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AnyDesk

Lightweight remote desktop with low latency — used by IT teams worldwide.

  • 4.7(18.8k reviews)
  • 💲$14.9/month· free tier
  • Tested 2026-05-20
  • Updated 2026-05-20
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Our rating

7.9/10

  • Effectiveness
    9.4
  • Ease of use
    5.7
  • Value
    9.2
  • Features
    7.5
  • Trust
    7.8

Overview

AnyDesk is the remote desktop tool used by many IT support teams (including ours). Compared to TeamViewer, it's lighter, faster, and simpler to use. The personal/non-commercial version is free.

For end users, AnyDesk is what you'd install when a friend (or remote technician) needs to access your PC to diagnose an issue. The session uses a 9-digit address, encrypted end-to-end, and you can disconnect at any time.

Personal use: free. Solo plan ($14.90/month) for freelancers. Standard ($29.90/month) for small teams. We mention it because it's the same kind of tool we use for sessions — many users want to know what they're installing.

What it does

Key features

Free for personal use

Full functionality for non-commercial scenarios.

Low latency

Optimized DeskRT codec, smooth even on slow connections.

End-to-end encryption

TLS 1.2 + RSA 2048 with verified keys.

Session control

Recipient sees and approves every action; can disconnect anytime.

Cross-platform

Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS.

File transfer

Drag-and-drop files between devices in session.

The honest take

Pros & cons

What we liked

  • +Free version is fully functional for personal use
  • +Lower CPU usage than TeamViewer
  • +Simple 9-digit address — no account needed
  • +Used by enterprise IT, so trustworthy

Where it falls short

  • −Commercial detection is aggressive (using free for work triggers warnings)
  • −Address-only model means losing the ID = lose access
  • −Mobile-to-PC control feels cramped
FAQ

Common questions

Is AnyDesk safe to install?
Yes when downloaded from anydesk.com. AnyDesk has been around since 2014 and is trusted by major IT teams. The risk isn't AnyDesk itself — it's giving access to scammers who tell you to install it. Only let people you trust connect.
AnyDesk vs TeamViewer for personal use?
AnyDesk is generally lighter and faster. TeamViewer has wider name recognition and more enterprise features. For personal/casual use, AnyDesk wins on simplicity. Both have free tiers.
Can someone control my PC without my permission?
No. They need your 9-digit AnyDesk address AND you need to click "Accept" when their connection request appears. You also see their cursor and actions live, and can hit the disconnect button anytime.
Why does AnyDesk say I'm using it commercially?
AnyDesk's free tier is for non-commercial use only. If you connect during business hours from work IPs, it auto-flags. For commercial use, you need a paid plan starting at $14.90/month.
Should I leave AnyDesk installed all the time?
Recommended only if you actually need remote access regularly. If you installed it for one support session, uninstall it after. Each running remote tool is a potential attack surface.
Bottom line

AnyDesk is a solid niche choice.

Pick this if you specifically need remote-desktop or remote-support. For broader needs, see our other remote reviews.

Try AnyDeskNeed help installing? Talk to a tech

Trouble installing or using AnyDesk?

If the guide is not enough, describe the issue first. We will explain whether remote help is appropriate before any access is granted.

Talk to a tech

No automatic remote access.

  • DIY steps first
  • Permission before access
  • Hardware limits explained
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