The remote desktop industry has experienced rapid growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8%, with a projection of hitting a $5.28 billion market value by 2028.
Despite competition from video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype, AnyDesk and Splashtop, among others, remain in demand due to their unique capabilities, such as seamless remote access to desktops and files.
Splashtop is an amazing remote desktop software that offers advanced features like multi-monitor support and file transfer capabilities, catering to diverse user needs.
The main difference is that AnyDesk focuses on providing fast and responsive remote desktop access, while Splashtop offers additional features such as multi-monitor support and file transfer capabilities, enhancing the remote desktop experience.
AnyDesk vs. Splashtop: Key Features at a Glance
Let’s summarize the primary features of these remote access desktop software and see how they compare side-by-side:
| Features | AnyDesk | Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Provides fast and responsive connections for seamless remote access. | Offers smooth streaming and high-performance remote access capabilities. |
| Security | Utilizes robust encryption protocols to ensure secure connections. | Implements advanced security measures, including TLS encryption and two-factor authentication. |
| Ease of Use | Boasts a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls for easy navigation. | Features a simple setup process and user-friendly interface for hassle-free remote access. |
| Compatibility | Compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. | Supports cross-platform compatibility, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS. |
| Customer Support | Provides responsive customer support through email, phone, and ticketing system. | Offers extensive customer support options, including live chat, email support, and knowledge base resources. |
| Pricing Structure | Offers flexible pricing plans, including free, individual, and business subscriptions. | Provides tiered pricing plans based on the number of users and features required, with both individual and business options. |
| Scalability | Scales easily to accommodate growing business needs and increasing remote access demands. | Scalable solution suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, with customizable plans. |
Personal note:
AnyDesk’s simplicity is amazing, and it helped me remotely fix my parents’ computer so many times! However, for my IT consulting, I needed Splashtop’s more powerful unattended access, session logging, and customization. It lets me manage client systems professionally, even when they’re not around.
What is AnyDesk and how does it work?
AnyDesk is known for its speed and simplicity. You install the software on both devices, then use a unique address to connect. It’s popular for personal use and occasional remote support.
Pros of AnyDesk:
- Easy setup and use, even for non-technical users
- Fast connections, low latency
- Free tier is capable for basic remote access
Cons:
- Session logging and some security options only in paid tiers
- Less granular customization of the client
What is Splashtop and how does it work?
Splashtop offers plans tailored to individuals, businesses, and IT technicians. You set up an account and install the software, connecting devices through your Splashtop login. It boasts a wide array of features for remote management.
Pros of Splashtop:
- Feature-rich, even in lower-cost tiers
- Highly customizable (branding, settings)
- Excellent for IT pros managing many devices
Cons:
- Can be slightly more complex to set up initially
- Some advanced features locked to top-tier plans
AnyDesk vs. Splashtop: Detailed Feature Comparison
Which features make these software programs stand out? Let’s compare them side-by-side in detail:
1. Performance:
AnyDesk is known for its exceptional performance, offering fast and responsive connections for seamless remote access. Its efficient codec and low latency ensure smooth remote desktop experiences.
Splashtop boasts impressive performance with smooth streaming and high-quality remote access capabilities. It provides reliable connections, making it ideal for tasks requiring real-time collaboration or multimedia streaming.
Winner: Both AnyDesk and Splashtop excel in performance. However, AnyDesk’s reputation for low latency and responsiveness gives it a slight edge in this category.
2. Security:
AnyDesk prioritizes security, employing robust encryption protocols to safeguard remote connections. It ensures data integrity and confidentiality, making it a trusted choice for businesses handling sensitive information.
Splashtop implements advanced security measures, including TLS encryption and optional two-factor authentication, to protect remote sessions from unauthorized access or data breaches.
Winner: Both AnyDesk and Splashtop offer strong security features, but Splashtop’s additional options like two-factor authentication give it a slight advantage in this aspect.
3. Ease of Use:
AnyDesk features a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls, making it easy for users to navigate and initiate remote connections. Its straightforward setup process minimizes learning curves for new users.
Splashtop prioritizes simplicity, offering a user-friendly interface and a streamlined setup process. Its intuitive design ensures users can quickly establish remote connections without extensive training.
Winner: Both AnyDesk and Splashtop prioritize ease of use, but Splashtop’s focus on simplicity and intuitive design gives it a slight edge in user-friendliness.
4. Compatibility:
AnyDesk is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, ensuring flexibility and accessibility across devices.
Splashtop supports cross-platform compatibility, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS, enabling users to access remote desktops from a wide range of devices.
Winner: Both AnyDesk and Splashtop offer comprehensive compatibility across multiple platforms, making it a tie in this category.
5. Customer Support:
AnyDesk provides responsive customer support through email, phone, and a ticketing system. Its support team assists users with inquiries, technical issues, and troubleshooting.
Splashtop offers extensive customer support options, including live chat, email support, and a knowledge base, ensuring users have access to assistance whenever needed.
Winner: Both AnyDesk and Splashtop offer reliable customer support, but Splashtop’s live chat option and comprehensive knowledge base give it a slight advantage in accessibility and responsiveness.
6. Pricing Structure:
AnyDesk offers flexible pricing plans, including free, individual, and business subscriptions, catering to various user needs and budget constraints.
Splashtop provides tiered pricing plans based on the number of users and features required, with both individual and business options available to accommodate different organizational sizes and requirements.
Winner: Both AnyDesk and Splashtop offer competitive pricing options, making it a tie in this category.
7. Scalability:
AnyDesk scales easily to accommodate growing business needs and increasing remote access demands, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Splashtop is a scalable solution suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, with customizable plans and features to meet evolving needs.
Winner: Both AnyDesk and Splashtop offer scalability to adapt to changing business requirements, making it a tie in this category.
Use Cases for AnyDesk:
- Personal Use: Remotely control your own PCs, help friends/family.
- Small Businesses: Paid tiers sufficient for light IT needs
Use Cases for Splashtop:
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Rich features for pro needs
- Businesses with Strict Compliance: Granular security controls
- Branding Focused: Make remote support feel seamless
AnyDesk Pricing:
| Plan Name | Number of Simultaneous Connections | Approx. Price (per device, per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 1 | $0 |
| Lite | 1 | $10.90/month |
| Professional | 3 | $19.90/month |
| Power | Unlimited | $49.90/month |
Splashtop Pricing (Selected Plans):
| Plan Type | Focus | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Splashtop Business Access Solo | Individuals | Starts around $17/month (per user) |
| Splashtop Business Access Pro | Individuals & Teams | Starts around $99/year (per computer) |
| Splashtop SOS | IT Support, MSPs | Varies: Volume-based pricing, contact sales |
| Splashtop Enterprise | Large-scale deployments | Custom quote needed |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between AnyDesk and Splashtop
Here are important factors to consider when choosing a remote access software with your team:
Here’s a deeper dive into the 5 factors to consider carefully when deciding between AnyDesk and Splashtop:
1. Ease of Use vs. Depth of Features:
AnyDesk excels in simplicity. Its interface is less cluttered, making it great for users who need quick connections without lots of options. Splashtop offers more features out of the box. This is great for power users, but adds a slight learning curve for those just needing basic remote access.
2. Personal Use vs. Professional IT Needs:
AnyDesk’s free tier is great for personal use or occasional tech support for friends. Paid plans suffice for small businesses. Splashtop’s feature depth shines in professional IT settings. MSPs managing numerous client devices will appreciate Splashtop’s granular controls, reporting, and management tools.
3. Unattended Access: How Robust Do You Need It?
Both offer unattended access, but the specifics matter. AnyDesk’s paid tiers are good for general use. Splashtop’s plans get far more advanced with scheduled tasks, remote reboot options, and system inventory tools, aiding in proactive device management.
4. Security: Control and Compliance
Both offer strong baseline security. AnyDesk’s security approach varies across plans. Splashtop lets you get granular with encryption, session timeout options, device authentication, and more. This level of control might be required for businesses handling sensitive data or those in regulated industries.
5. Branding: Does Your Image Matter?
AnyDesk’s free plan lets you control little visually. Splashtop allows extensive client customization to match your branding. For MSPs and internal IT, this makes you look like the built-in solution, not a 3rd party tool, giving clients a smoother experience and instilling trust.
FAQs
Get answers to common questions about remote desktop software:
Which one is faster and better for low-latency connections?
Both AnyDesk and Splashtop pride themselves on fast, responsive remote control. AnyDesk often has a slight edge in pure speed, especially for casual use. Splashtop may offer more fine-tuning for those needing to optimize for specific tasks (video editing, etc.).
Can I use these tools for remote gaming?
Neither are ideal for this. Remote desktop software introduces input lag, making fast-paced games frustrating. For true remote gaming, look at specialized services like Parsec or Moonlight, but even those have limitations compared to local play.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to set them up?
AnyDesk wins for sheer simplicity. Splashtop requires a bit more initial configuration, but even average users should manage with their guides. However, for advanced features and business use, Splashtop will likely demand more technical knowledge for full setup.
Can I try before I buy?
Yes, both offer ways to test them. AnyDesk has a free tier, while Splashtop offers free trials for many of their paid plans. This is crucial, as the best tool for you depends on specific workflow needs and preferences.
Which has better support if I run into problems?
Both have online knowledge bases and support channels. Splashtop might have an edge for businesses subscribed to their higher-tier plans, which may include priority technical support access and dedicated assistance.
Is AnyDesk better than Splashtop? Takeaway
AnyDesk distinguishes itself with its simplicity and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for quick remote access.
However, its drawback lies in limited features, lacking functionalities like multi-monitor support and file transfer capabilities.
Splashtop, on the other hand, fills this gap by providing advanced features that enhance productivity and collaboration, offering seamless multi-monitor support and efficient file transfer options, thereby significantly improving the user experience and versatility of the tool.