TeamViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop are remote desktop tools. Both let users access devices remotely and can be used free, though TeamViewer requires a license for commercial use. Commonly used for troubleshooting and technical support, both solutions can be used by individuals who want to use a mobile device to access their primary computer. TeamViewer requires a license for commercial use but it has a far larger feature set than Chrome Remote Desktop. Both solutions are used by businesses of all sizes, though TeamViewer can support more business use cases and is more frequently deployed across business or enterprise environments.
Features
Both TeamViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop allow users to remotely access connected devices and share a screen, without spending any money.
Chrome Remote Desktop is lightweight, fast, and easy to set up. There’s a 100 device limit on how many devices can be managed with the software, making it a popular choice for users with multiple devices who need a simple, straightforward remote desktop interface, or who need to share a screen. For security-conscious users, Chrome Remote Desktop uses a PIN to verify connections.
Beyond free access, TeamViewer provides features to cater to full-service technical support teams that Chrome Remote Desktop does not. Users can take advantage of integrated chat, cross-device file-sharing, remote wake-up and installation, and clipboard syncing. TeamViewer also includes custom-branded SOS buttons that can be installed on end-user devices, giving them one-click access to remote support teams. Overall, TeamViewer is focused on giving remote support staff all the tools they need to quickly and efficiently solve their customers’ problems.
Limitations
However, TeamViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop each have their limitations. Consider the drawbacks of each before choosing a solution.
Chrome Remote Desktop lacks the full feature set of TeamViewer, but some users have other complaints with the software. The tool requires a Google account and requires the use of Google Chrome. Some users have encountered RAM spikes while using the software, and others have issues with multi-monitor setups. Chrome Remote Desktop isn’t under active development, meaning that bugs and other frustrations may take a long time to be fixed – if they get fixed at all.
TeamViewer, on the other hand, can be resource intensive and requires a high-bandwidth connection to work properly. Some users have also complained about limitations on file transfer sizes, while others encountered problems when trying to create a remote session between devices running different versions of TeamViewer. The most common complaint, however, was about pricing and business practices. Many customers were frustrated by the fine print of TeamViewer’s subscription agreement and found it difficult or impossible to cancel their subscription when they wanted to. If you use TeamViewer, be sure to carefully read and understand their subscription terms.
Pricing
TeamViewer offers 3 tiers of pricing. The Business plan is $50.90 per month and allows one user to manage up to 200 devices. The Premium plan is $102.90 per month and allows up to 15 users to manage a total of 300 devices, with one session active at a time. Lastly, the Corporate plan is $206.90 per month and allows up to 30 users to manage up to 500 devices, with up to three sessions active at a time.
Chrome Remote Desktop is free to use for anyone with a Google account.
