What are Remote administration tools?
Remote Administration Tools, usually known as RATs, are maliciously programmed software that grants full access to a remote machine to access it without any authorization over the internet. They are associated with unauthorized and malicious activity, but the purpose is to share these tools to empower the users to learn their work and how they can be safe from such malicious tools.
RATs have two components a client component installed on the user’s computer and a server component installed on the remote computer device.
Remote Access Trojans (RATs) offer users a variety of functionalities, including file transfer, remote desktop access, keyboard and mouse control, and executing remote commands. While RATs can be advantageous for remote technical assistance and system management, they also harbor the potential for misuse. Malicious activities such as data theft, unauthorized surveillance, and surreptitious system control can occur without users’ knowledge or consent. Hence, it’s imperative to employ RATs responsibly, ensuring they are not utilized for unethical or illegal activities.
Best Remote Administration Tools (RAT software) Key Features
Explore all the top-of-the-line best remote administration tools;
| Remote Admin Tool (RAT) | Key Features |
| Manage Engine Remote Access Plus | 1. Unattended and swift access
2. View and monitor endpoints 3. Detect and display multiple monitors 4. Collaborate with multiple users 5. Customize session resolution 6. Real-time network diagnosis 7. Record and capture screens during remote sessions 8. Initiate remote sessions from Android and iOS |
| VNC Connect | 1. High-quality remote access
2. Tailored to fit your needs – customizable 3. Lightweight remote support 4. Provides enterprise-grade security |
| ISL Online | 1. Connect via RDP or SSH
2. Fast access to unattended computers 3. Efficient bandwidth use 4. End-to-end encryption using 256-bit AES |
| Remote Desktop Manager | 1. Remote Connection Management
2. Password Management 3. Compare 4. Cross-Platform |
| Supremo Remote Admin Tool | 1. Unattended Access
2. File Transfer 3. Online Address Book 4. Contacts Sharing |
| SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support | 1. Fast and secure remote control
2. Features Overview 3. Anywhere, anytime remote assistance 4. Built-in remote admin tools |
| AnyDesk Remote Admin Tool | 1. High frame rates
2. Low latency 3. Efficient bandwidth use 4. Highly innovative technology |
| Zoho Assist | 1. File transfer
2. Instant chat 3. Schedule sessions 4. Multi-Monitor Navigation |
| Citrix DaaS | 1. Availability
2. Robustness 3. Configurable 4. Comprehensive security |
| Microsoft Quick Assist | 1. UAC Elevation
2. Remote Assistance Sessions Reports 3. Roles-Based Authentication (RBAC) 4. Management from Intune |
| NinjaOne Remote Admin Tool | 1. RMM icon
2. Endpoint Management 3. Patch Management 4. Backup |
| Atera Remote Admin Tool | 1. IT automation
2. Mac Remote Monitoring and Management made easy 3. IT Documentation 4. SNMP Monitoring |
Best Remote Administration Tools of 2023
As the world continues to shift towards remote work and virtual collaborations, the need for robust and reliable remote administration tools has never been greater. Whether you’re managing a team of employees working from home or supporting a network of remote servers, having the right tools can make all the difference.
We have listed out the top administration tools of 2023. We’ll explore their features, capabilities, and ease of use and provide you with everything you need to decide which tool is right for you and your organization. So whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or just getting started with remote administration, read on to discover the best tools available today.
1. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
Are you having trouble accessing or fixing IT endpoints within or outside your network? Look no further! ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is here to help streamline the process with its advanced remote access and support tools. This product offers over 12 diagnostic functionalities to fix IT devices without interrupting end users’ work hours. It caters to IT admins from various industries, such as health care, finance, and education, with strict admin policies, user and role-based management, and customizations to comply with policies like HIPPA.
Remote Access Plus covers whether you need an on-premise or cloud-based solution. Additionally, SMBs can take advantage of an exclusive edition that unlocks all the advanced features.
Supported OS
Windows, MAC, and Linux
Features
- Secure and encrypted file transfer capabilities
- Quick access to the system and manager tools
- Automated power management functionality
- Ability to schedule system maintenance tasks
- Unlimited communication tools
- Role-based restrictions feature
- Secure login options with SAML, MFA, and SSO
- End user confirmation
- Comprehensive track record of remote sessions
- Credential management tool
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Tech-to-user and tech-to-tech communication channels | It doesn’t offer a ticket management system |
| Wake-on-LAN and remote shutdown | |
| Remote desktop and background access |
2. VNC Connect
In the world of IT, numerous remote administration tools are available that offer excellent services. However, VNC Connect stands out as one of the most popular ones. It’s a Remote Access Tool that provides just-in-time assistance on its support panel, resulting in quicker resolutions and increased customer satisfaction.
VNC Connect is simple to set up and use, with minimal complications. It also supports multiple remote connections simultaneously. The tool can be configured in different modes, such as user, service, and virtual, allowing for greater control over access levels for various systems and users.
Features
- Offers high-quality remote access
- Customizable to fit your specific needs
- Lightweight remote support capabilities
- Provides enterprise-grade security measures
- Enables cross-functional collaboration
- Offers dual connectivity options
- Supports multiple user modes
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick support | Only annual billing is available |
| Has secure access | Has very short-span free trials |
| It can support multiple platforms |
3. ISL Online
ISL Online is a remote administration software specifically designed for IT professionals. It provides secure and encrypted remote access to unlimited computers without prior setup or configuration. The software uses 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for end-to-end encryption, and the remote desktop application is signed with Code Signing certificates to ensure security.
One of the unique features of ISL Online is the jump box, which allows network admins to install the software on one computer on the remote network and forward connections to any other computer on the local network.
Users can customize and tweak the security settings and features for the session according to their needs. ISL Online offers fast and reliable connections with no lag, even in low bandwidth environments.
Features
- Provides connection options via RDP or SSH
- Offers a Jump Box feature
- Allows for fast access to unattended computers
- Easy-to-use interface
- Provides reliable and stable connections
- Uses bandwidth efficiently
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Offers two-factor authentication for added security
- Enables central user management
- HIPAA compliance capabilities
- Rich customization options are available
- Allows for granular permission settings for multiple users
- Responsive customer support
- Automatic session recording feature
- Supports reverse proxy.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Tunneling | Short-span free trials |
| Multi-layer Encryption | Only yearly plans |
| Centralized Management |
4. Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager is a software designed specifically for IT professionals, offering a comprehensive set of tools to meet their needs. Unlike other remote administration tools, it has a simple user interface and configuration and has been around for a long time.
The tool provides secure remote connectivity technologies and credentials to IT personnel, allowing them to access resources securely.
Most connections are made through external libraries or third-party software, making the tool compatible with recent technologies.
To use Remote Desktop Manager, you will need a Windows 7 or later operating system, Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8, a 1 GHz or faster processor, 4GB of RAM, a screen resolution of 1024 x 768, at least 500 MB of hard drive space, and a 64-bit operating system.
Features
- Provides remote connection management capabilities
- Offers password management features
- Allows for easy comparison between items
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Offers shared database and vault access
- Implements a role-based access control system
- Provides two-factor authentication for added security
- Allows for audits and reporting
- Keeps track of user activity logs
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a super easy-to-understand user interface | The free version doesn’t contain all the features |
| Password management available | Not stable overall |
5. Master Remote Systems with Supremo
Supremo Remote Administration Tool revolutionizes the way IT professionals interact with remote systems through its intuitive interface. Unlike other tools, Supremo eliminates the hassle of system prerequisites, setups, or configurations, offering a seamless user experience right from the start.
This tool not only enables the management of multiple connections and displays simultaneously but also enhances remote work with capabilities like bidirectional file transfers, remote printing, and robust connection monitoring. Its online reporting features provide comprehensive technical support, ensuring that you stay informed and in control.
Supremo delivers efficient and stable performance, creating a work environment that feels as though you are physically present at the remote PC. Access and manage remote systems anytime, anywhere with ease and reliability.
Features
- Provides unattended access capabilities
- Offers file transfer functionality
- Online address book for easy access
- Allows for contact sharing
- Customizable to fit your specific needs
- Offers auto-update functionality
- Enables live chat for communication
- Allows for remote printing
- Provides online reports for tracking
- Supports automatic and mass deployment
- Monitors connections for improved security
- Offers advanced custom configuration options
- Allows for license usage control
- Provides remote device management capabilities
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers free services with all the features | Doesn’t offer a monthly subscription |
| Safe and multi-platform software | Complicated user interaction |
6. SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support
This tool is a remote administration software that provides secure access to systems even when they are not available, thanks to its cloud-based support. It is highly valued by IT professionals who require secure remote administration. Unlike other tools, it uses a cloud service to provide timely and secure access to all systems. Additionally, SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support offers multi-platform built-in remote system administration.
Features
- Offers fast and secure remote control
- Provides an overview of its features
- Allows for remote assistance anytime and anywhere
- Built-in remote admin tools for ease of use
- Simplifies Windows administration
- Provides multi-factor authentication for added security
- Enables remote support from iOS and Android devices
- Allows for exporting AD objects and system configurations from remote computers
- Provides remote management capabilities for Active Directory environments
- Offers centralized license and user account management
- Allows for remote access to sleeping and powered-off computers.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cloud-based support ensures secure administration | Offers very short trial time |
| Built-in administration tools with multi-factor authentication | Older versions don’t provide good user interaction |
7. AnyDesk Remote Admin Tool
AnyDesk is a remote administration tool that offers efficient and professional user management. It provides secure, fast, innovative, and highly reliable services and does not require configuration or setup to start remote administration. It offers a variety of features and options to optimize your experience of remote user management.
The software provides a very low latency rate of below 16ms on social networks, which is almost invisible. Additionally, it offers high performance even when the internet bandwidth is low, making it ideal for poor internet connectivity situations.
Features
- Provides high frame rates for optimal performance
- Low latency for smooth operation
- Efficient bandwidth usage to minimize internet data usage
- Utilizes highly innovative technology for better functionality
- Quickstart for fast and easy deployment
- Features a fail-safe Erlang network for improved reliability
- Screen sharing from anywhere for increased accessibility
- Provides fluent mobile device management capabilities
- Enables smooth remote work with unattended access
- Efficient remote printing capabilities
- Stable interactive access for consistent performance
- Lightning-fast file transfer for improved productivity.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers mobile device management and unattended access | The speed of remote administration depends on internet connectivity in the free version |
| Interactive access and desktop sharing | Annual billing only |
| The interface is a bit slow and complicated. |
8. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is a remote administration tool that allows secure and reliable remote administration of systems that are not physically accessible. It offers fast implementation and deployment, with a user-friendly interface that is easy to adopt and use. Its cloud-based remote assistance and access software provide companies with excellent customer service worldwide.
Features
- Offers file transfer capabilities for easy data exchange
- Instant chat for quick communication between users
- Ability to schedule sessions for convenient planning
- Multi-monitor navigation for enhanced productivity
- Voice and video chat features for more efficient collaboration
- Reboot and reconnect options for troubleshooting and maintenance
- Provides customer widgets for seamless integration into website or application
- Offers reports for performance tracking and analysis
- Allows for customizable email templates
- Integrates with ITSM and service desk solutions for streamlined workflows
- API documentation for advanced customization and automation
- Mobile SDK is available for iOS/Android for added accessibility.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| You can easily schedule sessions, swap screens, and write annotations on the screen using Zoho Assist’s remote administration | The system is quite advanced, so it’s a bit hard to get used to it. |
| Unattended assistance allows you to support visually impaired individuals and access your work computer remotely when you are not physically present. | The software offers no tutorials to make it easier for users to understand. |
9. Citrix DaaS
This is one of the IT industry’s most extensive and compatible remote administration software. It has a user-friendly interface that is easy to use and does not require complicated configurations. Users worldwide enjoy the same performance and security level regardless of location.
Citrix Desktop as a Service is a fast-growing enterprise that provides secure remote desktops and applications to users of any scale while ensuring a great user experience and easy management.
Features
- Offers high availability for uninterrupted access
- Robustness for increased stability and reliability
- Configurable to fit specific needs and preferences
- Comprehensive security features for protecting sensitive data
- Superior experience for optimal user satisfaction
- Hybrid multi-cloud capabilities for flexible deployment options
- Actionable analytics for informed decision making
- Simplified management for the efficient administration
- Supports hybrid cloud environments
- Machine creation services for quick and easy deployment
- Offers app layering for streamlined application management.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive, secure cloud-based management services | The thick client relies on the internet connection and frequently disconnects when the internet connection is poor. |
| The implementation of strict access controls and compliance regulations creates a work environment that is highly secure and isolated. | Simultaneously using two remote administration tools can cause the software to run slower than usual. |
10. Microsoft Quick Assist
Microsoft Quick Assist is a free Windows software that allows users to remotely administer a computer from a different location. It uses the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to enable easy remote administration for its users. The software offers various administration modes that can be set by the host computer’s owner, making it flexible and customizable. One of its most popular features is that it requires no external installation and was first launched in Windows 10. At the same time, earlier versions of Windows offered a similar feature called Windows Remote Assistance.
Features
- UAC Elevation for elevated privileges when needed
- Remote assistance session reports for tracking and analysis
- Roles Based Authentication (RBAC) for secure user access control
- Management from Intune and the ability to launch from Intune
- Limiting sessions within the organization through Azure AD Tenant
- Branding options for a customized appearance
- Conditional Access for additional security measures
- ADFS support for streamlined authentication
- Supports multiple screens on the target machine
- Option for the end user to pause the remote control session.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Inbuilt access tool in Windows | Quick Assist doesn’t provide support for smartphones, which can be inconvenient for IT professionals who need to provide assistance on these devices. |
| Provides an authentication code to connect with another user, which also has an expiration time. | Copy-pasting can be a cumbersome task as the shortcuts from the host computer cannot be used to transfer data directly to the remote computer. |
FAQs
Why is remote desktop software helpful?
Remote access software, also called remote desktop software, can benefit businesses. For instance, employees can remotely access their office computers from home or while working outside, which enhances efficiency and is often necessary for companies with off-site workers. Additionally, remote desktop software enables IT departments to deploy different protocols across multiple devices and allows customer service teams to assist staff and clients in resolving technical issues. As a result, remote desktop software can increase desktop security, team productivity, and customer satisfaction, making it a valuable tool for businesses.
What is the most common use of remote access software?
The most common use of remote access software allows a user to remotely control a computer or a device from another location. This can be helpful for various reasons, such as providing technical support to a client or coworker, accessing files or programs on a computer that is not physically accessible, or working from home while still having access to office resources. Remote access software can also be used for telecommuting, online collaboration, and virtual meetings.
Who needs remote access software?
Remote access software can be useful for a wide range of individuals and organizations, including IT professionals who need to manage and troubleshoot computers and networks, business professionals who need to access company resources while working from a remote location, telecommuters who work from home and need to access their work computers and resource, students who need to access educational resources remotely, and personal users who want to access their home computers and resources from a remote location or provide technical support to friends and family.
What is the best free remote access software?
There is certainly no one “best” free remote access software that suits everyone’s needs, as the best option depends on your specific requirements. However, some popular free remote access software options exist, like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, Zoho Assist, and ISL Online.
Conclusion
Remote administration tools have become crucial for businesses and organizations to efficiently manage their systems and networks. This article highlights some of the top tools available, each offering robust features for secure and effective remote management. When choosing a remote administration tool, it is crucial to assess its ease of use, security features, and compatibility with your current systems.
Selecting the appropriate tool enables you to optimize your IT operations and maintain smooth system performance, no matter where your team is located. By implementing the right remote administration tool, you can ensure connectivity and maintain productivity across any distance.
