Apple Remote Desktop vs. TeamViewer

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Apple Remote Desktop
Score 6.5 out of 10
N/A
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), from Apple, is a remote administration tool for managing Apple computers running OS X across a network.N/A
TeamViewer
Score 8.5 out of 10
N/A
TeamViewer provides software for both remote management and online collaborations. With TeamViewer, users have access to fully integrated online conference solutions for audio and video communication, including interactive screen sharing and remote access features.
$24.90
per month (billed annually) 1 Licensed User
Pricing
Apple Remote DesktopTeamViewer
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Remote Access
$24.90
per month (billed annually) 1 Licensed User
Business
$50.90
per month (billed annually) 1 Licensed User
Premium
$102.90
per month (billed annually) 15 Licensed Users
Corporate
$206.90
per month (billed annually) 30 Licensed Users
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Apple Remote DesktopTeamViewer
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeOptional
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Apple Remote DesktopTeamViewer
Considered Both Products
Apple Remote Desktop
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is very Apple specific, which as both good and bad aspects. We actually use both Bomgar/BeyondTrust and Apple Remote Desktop because each is good at certain aspects and bad at certain aspects. For instance, BeyondTrust is very good at ad hoc sessions with …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is far simpler than TeamViewer, especially for MacOSX. With Apple Remote Desktop native within OSX, it is simple and easy to use, and can be used with other Mac users with ease. I selected it because it has a much simpler design and is already integrated …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is Apple specific. There is no other software suite that controls the Mac like ARD. Apple built it specifically for Apple products and it has abilities that are definitely MacOS ONLY. If you administer Macs it is a must-have over the other solutions …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop still requires more work on its functionality, but the other market giants are way ahead of it when it comes to utilities and services. Teamviewer was the first software that we used and it was so good, we wanted to try something else so we switched to …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Microsoft Remote desktop tends to perform better, especially over the internet and has multiple implementations, including open source.
AnyDesk is multi platform (both server and client) and more suitable for ad-hoc remote sessions.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is a good product when you have a need to manage Apple computers on-site and don't want a cloud solution with a recurring cost. We prefer it as an alternative or secondary solution in case your primary software has issues. I wouldn't use it as my only …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
The Apple Remote Desktop application has a much faster connection once the computer has been properly configured.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
For apple/mac products - hands down has the upper advantage when it comes to remote administration. It lacks in some areas that Datto and Kasyea have the upper hand on like some system monitoring. Overall, if I had multiple macs I needed to monitor and service, I would use …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I think that the one feature that sets ARD apart is the UI when in a remote session. There have been times where I've used Zoom, TeamViewer, etc. and couldn't access a part of the menu bar or accidentally closed a session due to the third-party UI that's been applied on the …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
ARD does not have competition when it comes to working with Apple Devices in a 1:1 scenario.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is cross-platform but lacks the cool features especially automation related features like Apple Remote Desktop does. For supporting Mac computers, Apple Remote Desktop was a clear choice.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I would feel much more comfortable having one of these alternative solutions as our Remote Desktop management tools. Each has their drawbacks and expenses associated with them, but we simply have too large of a deployment to not be considering alternatives. If it is the only …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is unique in some of the abilities it has. I feel like there is not much in direct competition for much of what it can do.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
If you are managing Apple systems, ARD is hands down the number one way to manage these systems. It beats every other product out there with its deep macOS integration. No other product has as much focus on Apple as this one. We are primarily a Mac environment so it makes total …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I actually use ConnectWise and ARD, if within my LAN. If I have VPN access I use ARD, if it's a new client and I haven't worked on their network or it's too small to warrant a VPN setup then I'll use ConnectWise
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is the best device we were able to use for education that served the function. Being a school with all Apple products and Mac labs, using Apple Remote Desktop was the most logical choice. The only other alternative was to use the Adobe screen share software …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
For multi-site remote support we utilize TeamViewer and for enterprise-wide device management we are using Cisco Meraki System Manager. ARD is a great Mac tool, but there are many options out there, that are cloud-based, that don't require you to have network tunnels into your …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop allows me access and control that Casper doesn't always have. I love the use of the Remote sessions to be able to get on and see what exactly is going on and then to be able to fix it without having to run across campus to that classroom.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I use Teamviewer with users who are having trouble connecting to the VPN. I think TeamViewer is a good alternative when ARD isn't working. However supporting the number of users we support, Teamviewer can come with a pretty hefty price tag.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
We use both of these products and both are great in their own way.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
No other product does remote desktop management of multiple Macs as good as ARD does, some come close, some have less features.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I have not used other applications--perfectly happy with Apple Remote Desktop.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop provides a different level of support than programs listed above. Its a nice support tool built in the OS.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I have used the above two remote desktop services and have found it to be much harder than using the Apple Remote Desktop. They are slow to login with a lot of errors, time outs constantly, and interface its self moves incredibly slow. I felt a sense of relief when I started …
TeamViewer
Chose TeamViewer
Very easy, no advanced config needed. Highly reliable even on low bandwidth. Strong encryption, 2fA session logging. Work on cross-platfrom like windows, Linux, macOS etc. Smooth even under average network. Session recording, unattended accessc and chat. Strong enterprise …
Chose TeamViewer
Reliability, sophisticated features, and strong security were the main factors for selecting TeamViewer over AnyDesk.
Chose TeamViewer
It offered a seamless and secure remote connection experience
Chose TeamViewer
Seems more secure and cost-efficient experience, which is why our company chose to work with TeamViewer instead.
Chose TeamViewer
The main reason why we have chosen TeamViewer over others was its high end support system and robust technologies. along with some really good features in competitive pricing which was again a gamechanger.
The user interface is great and tracking things has been made so easy by …
Chose TeamViewer
It was cost friendly compared to them and it also provided us with a sleek and modern interface with no distruptions.
Also unlike some tools TeamViewer allows secure remote access without the need for complex vpn set up.
It was also very userfriendly and easier to setup and …
Chose TeamViewer
Back in the day TeamViewer was great, but the company changed ownership and, in my opinion, things have gone downhill.
Chose TeamViewer
TeamViewer has better feature as compared to other software they provide alot of amazing feature in one software like remote access video and audio conferencing and file sharing process with using all of these we are able to do our work more easily along with that they provide …
Chose TeamViewer
Basically we require only one tool for meeting as well as for remote connection so we prefer it as well as file transfer is also one of the requirements so we prefer to use this instead of taking different tools subscription
Chose TeamViewer
Screen sharing in Zoom is not very good, as we faced a screen blackout issue during remote control, but Team Viewer provides a better environment for remote control. It is easy to access other computers by using a key, and it provides many things during meetings, increasing …
Chose TeamViewer
I used AnyDesk before because it was fast and cheaper. I switched to TeamViewer because it has more features, like remote printing, and works better with different devices. TeamViewer also gives better support and tools for managing multiple clients.
Chose TeamViewer
First of all the overall experience of TeamViewer feels and looks user friendly more than AnyDesk. The secure connection of 256-bit AES encryption and RSA 2048-bit key exchange. With TeamViewer, experienced users have numerous advanced options to help employees effectively, …
Chose TeamViewer
TeamViewer was selected primarily due to its broader range of features for larger teams and complex support needs including multi user sessions, Comprehensive remote support, Device Management Tools, Cross Platform Support, integration with other business systems. For business …
Chose TeamViewer
No we do not use other then TeamViewer. TeamViewer offers enterprise-grade security, two-factor authentication, and compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. AnyDesk has had past security concerns (e.g., vulnerability exploits). TeamViewer provides features like centralized …
Chose TeamViewer
I used it to get the files and remote access, but if required, meeting time, that feature is not there, so I chose TeamViewer.
Chose TeamViewer
I personally prefer TeamViewer because of the added features, i.e. remote reboot with auto reconnect. TeamViewer Host also provides unattended access if required.
Chose TeamViewer
TeamViewer is very well known for stability and strong performance (can lag on low-speed internet) whereas AnyDesk
Chose TeamViewer
I am using above listed software's. TeamViewer is best for IT Teams for remote troubleshooting. It has advance features like file transfer, session recording and multidevice support. It is secured and trusted platform as using this from so many years. It provides cross platform …
Chose TeamViewer
For our purposes, each is roughly equivalent in features and usability. I do actually use all three of them and have used TeamViewer primarily when jointly supporting clients with other contractors.
Chose TeamViewer
We selected TeamViewer due to its unique suite of features. Comparing connection latency with other platforms, TeamViewer outperformed them while being more performant, using fewer system resources. Unlike other platforms, which keep alerts about usage plans and advertise the …
Chose TeamViewer
TeamViewer works well as back of other remote desktop access solutions.
Features
Apple Remote DesktopTeamViewer
Remote Administration
Comparison of Remote Administration features of Product A and Product B
Apple Remote Desktop
8.0
Ratings
1% below category average
TeamViewer
8.4
Ratings
4% below category average
Screen sharing8.90 Ratings00 Ratings
File transfer9.00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Instant message9.30 Ratings8.50 Ratings
Secure remote access with Smart Card authentication8.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Access to sleeping/powered-off computers7.20 Ratings7.90 Ratings
Over-the-Internet remote session9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Initiate remote control from mobile7.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Remote management of servers & workstations8.40 Ratings00 Ratings
Remote Active Directory® management7.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Centralized management dashboard8.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Session record7.30 Ratings8.50 Ratings
Annotations7.00 Ratings7.30 Ratings
Monitoring and Alerts8.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Multi-platform remote control6.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Apple Remote DesktopTeamViewer
Small Businesses
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Medium-sized Companies
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Score 9.0 out of 10
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Score 9.5 out of 10
Enterprises
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Score 9.0 out of 10
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Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Apple Remote DesktopTeamViewer
Likelihood to Recommend
8.4
(0 ratings)
8.7
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.5
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
8.9
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
8.4
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Apple Remote DesktopTeamViewer
Likelihood to Recommend
ARD for me is based on a LAN, but can be used over WAN via VPN, but the latency makes ARD a less ideal tool. There are other cross platform tools that can do what ARD does which to me add value when managing a mixed environment
Read full review
Most suitable for large corporations who want to have real-time control of multiple devices in different countries. It is not suitable for scenarios where permissions for using the system need to be obtained from the user for every session if there is no support subscription in place.
Read full review
Pros
  • Automator Actions: This is a very cool feature and cost saving as it reduces human effort by automating the workflow of tasks.
  • Curtain Mode: This lets you block your local user's view of the desktop while performing administrative tasks.
  • Spotlight Search: It can perform lightning fast searches on machines using the spotlight search feature of OS X and thus saves a lot of time.
Read full review
  • Quick support is an nice feature to make it easy for the end user to download and use
  • Easy to connect using numbers
  • The connection is always good when connected to an end user
  • The tool is easy to use, the buttons are easy to understand what the use for it is
Read full review
Cons
  • It's onsite only without setting up a VPN or some other form of remote network access.
  • It can be a little slow sometimes when compared to local access.
  • It seems to be a neglected product by Apple and not continually developed.
Read full review
  • Now, it doesn’t work in fast network environments: sometimes, data is delayed during transfer.
  • There are a small number of ways that a user is allowed to change the interface on the device.
  • Some minor increases in difficulty with advanced functions of the application.
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Likelihood to Renew
It is a fairly unique tool in the level of integration it has with Apple Desktop products. It definitely needs some engineering attention, and it should be expanded to the iOS arena. It is not perfect, but it is very useful and fills an otherwise fairly empty niche in the support toolkit realm. The built-in screen sharing app in macOS handles the direct screen control or viewing function fairly well, but it does not have all of the other mass control features that Apple Remote Desktop supplies.
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As long as I continue to provide remote support for my clients, it's a no brainier. For what I pay out, I probably make it back tenfold in the ability to provide remote support from wherever and whenever. Not to mention the saved gas money for a fix that only takes 5 minutes but it takes you 20 minutes to get there. As my business continues to grow, and I support more and more clients, my need for TeamViewer will only grow.
Read full review
Usability
Once it is set up, it is quite straightforward to use. However, currently, it requires both a script to run to set up permissions and controls, AND a command from the MDM to authorize it to be active. The MDM management command is manual. This is not conducive to an automated workflow, and sometimes gets forgotten. Then, the endpoint is not contactable until someone realizes that the MDM command was not sent or was not successful.
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Compared to other products I've used (ConnectWise Control), TeamViewer is harder to set up and get connected. It is especially difficult to set up "permanent" unattended remote access, where you want to be able to connect to and control a remote computer without having to exchange codes and passwords every time you connect.
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Reliability and Availability
No answers on this topic
We get what we need with our TeamViewer licence.
Read full review
Performance
No answers on this topic
Steady connection and easy quick connect and disconnect
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Support Rating
I've never had to get support for ARD, so I can't give a real opinion.
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The support from the Teamviewer team has always been top notch. Any support ticket that we have submitted has been handled very quickly and with the best possible resolution. We find in most cases, contacting for a support ticket is not even necessary, as the knowledge base is more than adequate.
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In-Person Training
No answers on this topic
As expected without any problem! Alternate in-person training is another efficient way to learn how a product works. There are many third party supporters for TeamViewer courses available that can give additional ideas how to use TeamViewer for specific functions and features as we did require in respect of our usage.
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Online Training
No answers on this topic
I have never used the online training either. I have watched a few informational videos that were helpful when learning how to do a specific procedure within TeamViewer and get the most out of the software by utilizing one of the many features that are available with the software. Again, 5 if for neutral.
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Implementation Rating
None, very easy to setup and install.
Read full review
Installation and configuration of the TeamViewer does not pose a huge problem and we were able to install the software in our network within one week. Helping staff was organized in the form of training sessions to understand the different aspects that it offers and because of its rich graphical user interface, adoption was easy.
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Alternatives Considered
I would feel much more comfortable having one of these alternative solutions as our Remote Desktop management tools. Each has their drawbacks and expenses associated with them, but we simply have too large of a deployment to not be considering alternatives. If it is the only solution you can afford, it is OK to start here. I could see where this would have a return on investment, but it is really only suitable for a very small and localized scale. If employees are at all mobile, the duct taping of products necessary (VPN, distribution points, script repositories) would be very cumbersome.
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In my position, I have also used AnyDesk because we frequently utilize various software for different tasks. However, we opted for TeamViewer because our team members are not technically inclined. They are experts in other areas. TeamViewer was the ideal choice for us since we needed a software program that even non-techies could use.
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Scalability
No answers on this topic
I've rarely had problems with the product.
Read full review
Return on Investment
  • Apple Remote Desktop has a positive return on investment because for the expense to the school, the value it brings to teachers is important. The return on improved student performance is very difficult to measure financially, but there is a definite return.
  • The overall objective of education is to increase student learning, ARD does that phenomenally. Parents see the tool used and are impressed at what the capabilities of the tool can do and how it impacts how active their students are as well as how well they can learn.
  • One negative impact is that teachers rely too much on this tool rather than on actually teaching sometimes.
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It took about 3 months.
  • Customer Support of our business has become more interactive with customers, leading to faster resolution of their problems.
  • Remotely accessing devices in our office allows employees to stay productive while working from home.
  • TeamViewer helps us to collaborate with other firms for projects we're doing.
Read full review
ScreenShots

TeamViewer Screenshots

Screenshot of how TeamViewer lets users connect to devices and provide remote support.Screenshot of where devices are a few clicks away.Screenshot of the interface to monitor and manage devices proactively.Screenshot of some of TeamViewer's integrations