SilkRemote
Remote desktop gives another device full control of your computer, so security is not optional. A weak setup can expose everything on your screen, every keystroke and every file. Yet "encrypted" on a feature list can mean many things: encrypted to a vendor's server, encrypted in transit only, or truly end-to-end encrypted so that only your two devices can read the stream.
We ranked eight apps by how well they protect your sessions by default, how they control which devices can connect, and how easy it is to stay secure without being an expert.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Free plan | Platforms | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SilkRemote | Private access to your own computers | Yes, on your local network | Host: Mac, Windows (beta). Client: any browser, Android | End-to-end encrypted, relay cannot see your screen |
| RustDesk | Self-hosted control | Yes, open source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Run your own servers |
| TeamViewer | Feature-rich secure access | Personal use | Nearly everything | Mature security features |
| AnyDesk | Lightweight secure access | Personal use | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Access control lists |
| Splashtop | Business compliance needs | Check current plans | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, more | Business security features |
| Apple Screen Sharing | Trusted Mac-to-Mac | Built into macOS | Mac only | macOS account controls |
| Windows App (RDP) | Managed Windows networks | Free (Pro host required) | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Network Level Authentication |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Simple Google-account security | Yes | Windows, Mac, Linux, browser, mobile | Google account plus PIN |
1. SilkRemote: best end-to-end encrypted remote desktop
SilkRemote was designed so that only your devices can see your screen. Every session uses ECDH P-256 key exchange to agree on keys between your two devices and AES-256-GCM to encrypt the stream. Because the keys live only on the endpoints, the encrypted relay SilkRemote uses when a direct connection is not possible can pass the data along but cannot decrypt it. That is the meaning of true end-to-end encryption.
Access control is just as strict. Devices are paired by scanning a QR code or typing a one-time pairing code, and unpaired devices are refused. There is no static password to guess or reuse. SilkRemote connects peer-to-peer first using WebRTC, so in most cases your stream travels directly between your devices; Pro adds hole punching to make direct connections across networks, with the relay as an automatic, still-encrypted fallback. You do not need to open ports on your router. For local use, no account is needed on the computer being controlled, and the app has no ads.
Security does not cost performance either. SilkRemote streams at up to 120 fps and up to 2560x1440 at around 40 Mbps, with about 17 ms capture-to-screen latency on a local network.
The limits are about scope rather than security: there is no Linux host, the Windows host is in beta, and there is no multi-user admin console with audit trails for IT teams yet.
Pros: True end-to-end encryption, relay cannot see your screen, pairing-only access, no open ports. Cons: No enterprise admin and audit tools yet.
2. RustDesk
RustDesk is open source, so its code can be inspected, and it can be fully self-hosted. Running your own rendezvous and relay servers means connection data never passes through a third party.
Pros: Auditable code, complete infrastructure control. Cons: Your security depends on how well you run and patch your servers.
3. TeamViewer
TeamViewer states that its sessions are end-to-end encrypted and offers two-factor authentication, trusted device management and other account protections. It has a long track record in enterprise environments.
Pros: Mature security features, broad platform support. Cons: ID-and-password connections need care, and as with any widely used support tool, users should only ever let in people they know.
4. AnyDesk
AnyDesk encrypts sessions with TLS and uses asymmetric key exchange, and it offers access control lists and two-factor authentication to restrict who can connect.
Pros: Good access controls, lightweight. Cons: Like other ID-based tools, it relies on users being careful about who they share their address with.
5. Splashtop
Splashtop's business products include encryption in transit, device authentication, two-step verification and features aimed at compliance requirements.
Pros: Business-ready security features. Cons: Primarily for organizations; check current pricing.
6. Apple Screen Sharing
Screen Sharing is built into macOS and relies on macOS user accounts and permissions to control who can connect.
Pros: No third-party software, controlled by your Mac's accounts. Cons: Mac-only, and remote access beyond your network should go through a VPN rather than exposed ports.
7. Windows App (RDP)
RDP supports TLS and Network Level Authentication, and it is secure on a well-managed network. The common mistake is exposing an RDP port directly to the internet, which attracts automated attacks. Use a VPN or gateway instead. Hosts require Windows Pro or Enterprise.
Pros: Mature, configurable, free. Cons: Easy to misconfigure for internet access.
8. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop encrypts sessions and protects access with your Google account and a per-computer PIN.
Pros: Simple and free. Cons: Security depends on your Google account, and there are few access controls beyond the PIN.
How to keep any remote desktop secure
Use tools that pair specific devices or require two-factor authentication. Never expose remote desktop ports directly to the internet. Remove old paired devices you no longer use. Keep the host software updated. And never let a stranger who calls you claiming to be "support" connect to your computer. For a family-focused take on safe remote help, read our remote support tools for families guide, and small teams should see our remote access tools for small business.
Verdict
SilkRemote is the most secure choice for reaching your own computers in 2026. Every session is end-to-end encrypted with ECDH P-256 and AES-256-GCM, the relay cannot see your screen, and only devices you have paired can connect. It is free on your local network, and Pro adds secure access from anywhere. Download SilkRemote or view pricing.