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 wins this matchup. GoTo Meeting is our overall Screen Sharing pick. Google Meet is our free Screen Sharing pick. Pick Chrome Remote Desktop if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Chrome Remote Desktop
Securely access and control your computers from anywhere
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (AnyDesk requires payment)
AnyDesk
Remote desktop for support and unattended access
Best for you if:
- • Support techs who will pay annually for remote desktop. Free is personal use only
| At a Glance | Chrome Remote Desktop | AnyDesk |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | Productivity Screen Sharing | Productivity Screen Sharing |
Rating | 4.2/5 G2 4.2 53 reviews | 4.5/5 Capterra 4.6 · G2 4.5 · PeerSpot 4.5 2,899 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Advanced features like audio streaming not included | Extra connections at $29.90 each. |
Choose Chrome Remote Desktop or AnyDesk?
Choose Chrome Remote Desktop if
- You want a fully free tool (AnyDesk requires payment)
- You want free to use with no subscription
- You want cross-platform support for computer, Android, and iOS
Choose AnyDesk if
- Support techs who will pay annually for remote desktop. Free is personal use only
- You want free personal license for occasional home use
- You want public Solo / Standard / Advanced prices on anydesk.com/en/pricing
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
Advanced features like audio streaming not included
Strengths
- Pro: Free to use with no subscription
- Pro: Cross-platform support for computer, Android, and iOS
- Pro: Secure connections built on Google's infrastructure and WebRTC
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires a Google account and internet connection
- Con: 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
Extra connections at $29.90 each.
Strengths
- Pro: Free personal license for occasional home use
- Pro: Public Solo / Standard / Advanced prices on anydesk.com/en/pricing
- Pro: Add-on connections are a published price, not a hidden SKU
- Pro: Unattended access and custom clients on paid team plans
Weaknesses
- Con: Paid plans are annual, paid up front
- Con: Standard starts with only one concurrent outgoing connection
- Con: Solo is one user. It is not a helpdesk seat pack
- Con: 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.
Key Takeaways
AnyDesk
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (2,899 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Chrome Remote Desktop
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
AnyDesk wins this matchup. GoTo Meeting is our overall Screen Sharing pick. Google Meet is our free Screen Sharing pick. That said, Chrome Remote Desktop is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chrome Remote Desktop or AnyDesk better in 2026?
AnyDesk wins this matchup. GoTo Meeting is our overall Screen Sharing pick. Google Meet is our free Screen Sharing pick. Pick Chrome Remote Desktop for productivity workflows (main strength: free to use with no subscription). Pick AnyDesk for productivity workflows (main strength: free personal license for occasional home use).
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 free. AnyDesk's paid plans start at Free (Solo).
What's the main difference between Chrome Remote Desktop and AnyDesk?
Chrome Remote Desktop's main strength: free to use with no subscription. AnyDesk's main strength: free personal license for occasional home use.