Best Splashtop Alternatives (2026)
Splashtop is a capable, well-established remote desktop product, but it is not the only option, and the best Splashtop alternatives depend on what you actually need: Linux hosting, end-to-end encryption, native mobile apps, or a simple price. This guide lines up the main contenders so you can match a tool to your use case. Pricing is current as of June 2026; confirm the latest on each vendor's own site.
How to choose an alternative
Before you compare names, get clear on a few questions. They narrow the field fast.
- What needs to be the host? Windows only, or Windows and Linux, or Mac too?
- How private does the stream need to be? Encrypted in transit, or fully end-to-end encrypted?
- Do you need mobile clients today? Some tools have mature iOS and Android apps; others are catching up.
- Is it personal or team use? A solo tool and an IT help-desk platform are priced and built very differently.
- What is your budget model? Per-user subscription, per-technician, or a self-host option that is free for personal use?
The alternatives at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Host platforms | Entry pricing (as of June 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeamViewer | Broad cross-platform support | Windows, Mac, Linux | Remote Access from $18.90/mo billed annually |
| AnyDesk | Lightweight general access | Windows, Mac, Linux | Solo from $14.90/mo |
| RealFrame | Linux hosts, privacy, weak networks, IT teams | Windows, Linux | Self-host free for personal use ($499/yr commercial), Solo $3/mo |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Free personal access | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free |
| Parsec | Gaming and creative streaming | Windows | Free; Warp $9.99/mo |
A closer look at the top picks
TeamViewer and AnyDesk
Both are mature, widely used general-purpose tools with broad cross-platform support and large install bases. They are reasonable picks if you want a long-established name and do not specifically need end-to-end encryption or a self-host tier. As of June 2026, TeamViewer's Remote Access plan for individuals starts at $18.90 a month billed annually, and AnyDesk's Solo plan starts at $14.90 a month; confirm current pricing on their sites. For a deeper dive, see our RealFrame vs Splashtop comparison, which covers many of the same trade-offs.
RealFrame
RealFrame is built for people who want a private, dependable remote desktop without network plumbing. It hosts Windows and Linux, with native clients for Windows, Mac, and Linux today and iOS and Android coming soon. The whole stream is end-to-end encrypted, so only your two devices can read the picture. It connects directly device-to-device with an encrypted relay fallback, so there is no VPN to stand up and no ports to forward.
It is also engineered for bad networks. In a controlled test on a congested link it held zero packet loss where the conventional react-after-loss approach lost about 23% of the picture. Pricing is simple: self-host free for personal use ($499 a year for a commercial license), Solo at $3 a month, or the Tech plan at $149 a year per concurrent technician with unlimited machines, plus Enterprise for larger needs.
Chrome Remote Desktop
If your needs are personal and occasional, Chrome Remote Desktop is free and runs in the browser. It is limited for business use as of June 2026, but for reaching your own machine now and then it is a fine, no-cost option. See RealFrame vs Chrome Remote Desktop for the full breakdown.
Parsec
Parsec is purpose-built for gaming and creative streaming from a Windows host. As of June 2026 it does not offer Linux hosting, and it is free for personal use with Parsec for Teams at $30 per user a month billed annually. If high frame rates from a GPU-heavy Windows machine are your goal, it is worth a look. For most general remote work, the other options on this list fit better.
Matching a tool to your need
- Need Linux hosts? RealFrame hosts Linux as a first-class case; Parsec does not, as of June 2026.
- Need end-to-end encryption? RealFrame encrypts so only your devices can read the stream.
- Need mature mobile apps today? TeamViewer and AnyDesk have established native iOS and Android apps.
- Want it free? RealFrame self-host (free for personal use) and Chrome Remote Desktop are both no-cost paths.
- Running a help desk? RealFrame's per-technician model is built for remote desktop for IT support.
FAQ
What is the best free Splashtop alternative? For personal use, Chrome Remote Desktop is free and browser-based. RealFrame offers a self-host tier that is free for personal use ($499 a year for a commercial license) with end-to-end encryption if you want to run your own.
Which alternative is best for Linux? RealFrame hosts both Windows and Linux, which makes it a strong fit for engineering, data, and creative pipelines that run on Linux.
Which is most private? RealFrame is end-to-end encrypted, so only your two devices can read the stream, with no VPN or port-forwarding required.
Ready to try a private, no-plumbing remote desktop? See how RealFrame works, or compare plans on the pricing page.