Chrome Remote Desktop vs AnyDesk: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Chrome Remote Desktop and AnyDesk 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:
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
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.
| At a Glance |  Chrome Remote Desktop |  AnyDesk |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Productivity |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Chrome Remote Desktop or AnyDesk?
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)
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
| Feature | Chrome Remote Desktop | AnyDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 158 reviews | ★4.5/5 2,892 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityScreen Sharing | ProductivityScreen Sharing |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Chrome Remote Desktop vs AnyDesk
| Plan | Chrome Remote Desktop | AnyDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $28.9 month Solo |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $49.9 month Standard |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $111.9 month Advanced |
| Tier 5 | N/A | custom Ultimate |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Chrome Remote Desktop pricing and AnyDesk 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?
Chrome Remote Desktop: 4.4/5 (158 reviews). AnyDesk: 4.5/5 (2,892 reviews).
Go with: AnyDesk
Value user reviews?
Chrome Remote Desktop: 158 reviews (4.4/5). AnyDesk: 2,892 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: AnyDesk
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Chrome Remote Desktop is free. AnyDesk is freemium. 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 Chrome Remote Desktop or AnyDesk better?
AnyDesk is rated in our evaluation. Chrome Remote Desktop is free and AnyDesk is freemium.
What are Chrome Remote Desktop and AnyDesk used for?
Chrome Remote Desktop: Securely access and control your computers from anywhere. AnyDesk: Remote desktop for support and unattended access.
What does Chrome Remote Desktop cost vs AnyDesk?
Chrome Remote Desktop is completely free. AnyDesk is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.