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AnyDesk Security Breach 2024: What Actually Happened
AnyDesk security breach: source code stolen, certificate compromised, 18,317 credentials on dark web. What IT teams need to know. (CrowdStrike, 2024)
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Remote Desktop Comparison 2026: 9 Tools Ranked
Citation Capsule
- "30% of breaches involved third parties, double the previous year (Source: Verizon DBIR, 2025)"
- "21.3% of ENISA-tracked initial intrusion vectors involved vulnerability exploitation (Source: ENISA, 2025)"
- "$45/month per concurrent tech is ScreenConnect Standard annual pricing (Source: ScreenConnect, 2026)"
Comparing remote desktop tools is harder than it looks. Pricing models use different units — per seat, per concurrent session, per device, or per year — making direct comparisons misleading. TeamViewer charges $50.90/month per user with concurrent session limits. Splashtop charges $6/month for one user and two devices (Source: Splashtop, 2026). ConnectWise ScreenConnect charges per concurrent technician. Sobrii Remote charges per device with no technician limits.
This remote desktop comparison cuts through that confusion. Nine tools, pricing data verified as of April 1, 2026, real security certifications (not marketing claims), and documented incidents. The goal: give you the right data to choose based on your actual context — SMB, MSP, in-house IT team, or personal use.
Security context: Verizon's 2025 DBIR analyzed 12,195 confirmed breaches and found credential abuse (22%) and vulnerability exploitation (20%) were the leading initial access vectors. That matters because remote desktop tools control exactly the kind of privileged access attackers try to obtain.
Which 9 remote desktop tools are compared here?
| Tool | Starting Price | Pricing Model | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeamViewer | $50.90/mo | Per seat + sessions | Enterprise, heavy compliance |
| AnyDesk | $23.12/mo promo / $28.90 list | Per connection | SMB seeking TV alternative |
| Splashtop | $6/mo | Per user / per tech | SMB, maximum value |
| RustDesk | Free (OSS) | Self-hosted server license | Technical teams, data sovereignty |
| ConnectWise ScreenConnect | $30/mo | Per concurrent technician | Multi-client MSPs |
| Zoho Assist | $10/tech/mo | Per technician | SMB, Zoho ecosystem |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Free | Free (Google account) | Personal use |
| NinjaOne | ~$1.50–3.75/device/mo | Per endpoint (RMM) | MSPs, extended fleet management |
| Sobrii Remote | €12–20/device/yr | Per device (all-inclusive) | IT teams managing 50–50,000 devices |
Why Pricing Models Change Everything in a Remote Desktop Comparison
Before comparing raw prices, you need to understand what you're actually buying. A remote desktop comparison that ignores billing models can lead to expensive mistakes.
Per seat or connection (TeamViewer, AnyDesk): You pay for the user or connection capacity that can initiate sessions. AnyDesk's current Solo plan lists 1 connection, 1 licensed user and 100 managed devices at $28.90/month list price, discounted to $23.12/month at the time of verification (Source: AnyDesk Pricing, 2026).
Per concurrent technician (ScreenConnect, Splashtop SOS): You pay per simultaneously open session. Two technicians working at the same time = 2 licenses. Cost-effective when schedules don't overlap, expensive during peak load.
Per device (NinjaOne, Sobrii Remote): You pay for each managed machine regardless of how many technicians use it. Predictable for stable fleets, can become expensive on large volumes if the device-to-technician ratio is low.
Per connection (AnyDesk since Oct 2025): A hybrid model that's less transparent. Real cost depends on your usage frequency.
What this means in practice: A 10-person IT team managing 500 devices will pay roughly $509/month at TeamViewer (Business × 10), $90/month at ScreenConnect Standard for 2 concurrent techs, or about €9,000/year at Sobrii Remote Essential (500 devices × €18). These numbers are not comparable unless you factor in what each delivers.
Which Remote Desktop Tool Is Best for SMBs?
Why is Splashtop the best value-for-money option?
Splashtop is consistently cited as the top TeamViewer replacement on r/sysadmin and r/msp. Its per-user pricing model remains the most accessible among certified professional tools.
Verified pricing (April 2026):
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Business Access Solo | $6/mo | 1 user, 2 unattended computers |
| Business Access Pro | $8.25/user/mo | 1 user, 10 computers |
| Remote Support SOS | $22–33/tech/mo | On-demand support, concurrent technicians |
| Enterprise | Custom | SSO, SCIM, advanced integrations |
In March 2026, Splashtop raised its Solo plan from $5 to $6/month (Source: Splashtop Support, 2026) — and it remains much cheaper than TeamViewer's Business tier.
Security certifications: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (certified September 2025, on the 2022 standard — the most current), SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA supported, FERPA, GDPR.
Limitations: Solo plan limited to 2 unattended computers; weak Linux support; no self-hosted option.
Best for: SMBs of 1–50 people looking for professional-grade remote desktop access with solid certifications at a reasonable price.
Key data point: Splashtop achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification in September 2025 — the most current version of the standard. With a 4.8/5 G2 rating across 821+ verified reviews, it's the most-recommended TeamViewer replacement on r/sysadmin. Its Solo plan at $6/month is 8.5× cheaper than TeamViewer Business (G2, Winter 2026).
Does Zoho Assist have the best free tier among certified tools?
Zoho Assist offers the only real free plan among tools with serious security certifications. Its integration into the Zoho ecosystem (CRM, Desk, ITSM) makes it especially relevant for organizations already on that suite.
Verified pricing (April 2026):
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 technician, basic sessions |
| Standard | $10/tech/mo | 25 unattended devices, integrations |
| Professional | $15/tech/mo | 50 devices, mobile support, recording |
| Enterprise | $24/tech/mo | Unlimited sessions, audit logs, scripting |
Certifications: ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, SOC 2 Type II (security, confidentiality, integrity, availability, privacy), GDPR.
Limitations: Interface less polished than TeamViewer or AnyDesk; performance degrades on slow connections; no self-hosted option.
Best for: SMBs and support teams wanting to start for free, or organizations already in the Zoho ecosystem.
Try Sobrii Remote for freeWhich Remote Desktop Platform Is Best for MSPs?
Why is ConnectWise ScreenConnect the MSP standard?
ScreenConnect remains the MSP benchmark thanks to its concurrent-technician model and multi-tenant console. The self-hosted option appeals to MSPs with strict data sovereignty requirements.
Verified pricing (April 2026):
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| One | $30/mo | 1 concurrent session, 10 unattended agents |
| Standard | $45/tech/mo (annual) | Unlimited sessions and agents, recording |
| Premium | $55/tech/mo (annual) | Everything in Standard + video auditing, diagnostics |
Important security note — CVE-2024-1709 (Source: NIST NVD): In February 2024, a critical vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 (Source: NIST NVD)) was discovered in versions ≤23.9.7. Threat actors exploited it to deploy ransomware and the Cobalt Strike framework before the patch (v23.9.8) was released. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog. Current risk: limited to self-hosted installations running outdated versions — cloud-hosted ConnectWise instances were automatically patched. Organizations on v23.9.8+ are not exposed.
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II (available on request), ISO 27001 (Whistic profile).
Best for: MSPs managing multiple clients with structured technician teams; organizations wanting a self-hosted option.
When does NinjaOne make sense as remote access inside RMM?
NinjaOne isn't a standalone remote desktop tool — it's an RMM (Remote Monitoring & Management) platform where remote desktop is one feature among many, alongside patch management, monitoring, backup, and endpoint protection.
Verified pricing (April 2026): no public pricing; third-party buyer reports cluster around ~$1.50–3.75/device/month depending on volume. Treat this as an estimate until you receive a written quote.
Certifications: FedRAMP Moderate Rev 5, SOC 2, ISO 27001, GovRAMP, GDPR, HIPAA.
Limitations: Overkill (and more expensive) if you only need remote desktop; non-transparent pricing; 60-day cancellation notice; not a standalone tool.
Best for: MSPs managing 100+ endpoints who want to consolidate monitoring, patching, and remote access in one platform.
Why is Sobrii Remote best for IT teams managing a fleet?
Sobrii Remote isn't a drop-in TeamViewer replacement for occasional remote sessions. The positioning is different: remote control as a native module inside an IT fleet management platform — including inventory, security scoring, battery health, Green IT, and financial lifecycle management.
Verified pricing (April 2026):
| Plan | Scope | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | 50–200 devices | €20/device/year |
| Essential | 200–500 devices | €18/device/year |
| Business | 500–2,000 devices | €15/device/year |
| Enterprise | 2,000–5,000 devices | €12/device/year |
The model is fundamentally different from competitors: no per-technician billing, no concurrent session limits, no add-ons. 100 Starter devices = €2,000/year, remote control + 12 additional modules included.
What sets Sobrii Remote apart:
- Ultra-light Rust agent (<1% CPU, <50 MB RAM) — one agent replaces several stacked tools
- WebRTC connection, <12ms latency, AV1 codec
- 4 privacy levels for user consent and data protection
- Deployment via GPO/Intune/SCCM, zero user friction
- Azure France infrastructure, per-tenant isolation, TLS 1.3, AES-256
Limitations: 50-device minimum (not suited for individuals or very small teams); ISO 27001/SOC 2 certifications not yet published (targeted for 2026); EUR-denominated pricing.
Best for: IT directors and MSPs managing 50 to 50,000 Windows/Mac/Linux devices who want to consolidate their remote desktop, inventory, and security tools in one platform.
Explore the Sobrii platformKey pricing distinction: Sobrii Remote is the only tool in this remote desktop comparison with per-device pricing and no technician or session limits. 100 Starter devices = €2,000/year, remote control plus 12 platform modules included — no add-ons, no surprises.
Which Remote Desktop Tool Works Best for Enterprise?
Why is TeamViewer still the enterprise standard?
TeamViewer (TeamViewer SE, German remote-access vendor) is the market's historical enterprise leader. Its security certifications are the most complete in this comparison, and its enterprise integrations (MDM, industrial AR, IoT) have no direct equivalent.
Verified pricing (April 2026):
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Business | $50.90/mo | 1 user, 3 sessions, 200 managed devices |
| Premium | $112.90/mo | 15 users, 300 devices |
| Corporate | $229.90/mo | 30 users, 500 devices |
| Tensor | Custom | SSO, AI, 24/7 SLA |
Certifications: ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2 Type II, SOC 3, ISO 9001, CSA STAR Level 2, BSI C5 (Tensor), NIST 800-53, FedRAMP (in progress for DEX).
Important notes:
- Perpetual licenses for v11 and v12 lost internet connectivity on December 31, 2025; TeamViewer says LAN connections remain available while server-based connectivity is no longer supported (Source: TeamViewer Community, 2025).
- Aggressive commercial use detection on the free tier — working from a home office can trigger a block
Best for: Large enterprises with stringent compliance requirements, industrial AR/IoT needs, and high IT budgets.
What Are the Best Free and Open Source Remote Desktop Options?
Is Chrome Remote Desktop only for personal use?
Chrome Remote Desktop is the simplest solution for accessing your own machines. No specific installation, requires a Google account, connects in seconds.
Price: Free.
What you can't do: native file transfer, simultaneous multi-user support, centralized management, audit logging, remote printing, session recording, admin console. Not suitable for supporting third parties at scale.
Security: Relies on Google infrastructure (SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001) — but no product-specific compliance documentation.
Best for: Personal use, occasional access to your own devices, zero budget.
Can RustDesk rival paid remote desktop tools?
RustDesk is the only genuinely open source remote desktop tool (AGPL-3.0) offering a feature set comparable to paid tools. Version 1.4.6 was released in March 2026.
Verified pricing (April 2026):
| Edition | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| OSS Community | Free | Self-hosted, unlimited devices and features |
| Individual Pro | $9.90/mo | Pro server license |
| Basic Pro | $19.90/mo | Team features, audit logs |
| Enterprise | Custom | SLA support |
Architecture: Written in Rust, P2P end-to-end encryption (NaCl), self-hosted relay server required. No data transits RustDesk servers if you deploy your own infrastructure.
Certifications: None published — the self-hosted model transfers compliance responsibility to the operator. The Pro tier adds audit logs required for HIPAA/ISO 27001.
Limitations: Requires server configuration (not for non-technical teams); no 24/7 support; smaller community than market leaders.
Best for: Technical teams, privacy-focused organizations, environments requiring open source code audit.
How Secure Is Each Remote Desktop Tool? Security & Certifications
This is often the most decisive dimension for IT directors and CISOs. Here's the real state of certifications as of April 1, 2026:
| Tool | ISO 27001 | SOC 2 Type II | Notable Security Incident |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeamViewer | Yes | Yes | APT29 (Source: Microsoft Security) breach June 2024 (corporate network) |
| AnyDesk | No | No | Breach Jan 2024 (source code + signing certs stolen) |
| Splashtop | Yes (2025) | Yes | No major incident published |
| RustDesk | No (self-hosted) | No (self-hosted) | None — E2E encrypted, source auditable |
| ScreenConnect | Yes (on request) | Yes | CVE-2024-1709 CVSS 10.0 (patched, on-prem) |
| Zoho Assist | Yes | Yes | No major incident published |
| Chrome RD | Google infra | Google infra | Depends on Google account security |
| NinjaOne | Yes | Yes | No major incident published |
| Sobrii Remote | Targeted 2026 | Targeted 2026 | No major incident published |
Why should buyers think twice about AnyDesk?
AnyDesk deserves specific attention in any serious 2026 remote desktop comparison.
The January 2024 breach: AnyDesk's production systems were compromised (Source: CERT-FR). Source code and code signing certificates were stolen. Those certificates were subsequently used to sign samples of the Agent Tesla malware, making them appear legitimate to antivirus tools. AnyDesk responded quickly (CrowdStrike engagement, certificate revocation, portal password reset), but public disclosure came on February 2, 2024 — days after a patched version was silently distributed on January 29.
Lack of certifications: As of April 1, 2026, AnyDesk still has no ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Type II at the company level. Hosting data center partners are certified — but the platform itself is not. For regulated industries (healthcare, finance, defense), this is a blocker.
Security summary: The January 2024 AnyDesk breach exposed source code and signing certificates, which were subsequently used to sign 500+ Agent Tesla malware samples. As of April 2026, AnyDesk holds zero ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Type II certifications at the platform level — a critical gap for any remote desktop comparison in regulated industries (trust.anydesk.com, 2026).
What Does Remote Desktop Really Cost for 5 Technicians?
| Tool | Entry Price | Model | 5 techs / 100 devices (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeamViewer Business | $50.90/mo | Per seat | ~$254.50/mo |
| AnyDesk Solo | $14.90/mo | Per connection | ~$74.50/mo |
| Splashtop SOS | $22/concurrent tech/mo | Per concurrent tech | ~$44–66/mo (2–3 concurrent) |
| ScreenConnect Standard | $45/concurrent tech/mo | Per concurrent tech | ~$90–135/mo (2–3 concurrent) |
| Zoho Assist Standard | $10/tech/mo | Per technician | ~$50/mo |
| NinjaOne | ~$2.50/device/mo | Per endpoint | ~$250/mo |
| Sobrii Remote Starter | €20/device/yr | Per device | ~€167/mo (all-inclusive) |
| RustDesk Pro | $9.90/mo (server) | Server license | ~$9.90/mo + infra |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Free | — | Free |
Indicative estimates. Real prices vary by volume, region, and commercial negotiation.
How to Choose the Right Remote Desktop Tool: Decision Guide
The best remote desktop tool is the one that fits your context — not the one with the best G2 score or the most customer logos.
Choose Splashtop if you want a professional tool with solid certifications at the best price on the market. Ideal for teams of 1 to 50 people.
Choose Zoho Assist if you're starting with a zero budget or you're already in the Zoho ecosystem. The free tier is the best available among certified tools.
Choose ScreenConnect if you manage multiple clients (MSP) and need a multi-tenant console with concurrent session billing. Make sure all self-hosted instances are on v23.9.8+.
Choose TeamViewer Tensor if your organization requires the market's most complete certifications (FedRAMP, BSI C5) and has industrial AR/IoT needs. Prepare for an enterprise budget.
Choose RustDesk if your team has the skills to deploy and maintain server infrastructure, and data sovereignty is non-negotiable.
Choose Chrome Remote Desktop if you need occasional access to your own machines with no budget.
Avoid AnyDesk for regulated industries until ISO 27001/SOC 2 official certifications are obtained at the platform level — not just hosting partners.
Choose Sobrii Remote if you manage a fleet of 50 to 50,000 devices and want to consolidate remote desktop, inventory, security, and lifecycle management in a single per-device pricing model.
The golden rule: If you only need remote desktop for 1–5 people, Splashtop is the obvious choice. If you manage a structured fleet of 50+ devices, remote desktop alone isn't enough — and an integrated platform like Sobrii Remote or NinjaOne changes the economics entirely.
Where can you go deeper on each remote desktop tool?
For more depth on specific comparisons:
- Best TeamViewer Alternatives in 2026
- Best AnyDesk Alternatives in 2026
- Splashtop vs TeamViewer: Full Comparison
FAQ
What is the best free remote desktop software?
Chrome Remote Desktop is the best for personal use (accessing your own machines). RustDesk is the best for technical teams wanting a free, professional, self-hosted solution.
What is the difference between TeamViewer and AnyDesk?
TeamViewer is more expensive ($50.90/month vs $14.90/month) but holds ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications that AnyDesk lacks. AnyDesk also suffered a breach in January 2024 where signing certificates were compromised. For regulated industries, TeamViewer is the default choice despite the price.
Is Splashtop really cheaper than TeamViewer?
Yes, significantly. Splashtop Business Access Solo costs $6/month vs $50.90/month for TeamViewer Business — an 8.5× factor. Even on feature-equivalent plans, the gap remains 3–4×.
What does concurrent technician pricing mean?
You pay only for the number of technicians active simultaneously, not your total team size. If you have 10 technicians but rarely more than 2 active at the same time, you only pay for 2 licenses. ScreenConnect and Splashtop SOS use this model.
Is ConnectWise ScreenConnect secure after CVE-2024-1709?
Yes, if you're on version 23.9.8 or later. The vulnerability was patched in February 2024. Cloud ConnectWise instances were automatically updated. Self-hosted installations running older versions remained exposed — verify your version if you manage an on-premise server.
Does Sobrii Remote actually replace TeamViewer?
Sobrii Remote replaces the remote desktop functionality of TeamViewer, but it's a different product in its positioning. It's not suited for occasional use cases or very small teams — but for IT directors and MSPs managing 50+ devices who want to consolidate their IT tools, it replaces remote desktop, inventory, and several additional modules in one platform.
Sources
- IBM Security — Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024. https://www.ibm.com/think/insights/whats-new-2024-cost-of-a-data-breach-report (accessed 2026-05-05)
- Verizon Business — 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report. https://www.verizon.com/about/news/2025-data-breach-investigations-report (accessed 2026-05-05)
- ENISA — Threat Landscape 2025. https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/enisa-threat-landscape-2025 (accessed 2026-05-05)
- Splashtop — Products and pricing. https://www.splashtop.com/products-pricing (accessed 2026-05-05)
- Splashtop Support — Solo price increase. https://support-splashtopbusiness.splashtop.com/hc/en-us/articles/44904971068955-Frequently-Asked-Questions-Solo-Price-Increase (accessed 2026-05-05)
- AnyDesk — Pricing. https://www.anydesk.com/en/pricing (accessed 2026-05-05)
- ScreenConnect — Pricing plans. https://www.screenconnect.com/pricing (accessed 2026-05-05)
- TeamViewer Community — End of support for TeamViewer versions 11 and 12. https://community.teamviewer.com/English/discussion/141015/end-of-support-for-teamviewer-versions-11-and-12/p1 (accessed 2026-05-05)
- Microsoft — Digital Defense Report 2024. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/security-insider/intelligence-reports/microsoft-digital-defense-report-2024 (accessed 2026-05-05)
- ENISA — Threat Landscape 2024. https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/enisa-threat-landscape-2024 (accessed 2026-05-05)
- NIST NVD — CVE-2024-1709. https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-1709 (accessed 2026-05-05)
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