections
  • Requires the Chrome Remote Desktop extension on both devices

RustDesk

Pricing: Free plan + Paid Advanced Plans

RustDesk is a high-quality, fast, and secure RDP Client for Mac that provides the lowest latency and highest level of security. This tool supports multiple simultaneous connections, making it an excellent option for users who need to manage multiple remote devices simultaneously.

RustDesk Features

  • High speed
  • Easy installation and setup
  • Compatible with a variety of devices
  • Self-hosting
  • Supports multiple simultaneous connections
  • Encrypts connections with TLS 1.3 to increase the security of two devices
  • Compatible with weak internet
  • High customization capabilities
  • Supports file transfers
  • Manage multiple devices simultaneously

RustDesk Limitations

  • Limited features of the free version
  • Paid Advanced plans
  • No support for advanced features such as multi-user sessions
  • Requires technical knowledge for private hosting
  • Lack of official support
  • Limits on large file transfers
  • Requires installation on both local and remote devices

best rdp client for mac: 10 free & paid apps to secure access

Microsoft Remote Desktop

Pricing: Free

As the name suggests, Microsoft Remote Desktop is one of the tools related to the Microsoft ecosystem, but you can also use it safely and without paying any fees on your Mac system. However, note that this tool can only connect to Windows-based devices by default, and you cannot connect directly to another Mac or Linux device.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Features 

  • Quick and easy access
  • Secure connection
  • Freely manage files
  • Transfer files
  • Run programs as administrator
  • Easy monitoring and management of processes
  • Support for local printers
  • Compatible with mouse and keyboard
  • Customize graphic quality
  • No installation is required on the remote device

Microsoft Remote Desktop Limitations 

  • Inability to connect to non-Windows devices
  • Potential Disruption with Multiple Simultaneous Connections
  • Issues with Multi-Display Local Devices

Splashtop

Pricing: Paid

Splashtop is another remote access solution that has become a reliable companion for Mac users. It offers features such as multi-monitor support, drag-and-drop file transfer, and automatic computer reboot. The tool also boasts an excellent security track record; however, all these advantages come with a price.

Splashtop Features

  • High image quality with 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second
  • Ultra-high audio clarity
  • Mic passthrough in Performance mode
  • Security features like MFA, two-factor authentication, and idle session timeout
  • Provides audit logs and real-time notifications
  • Supports multiple monitors
  • Ensuring security with TLS and 256-bit AES encryption
  • Wake-on-LAN and remote reboot feature
  • Requires Splashtop to be installed on both devices
  • Remote printing

Splashtop Limitations

  • Relatively slow
  • Complicated installation process
  • Relatively complex user interface
  • High resource consumption
  • Requires installation on both local and remote devices

mRemoteNG

Pricing: Free

mRemoteNG is an open source Remote Access Software for Mac that supports various protocols such as RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, and many more. It allows users to manage all their remote connections in an organized user interface. 

mRemoteNG Features 

  • Free and open-source
  • Tabbed User Interface
  • Centralized Connection Management 
  • High Flexibility in Customizing Settings 
  • High Security with Support for Data Encryption and Connection Restrictions 
  • Credential Management 
  • Session Window Thumbnails 
  • No installation is required on the remote device

mRemoteNG Limitations 

  • Outdated User Interface 
  • Lack of Support for Advanced Team Management 
  • Features User-Configured Security

Zoho Assist

Pricing: Paid

If you need a tool that can connect to multiple remote devices simultaneously and perform tasks such as file transfers, screen recording, and troubleshooting with higher speed and quality, Zoho Assist is another suitable option.

best rdp client for mac: 10 free & paid apps to secure access

Zoho Assist Features

  • High speed and security
  • Multi-platform support
  • File sharing
  • Host online meetings
  • Multi-monitor support
  • In-Session Chat
  • Multi-session support
  • Custom Branding
  • No installation is required on the remote device

Zoho Assist Limitations

  • Depends on a stable internet connection
  • High cost of advanced plans
  • Complexity for novice users
  • Performance loss when multiple users access
  • Requires installation on the remote device for Unattended Access

LogMeIn

Pricing: Paid

LogMeIn includes a set of tools necessary for IT management, including remote access to remote devices. Integrating these tools and using security technologies such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) is designed to make the technology environment resistant to cyber and security attacks.

best rdp client for mac: 10 free & paid apps to secure access

LogMeIn Features

  • Easy to install and use
  • High quality and speed in connection
  • Multi-Monitor Support
  • Advanced security solutions
  • Implement anti-DDoS measures
  • Drag-and-drop file transfer
  • Remote printing
  • High flexibility in managing teamwork
  • 1TB of cloud storage

LogMeIn Limitations

  • High cost
  • Incompatibility of connecting Mac to Windows
  • Complicated user interface for beginners
  • High consumption of system resources
  • Requires installation on both local and remote devices

FreeRDP

Pricing: Free

FreeRDP is a free remote desktop tool released under the Apache License that provides Mac users remote desktop connectivity. It is open source, which gives users more flexibility in customizing their settings and tailoring their remote desktop experience to their needs.

FreeRDP Features

  • Free and open-source
  • High speed and performance
  • High flexibility in customizing settings
  • Supports advanced features such as network-level authentication
  • Command line support
  • No installation is required on the remote device

FreeRDP Limitations

  • Command line complexity for novice users
  • Relatively limited user interface

Comparison of the Top RDP Clients for Mac:

 

# Multi-Platform  Security Multi-Session Ease of Use Customization Price
AnyDesk ✔️ High ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Free + Paid 
Microsoft RD High ✔️ ✔️ Free
TeamViewer ✔️ High ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Free + Paid 
Chrome RD ✔️ Average  ✔️ Free
RustDesk ✔️ High ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Free + Paid 
Splashtop ✔️ High ✔️ ✔️ Paid
mRemoteNG ✔️ Average ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Free
Zoho Assist ✔️ High ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Paid
LogMeIn High ✔️ ✔️ Paid
FreeRDP ✔️ Average ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Free

 

How do you choose the right RDP client for Mac?

If you are looking for the right Mac Remote Desktop Access Software for you, you should focus on the following features:

  • Support for various platforms
  • Compatibility with different versions of MacOS
  • High speed and low latency
  • Adaptive display quality with network status
  • Support for commonly used features such as file transfer, online chat, and session recording
  • Ease of installation and use
  • Support for multiple simultaneous connections and sessions
  • Advanced management features such as centralized dashboards and role-based access controls (RBAC)
  • High flexibility in customizing settings based on needs
  • Security solutions to protect sensitive files and information such as encrypted connections, MFA, session monitoring
  • Scalable to organizational needs
  • 24/7 support
  • Affordable price

If you can find a tool that offers these features, you can effectively and securely use a remote desktop connection on a Mac. This tool will help improve your productivity and provide a smooth and reliable user experience.

Free vs. Paid: Which Apple RDP Client is Better?

best rdp client for mac: 10 free & paid apps to secure access

As you know, the RDP Client for Mac tool is available in paid and free versions. You should choose the best option based on your needs and budget.

You don’t need advanced features and enterprise tools if you just want to connect to the remote device for personal use. Free tools like Chrome Remote Desktop and Microsoft Remote Desktop are enough for you.

If you are looking for a versatile tool for business and professional purposes that can do other things besides remote access, you will need more than free tools to meet your expectations. In this case, you can try the free version of the paid tools like AnyDesk and TeamViewer and then purchase the paid version if you are satisfied with its performance.

For tools like Splashtop, which don’t have free versions, you can also try the Free Trial version for a certain period and then purchase it if you are satisfied.

Conclusion

Choosing the best RDP client for Mac depends on your specific needs. Free tools like Chrome Remote Desktop and Microsoft Remote Desktop are great for simple, personal use and provide basic connectivity features. But if you need more advanced features like file transfers, multi-device support, and high security, paid tools like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and Splashtop are better options. RustDesk and Zoho Assist are good choices for users needing high security and performance in business environments. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your needs, including security, speed, and cost.

 

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Mick Pacholli

Mick created TAGG - The Alternative Gig Guide in 1979 with Helmut Katterl, the world's first real Street Magazine. He had been involved with his fathers publishing business, Toorak Times and associated publications since 1972.  Mick was also involved in Melbourne's music scene for a number of years opening venues, discovering and managing bands and providing information and support for the industry. Mick has also created a number of local festivals and is involved in not for profit and supporting local charities.        

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