Chrome Remote Desktop vs Splashtop: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Chrome Remote Desktop and Splashtop 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: Splashtop is our overall pick for customer support workflows. Pick Chrome Remote Desktop if you need productivity.
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
- • You need productivity features specifically
- • Free remote desktop access from Google
- • Access your computer from any device or share your screen
Splashtop
Secure remote access and management for IT teams
Best for you if:
- • You need customer support features specifically
- • Remote desktop software with 4K streaming at 60fps and Retina 5K support for Mac
- • Cross-platform access to Windows, Mac, Linux, and VDI from any device including Chromebook
| At a Glance |  Chrome Remote Desktop |  Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/user/monthBusiness Access |
Best For | Productivity | Customer Support |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Chrome Remote Desktop or Splashtop?
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 (Splashtop requires payment)
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not customer support-shaped
Choose Splashtop if
Secure remote access and management for IT teams
- Remote desktop
- Good performance
- Fair pricing
- Your work is customer support-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Chrome Remote Desktop | Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 158 reviews | ★4.7/5 1,253 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityScreen Sharing | Customer SupportProductivity |
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
Splashtop
Secure remote access and management for IT teams
Splashtop's pricing is quite fair, especially with the "Business Access" tier at $9.99 per user/month offering unlimited devices and remote access.
Watch out
All listed prices are billed annually.
Strengths
- +Remote desktop
- +Good performance
- +Fair pricing
- +Active development
- +Good features
Weaknesses
- -Per-computer pricing
- -Learning curve
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Feature gaps
- -Support varies
Key features
Pricing: Chrome Remote Desktop vs Splashtop
| Plan | Chrome Remote Desktop | Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Personal |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $9.99 /user/month Business Access |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $40.98 /technician/month Remote Support |
| Tier 4 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Chrome Remote Desktop pricing and Splashtop pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Chrome Remote Desktop is free. Splashtop is paid.
Go with: Chrome Remote Desktop
Want the highest-rated option?
Chrome Remote Desktop: 4.4/5 (158 reviews). Splashtop: 4.7/5 (1,253 reviews).
Go with: Splashtop
Value user reviews?
Chrome Remote Desktop: 158 reviews (4.4/5). Splashtop: 1,253 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Splashtop
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Chrome Remote Desktop is free. Splashtop is paid. Go with Chrome Remote Desktop if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Chrome Remote Desktop is a productivity tool. Splashtop is in customer support. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Splashtop is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Splashtop
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (1,253 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Chrome Remote Desktop
- Completely free
- Better fit for productivity
The Bottom Line
Splashtop is our pick. That said, Chrome Remote Desktop is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chrome Remote Desktop or Splashtop better?
Splashtop is rated in our evaluation. Chrome Remote Desktop is free and Splashtop is paid.
What are Chrome Remote Desktop and Splashtop used for?
Chrome Remote Desktop: Securely access and control your computers from anywhere. Splashtop: Secure remote access and management for IT teams.
What does Chrome Remote Desktop cost vs Splashtop?
Chrome Remote Desktop is completely free. Splashtop is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.