AnyDesk vs Chrome Remote Desktop

AnyDesk: what it's good at

AnyDesk provides responsive remote desktop access even over modest connections, with a very small client that runs without installation. Free for personal use, making it a common pick for remote family tech support.

• Low latency even on slow connections
• Tiny portable client, no install needed
• File transfer between machines
• Free for personal use

Chrome Remote Desktop: what it's good at

Chrome Remote Desktop provides straightforward remote access with nothing to configure beyond signing into a Google account. It is completely free with no commercial-use restrictions, which sets it apart from most competitors.

• Completely free, including commercial use
• Works through the browser
• No firewall configuration needed
• Cross-platform including mobile

Which should you choose?

Both are free, so the honest answer is that you can install either and decide for yourself — that is the advantage of free software over a paid trial.

Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

We deliberately do not publish a star rating for either. We have no way to verify a rating that would be honest at scale, and an invented one would be worse than none — so we give you the facts and let you decide.

Frequently asked questions

Is AnyDesk better than Chrome Remote Desktop?

Neither is universally better. AnyDesk fast, low-latency remote desktop access, while Chrome Remote Desktop free remote access through your browser and Google account. The right pick depends on your platform and workflow.

Are both really free?

AnyDesk is free tier and Chrome Remote Desktop is free. Both can be downloaded without paying.

Can I install both?

Yes. Since neither costs anything, installing both and comparing them on your own files is usually the fastest way to decide.