For businesses with remote and hybrid workplaces that use remote desktop software to support their distributed workforces, two of the most popular options are AnyDesk and TeamViewer. Both let IT support teams connect to remote desktops and devices to perform a wide range of critical functions. While they share the core features you’d expect from remote desktop software, there are a few key differences between the two.
What is AnyDesk?
AnyDesk is a popular remote desktop software that allows teams to access desktops, servers, machines, or devices from anywhere. It includes a wide range of features from full mobile support to wake-on-LAN (WoL) functionality. AnyDesk is also customizable, with features like session permissions and an API, so you can flex the tool to fit your organization’s needs.
What is TeamViewer?
TeamViewer is a remote desktop tool that enables access to virtually any desktop or mobile platform. This is especially beneficial for IT teams managing a work-from-anywhere workforce. TeamViewer’s features include cross-platform access, unattended access, remote wake, restart and installation capabilities, and multi-user support sessions.
How do AnyDesk and TeamViewer features compare?
AnyDesk offers a cloud-based solution and a self-hosted, on-premises option for teams that want more control over their infrastructure — something thatTeamViewer does not provide. However, TeamViewer supports the widest range of devices and platforms, covering 127 manufacturers. Other slight differences lie in the features each tool offers.
AnyDesk vs. TeamViewer: Feature comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Multi-device access | ||
| Unattended access | ||
| Self-hosted, on-premises option | ||
| Encryption | ||
| Remote printing | ||
| Remote wake | ||
| Chat |
Multi-device access
Both AnyDesk and TeamViewer allow for multi-device, cross-platform access. With AnyDesk, you can connect to desktops, servers, virtual machines, and other devices from local desktops. TeamViewer, on the other hand, supports connections across all platforms, including PC-to-PC and PC-to-mobile.
Both tools feature robust mobile support, a must-have in today’s mobile workforce. Whether you need to control a desktop from a smartphone or tablet — or even connect between mobile devices — both AnyDesk and TeamViewer have you covered.
SEE: Bring your own device (BYOD) policy (TechRepublic Premium)
Unattended access
Both AnyDesk and TeamViewer enable you to access devices with or without a user present. With TeamViewer, you can gain permanent access to unattended computers, servers, or mobile devices. It also lets you wake, restart devices, and install applications inside TeamViewer.
AnyDesk offers similar functionality, allowing you to log into desktops and devices using a password — without the end user taking any action. Additionally, – WoL feature lets you wake devices from sleep mode.
IT team collaboration
If you’re part of an IT team, collaboration features can make troubleshooting and training more efficient. AnyDesk includes a text chat feature for live communication during remote sessions. It also offers a whiteboard tool, allowing you to draw on monitor screens to highlight issues or guide team members. Plus, you can invite users to sessions and share your screen.
TeamViewer enables simple collaboration through text chat, video conferencing, and session recordings. Its multi-user support feature allows multiple team members to join support sessions, making it ideal for solving complex problems or training new users.
Security
Both AnyDesk and TeamViewer offer strong security features to protect end-user devices, data, and credentials.
TeamViewer uses end-to-end encryption with a 4096-bit RSA private/public key exchange and AES (256-bit) encryption. It also includes built-in data backup, device monitoring, and malware protection.
AnyDesk uses military-grade TLS 1.2 encryption and AES (256-bit) encryption for secure connections. It also offers two-factor authentication, advanced permission management, and a privacy mode for added security.
AnyDesk vs TeamViewer pricing
AnyDesk offers a free tier for an individual user managing up to three devices. Its 100-seat/2 concurrent connections plan costs $79.90 per month, billed annually. AnyDesk’s price tiers are:
- Free tier
- 1 user: $22.90 per month
- 20 users: $35.90 per month
- 100 users: $79.90 per month
- Enterprise tier: Contact AnyDesk for pricing
TeamViewer does not have a free tier. Its 30-user plan with three concurrent connections costs $229.90 per month, billed annually. TeamViewer’s price tiers include:
- 1 user and 1 concurrent connection/3 managed devices: $24.90 per month
- 1 user and 1 concurrent connection/200 managed devices: $50.90 per month
- 15 users: $112.90 per month
- 30 users: $229.90 per month
- Enterprise tier: Contact TeamViewer for pricing
AnyDesk pros
- Relatively affordable
- Smooth performance with minimal connectivity issues
- User-friendly interface
AnyDesk cons
- Some users report aggressive upselling or difficulty canceling plans
- Some users report server issues
- Some users experience challenges reaching customer support
TeamViewer pros
- Highly scalable
- Reliable and easy to use
- Supports a wide range of devices
- Responsive customer support
TeamViewer cons
- Relatively expensive
- No self-hosting option
Choosing between AnyDesk and TeamViewer
When deciding between AnyDesk and TeamViewer for remote access to a wide range of devices, both options offer strong IT support solutions. The choice ultimately depends on your organization’s specific needs.
If your team prefers to run a remote access solution either on-premises or in the cloud, AnyDesk is the better option. If ensuring compatibility with all devices is a top priority, TeamViewer may be the ideal choice, simply for its range of compatible manufacturers. Additionally, for larger organizations, TeamViewer could be a better option as its TeamViewer Tensor connectivity solution is specifically designed to meet the demands of enterprise-level operations.
