6 Remote Desktop Apps for use by Windows and Mac
Today, mixed-platform offices are the rule rather than the exception. A designer might be running macOS while the whole team on Windows, or an IT admin managing a fleet of laptops wants one single tool that works the same regardless of what OS is at the other end. Remote desktop software is frictional when it only works smoothly on one platform, and teams are left squashing different pieces of inefficient tools together or resigning themselves to a sub-par experience on the OS that wasn’t prioritized by the remote desktop developer.
It is not a box-checked feature for cross-platform reliability. How well file transfers work, whether keyboard shortcuts are ported properly across operating systems, and if the performance is consistent, no matter which machine is connecting. Here are six Windows- and Mac-compatible programs, in alphabetical order.
Splashtop
Splashtop is all about the fast, low-latency sessions that retain enough power for video editing, CAD work or multi-monitor usage, whether originating from Windows or Mac. With centralized administrative tools, robust encryption, and extensibility to a variety of other devices beyond the desktop. Cross-platform parity is important because for many teams managing a mixed-platform environment, this is one of the more critical considerations when selecting their remote access tool.
One of the big names is adding support for a cross-platform remote desktop program designed to offer a seamless experience, whether your session starts on Windows or Mac. Here are six programs to know about, each with its own pros and cons, depending on what a team needs.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Since Chrome Remote Desktop runs in the Chrome browser, it is available on any device that can run Chrome (including both Windows and Mac). Connection needs a Google account and features a clean, no-frills experience. The one caveat is that there is no dedicated app to install, just a browser extension — keeping setup minimal but the feature set / options correspondingly light. It is too simplistic for day-to-day business use, however, especially for teams who require advanced administrative controls or session logging details (although occasional access between platforms remains a popular free option).
Microsoft Remote Desktop
The Mac client for remote access (now integrated within the larger Windows App) connects Mac users to Windows machines, Windows 365 cloud PCs and Remote Desktop Services environments. This is obviously a natural choice for organizations already heavily committed to the Microsoft ecosystem, as it integrates directly with Windows Server-based infrastructure. Some of the more handy multi-monitor support and Microsoft Teams optimizations for hybrid workplaces. If you need a more general technical overview of how Remote Desktop Protocol clients are architected across devices and platforms, Microsoft documents the connection methods that Windows Server-based Remote Desktop Services supports.
NoMachine
NoMachine is all about the NX protocol, which excels at keeping remote sessions snappy even over low-bandwidth links. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux and is adored by those that are using systems that span what is truly a mixed environment vs. just two operating systems. Configuration is more complex than some of the simpler browser-based tools, but often leads to better playback for graphics-intensive work, like video editing or CAD apps, especially in an unreliable network environment.
Parallels Access
Parallels Access emphasizes the Mac-to-anything experience, providing a slick interface for remote access to Windows PCs, Macs and even mobile devices from a Mac. Unlike the tools that simply mirror a full desktop on tablets or phones, it reformats applications to more conveniently work better in smaller areas. This will make it useful for those users who use a Mac laptop in and out of their workplace during the day, but this end-user focus is mainly individual productivity rather than controlled IT administration.
RealVNC
For many years now, RealVNC has supported cross-platform connections with clients available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides encrypted connections and centralized management features for IT teams managing countless devices, as well as a uniform interface regardless of the operating system a user connects from. The platform’s easiest configuration is a bit more involved than that of some of its newer rivals of digital networks, but because AirWatch has matured and is pretty broadly compatible with devices across large organizations, it remains an excellent choice.
Choosing the Right Mix for Mixed Environment
The six programs above have noticeable differences in style of cross-platform support. Others make it super simple to manipulate, inexpensive, and great for rare occasions or everyday use. Some are designed for IT administrators, providing the centralized controls necessary to manage dozens or even hundreds of devices running on multiple operating systems.
It therefore is useful to think through a few practical questions before you settle on a tool. How many concurrent users and across how many devices? Is the team in need of a number of advanced features such as file transfer, multi-monitor assistance or session recording, or is basic screen sharing sufficient? How important is that level of performance under less-than-ideal network conditions, especially for teams working with graphics-heavy work?
Even comparing features will miss things that recent testing of a shortlist with real users on Windows and Mac machines would surface, including whether recorded demos bridge the gap in keyboard shortcut differences between the two operating environments, or where video and audio might stay synced only partway through a session.
It is also helpful to realize that many of these programs are constructed on top of networking protocols, which are open and publicly documented rather than built from the ground up. Organizations who might be interested in how such technical standards get created can look at how the key specifications underpinning most of today’s internet connectivity is created and maintained, providing important background to the way some remote access protocols always behave similarly from different vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does cross-platform support matter for remote desktop software?
Today, many organizations run a hybrid environment with employees using both Windows and Mac. An unevenly performing tool across platforms can cause friction, disenchant users, and lead to additional support calls for IT teams.
Can free remote desktop tools be used for business?
Free tools are okay for one-off or light use, but they typically lack the centralized management capabilities, advanced security controls, and support channels that daily business operations require, especially at scale as a business grows.
What should IT teams look for when selecting cross-platform tools?
It really matters how well the tool supports differences in keyboard shortcuts and display settings between Windows and Mac, as well as differences in encryption standards, proximity of administration of devices for your organization across operating systems.
