AnyDesk vs Chrome Remote Desktop: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AnyDesk and Chrome Remote Desktop comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: AnyDesk is our overall pick for productivity workflows. Pick Chrome Remote Desktop if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AnyDesk
Remote desktop for support and unattended access
Best for you if:
- • Free for personal use. Paid licenses are billed annually, not month-to-month.
- • Paid tiers available for different needs. Extra connections available.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Securely access and control your computers from anywhere
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free remote desktop access from Google
- • Access your computer from any device or share your screen
| At a Glance |  AnyDesk |  Chrome Remote Desktop |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Productivity |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose AnyDesk or Chrome Remote Desktop?
Choose AnyDesk if
Remote desktop for support and unattended access
- Free personal license for occasional home use
- Public Solo / Standard / Advanced prices on anydesk.com/en/pricing
- Add-on connections are a published price, not a hidden SKU
Choose Chrome Remote Desktop if
Securely access and control your computers from anywhere
- Free to use with no subscription
- Cross-platform support for computer, Android, and iOS
- Secure connections built on Google's infrastructure and WebRTC
- You want a fully free tool (AnyDesk requires payment)
| Feature | AnyDesk | Chrome Remote Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 2,892 reviews | ★4.4/5 158 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityScreen Sharing | ProductivityScreen Sharing |
In-Depth Analysis
AnyDesk
Remote desktop for support and unattended access
Use Free at home.
Watch out
Annual billing, paid up front.
Strengths
- +Free personal license for occasional home use
- +Public Solo / Standard / Advanced prices on anydesk.com/en/pricing
- +Add-on connections are a published price, not a hidden SKU
- +Unattended access and custom clients on paid team plans
Weaknesses
- -Paid plans are annual, paid up front
- -Standard starts with only one concurrent outgoing connection
- -Solo is one user. It is not a helpdesk seat pack
- -Ultimate has no public dollar price
Key features
Chrome Remote Desktop
Securely access and control your computers from anywhere
Chrome Remote Desktop's pricing is exceptionally generous as it is completely free with no paid tiers, offering secure remote access and screen sharing across devices.
Watch out
Requires Google account and Chrome browser
Strengths
- +Free to use with no subscription
- +Cross-platform support for computer, Android, and iOS
- +Secure connections built on Google's infrastructure and WebRTC
Weaknesses
- -Requires a Google account and internet connection
- -May lack advanced features found in paid remote desktop solutions
Key features
Pricing: AnyDesk vs Chrome Remote Desktop
| Plan | AnyDesk | Chrome Remote Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $28.9 month Solo | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $49.9 month Standard | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $111.9 month Advanced | N/A |
| Tier 5 | custom Ultimate | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AnyDesk pricing and Chrome Remote Desktop pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Chrome Remote Desktop is free. AnyDesk is freemium.
Go with: Chrome Remote Desktop
Want the highest-rated option?
AnyDesk: 4.5/5 (2,892 reviews). Chrome Remote Desktop: 4.4/5 (158 reviews).
Go with: AnyDesk
Value user reviews?
AnyDesk: 2,892 reviews (4.5/5). Chrome Remote Desktop: 158 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: AnyDesk
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
AnyDesk is freemium. Chrome Remote Desktop is free. Go with Chrome Remote Desktop if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are productivity tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
AnyDesk is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
AnyDesk
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (2,892 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Chrome Remote Desktop
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
AnyDesk is our pick. That said, Chrome Remote Desktop is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnyDesk or Chrome Remote Desktop better?
AnyDesk is rated in our evaluation. AnyDesk is freemium and Chrome Remote Desktop is free.
What are AnyDesk and Chrome Remote Desktop used for?
AnyDesk: Remote desktop for support and unattended access. Chrome Remote Desktop: Securely access and control your computers from anywhere.
What does AnyDesk cost vs Chrome Remote Desktop?
AnyDesk is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Chrome Remote Desktop is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.