SilkRemote
Chrome Remote Desktop is many people's first remote desktop tool. It is free, it runs in a browser, and setup takes a few minutes with a Google account. For quick check-ins it is genuinely good. But once you start using a remote computer for real work, its limits show: motion can feel choppy, text can soften during movement, the feature set is basic, and it is tied to your Google account.
If you like the browser-based convenience but want a better experience, these five alternatives are worth a look.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Free plan | Platforms | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SilkRemote | Browser-based access that feels local | Yes, on your local network | Host: Mac, Windows (beta). Client: any browser, Android | 120 fps, end-to-end encrypted |
| RustDesk | Open source, self-hosted | Yes, open source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Your own server |
| AnyDesk | Lightweight cross-platform access | Personal use | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Small, quick client |
| TeamViewer | Feature-rich access and support | Personal use | Nearly everything | Huge feature set |
| Parsec | Low-latency gaming | Personal use | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android | Gaming-grade speed |
1. SilkRemote: best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative
SilkRemote keeps what people love about Chrome Remote Desktop, which is that the client is just a browser, and fixes what they find frustrating. You can control your computer from Chrome, Edge, or Safari 17+ on iPhone and iPad, and install the web app to your home screen so it opens like a native app. Android users also get a native app that works great with Samsung DeX.
The difference is in the stream. SilkRemote runs at up to 120 fps and up to 2560x1440 at around 40 Mbps, so text stays crisp and windows glide instead of stutter. On a local network, capture-to-screen latency is around 17 ms. On a Mac host (macOS 14+), SilkRemote creates a 120 Hz virtual display so the stream is genuinely high refresh rather than a 60 Hz desktop pushed through a pipe. Audio from the host streams too, and keyboard, mouse and touch input are all supported.
Privacy is also stronger by design. Every session is end-to-end encrypted with ECDH P-256 key exchange and AES-256-GCM, which means even the relay that helps when a direct connection is not possible cannot see your screen. You do not need a Google account, and no account is needed on the computer being controlled for local use. Devices pair by QR code or a one-time pairing code, and unpaired devices are refused.
Unlike Chrome Remote Desktop, SilkRemote is not free everywhere: it is free forever on your local network, and Pro ($6/month or $49/year, or $129 one-time for Founder lifetime) adds access from anywhere. It also has no Linux host, and the Windows host is still in beta. For Mac and PC owners who want a browser-based tool that feels like the real thing, it is the clear upgrade.
Pros: Much smoother streaming, browser client, end-to-end encryption, no Google account. Cons: Remote access outside your network requires Pro, no Linux host.
2. RustDesk
RustDesk is a popular open-source alternative for people who want more control than Chrome Remote Desktop gives them. You can use public servers or self-host the components that broker and relay connections, so you are not tied to any company's infrastructure.
It runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android and includes file transfer and other conveniences that Chrome Remote Desktop lacks.
Pros: Free, open source, self-hostable, cross-platform. Cons: Self-hosting takes time and skill, and the interface is functional rather than polished.
3. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a lightweight app that connects using a numeric address. It is free for personal use and has paid plans for professional use. Compared with Chrome Remote Desktop, it offers more features, including file transfer and session settings, and it does not require a Google account.
Pros: Fast to install, broad platform support, more features than Chrome Remote Desktop. Cons: Requires an app on each device, and the free tier is personal-only.
4. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is the most feature-rich option here, with unattended access, file transfer, remote printing and support tooling across nearly every platform. It is free for personal use, though its commercial-use detection sometimes flags personal users.
Pros: Everything you might need in one package. Cons: Heavier than Chrome Remote Desktop, and the interface can feel busy for simple tasks.
5. Parsec
If your frustration with Chrome Remote Desktop is lag during anything fast-moving, Parsec is built for low-latency gaming and handles motion very well. It supports Windows and Mac hosts and is free for personal use.
Pros: Excellent responsiveness. Cons: No official iPhone or iPad app, and its gaming focus means fewer productivity extras.
When Chrome Remote Desktop is still enough
If you only occasionally need to grab a file from your home PC, or you need a free tool that works across the internet without paying, Chrome Remote Desktop remains a sensible choice. Its one-time support code flow is also handy for helping a relative. It starts to fall short when you work remotely for longer stretches, when you need smooth motion for video or design, or when you would rather not tie remote access to a Google account.
For more zero-install options, see our browser-based remote desktop roundup. If cost is the deciding factor, our free remote desktop software guide compares what each free tier really includes.
Verdict
SilkRemote is the best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative in 2026. It keeps the convenience of a browser client but delivers up to 120 fps, Retina-class resolution and end-to-end encryption, with no Google account required. Try it free on your local network, then add Pro for access from anywhere. Download SilkRemote or check pricing.