Compare Remote Desktop Tools: NinjaOne & Acronis ['26]
We tested the top 3 remote desktop tools to evaluate the general UI and remote control experience, their remote control quality, protocols, and unique capabilities.
The results of our file transfer test
- NinjaOne is the fastest in most regions, especially in Ireland, Ohio, and for uploads overall.
- Acronis is the fastest in Asia (Seoul and Mumbai), particularly in Mumbai, for downloads and uploads.
- ManageEngine is consistently slower than the other two across all tests.
- None of the tools provided parallel upload.
See our methodology to learn how we measured these tools.
Strengths and weaknesses based on our observations
NinjaOne
Strengths
- Remote sessions start quickly once the required local agent is installed. Agent installation was straightforward and provided a smooth overall experience.
- Background mode requires MFA and does not visibly disrupt the end user.
- Remote control sessions are logged in the Activity view.
- On macOS, remote control supports session recording, audio transfer, and chat after permissions are granted.
- Session recordings stop automatically on disconnect and are saved locally.
Shortcomings
- Visual remote control must be manually enabled and is not clearly discoverable. A local client must be installed on the technician’s machine to connect.
- Image quality and resolution remained limited despite high-quality settings.
- File transfer actions are not clearly reflected in activity logs.
- Session recordings are saved in AVI format, which is not natively supported on macOS.
Acronis
Strengths
- The tool provided a rich set of in-session controls, particularly around keyboard handling, clipboard synchronization, session recording, and remote audio. These features supported cross-platform usability and reduced friction when working across different operating systems.
- The browser-based connection option also stood out for its speed and convenience, enabling immediate access without installation when available.
Shortcomings
- The web client mode, while convenient, came with trade-offs in image quality and frame rate compared to the full client. Additionally, this option was unavailable on macOS in the observed test, limiting its usefulness in mixed-device environments.
- Agent installation was highly complex and error-prone.
ManageEngine
Strengths
- Enabled fast session startup through its browser-based approach, allowing access without installing additional viewer software.
- Provided a comprehensive set of in-session tools. Power actions, Quick Launch shortcuts, and Administrator Tasks covered many common IT operations and reduced the need to navigate the operating system manually during troubleshooting.
- Consent flow for voice and video communication. Both voice and video chat required user approval before activation, aligning well with privacy expectations.
Shortcomings
- Display quality was limited during testing. The remote screen appeared visually weak, changes to Color Quality had no noticeable impact, and the available screen resolution was restricted.
- The file transfer experience introduced multiple friction points. The interface lacked a two-pane file manager, file uploads required user approval, transfers were queued rather than parallelized, and receiving files relied on file selection dialogs within the remote session.
- Agent installation was moderately complex and involved some usability issues.
Features and capabilities of leading remote desktop tools
NinjaOne
NinjaOne is a cloud-based IT management platform designed for endpoint monitoring, patch management, remote access, and automation, serving MSPs and IT teams.
We tested NinjaOne and here are our observations:
Activation and availability
Remote control experience requires enabling a separate capability and effectively using an additional agent/workflow. This capability is available on Windows and macOS and must be activated in the Organization List before the Remote Connect button appears on devices.
Once enabled, endpoints show a Remote Connect button with two connection options:
- Connect
- Connect in background mode REMOTE CONTROL
The flow also includes an end-user consent concept (“get permission from the user while connecting”) as part of the setup/activation narrative.
Figure 1: NinjaOne remote access setting dashboard, showing options that require end-user confirmation before remote connections.
Session settings and controls
The Additional settings menu in NinjaOne Remote Control is divided into five tabs: General, Session, Display, Network, and Advanced. Together, these settings control session behavior, input handling, visual quality, connectivity, and performance optimization.
General settings: The General tab focuses on clipboard behavior, window handling, and session recording configuration.
- Prevent remote drive idle timeout: Keeps the remote session active even during periods of inactivity, preventing disconnections caused by idle timeout policies on the remote system.
- Enable file copy/paste clipboard synchronization: Allows clipboard content (such as text or files) to be copied and pasted seamlessly between the local and remote systems.
- Keep chat window minimized: Ensures the chat interface remains hidden and non-intrusive during the session unless explicitly opened.
- Other settings include: Enable macOS-style Control + Left Click = Right Click, Select directory for recordings, and Alternative directory for recordings.
Session settings: The Session tab controls session lifecycle behavior, toolbar options, and keyboard/clipboard interaction.
- Session timeout: Determines how long a session can remain active before timing out due to inactivity.
- On session close: Defines what action is taken when the session ends (e.g., no action, cleanup actions).
- Clear clipboard on session close: Automatically clears the clipboard contents when the session closes to reduce the risk of sensitive data persistence.
- Enable clipboard synchronization: Activates continuous clipboard sharing between local and remote systems during the session.
- Other settings include: Enable Ctrl+Alt+Del icon on toolbar, Enable paste as keystrokes icon on toolbar, Change keyboard input to text mode, and Disconnect confirmation.
Display settings: The Display tab controls visual fidelity, resolution handling, and what elements of the remote desktop are rendered.
- Preferred startup resolution: Sets the resolution used when the session starts (e.g., 1440×900 in the test).
- Video quality: Controls compression and image quality (e.g., High), balancing clarity and bandwidth usage.
- Use lossless if possible: Attempts to use lossless image transmission when network conditions allow.
- Disable auto-resize: Prevents the remote display from automatically resizing to match the local window size.
- Other settings include: Grayscale, Enable remote wallpaper, Enable font smoothing, Show remote cursor, Show red frame on active window, and Show black screen.
Network settings: The Network tab controls how the remote connection is established and routed.
- Hybrid TCP + UDP link: Combines TCP and UDP to balance reliability and performance.
- Proxy settings: Allows configuration of proxy usage, including:
- Proxy type
- Address and port
- Username and password
- Any changes to proxy settings require restarting the application for them to take effect.
Advanced settings: The Advanced tab exposes lower-level performance and capture options.
- Screen capture mode: Automatically detects and selects the most appropriate capture method for the remote system.
- GPU acceleration (beta): Enables GPU-assisted screen capture and rendering to improve performance, marked as a beta feature.
File transfer
The NinjaOne remote control includes a file transfer module, accessible via icons in the session interface. See the results of our test, which measures file transfer speed by location and transfers a 1 GB sample file.
Figure 2: NinjaOne file transfer interface.
Background mode (silent/low-visibility workflow)
“Connect in background mode” required an OTP (MFA) step during the initiation process. When connected in background mode, the interface appeared more minimal (not a full desktop-style view), and we have observed that:
- The existing RDP/remote desktop session was not interrupted.
- The end user was not visibly disrupted.
Logging and activity tracking
Remote control connections were logged in the Activity area, and users can record their sessions while in the application.
macOS-specific behavior (permissions, recording, sound, chat)
When connecting to macOS, the session initially showed “connection established” but no usable screen view. This was later attributed to missing macOS permissions; after granting permissions, the remote screen became visible.
Figure 3: macOS session recording example from NinjaOne.
Session recording was supported: we started recording, then disconnected. Upon disconnecting, the recording ended, and the system opened the folder containing the recorded file, which was saved as an AVI.
- NinjaOne includes the Remote audio (“sound transfer”) feature, which is useful when troubleshooting issues related to audio playback, system alerts, application sounds, video conferencing problems, or media applications, where visual access alone is insufficient.
- Another feature NinjaOne provides is a built-in chat feature, enabling messaging with the person currently using the device (see the figure below).
Note: On macOS, connecting via NinjaOne Remote Control did not disconnect the user session, unlike on Windows in this test.
Figure 4: NinjaOne chat interface that allows direct messaging with the person currently using the device.
Acronis
Acronis delivers an integrated cyber protection portfolio combining secure remote access with Acronis Cyber Protect Connect and an AI-powered platform that unifies cybersecurity, data protection, and IT operations for MSPs, businesses, and home users.
We tested Acronis, and here are our observations:
Connection and session initiation
Acronis remote control sessions are initiated using the Control action from the remote control interface. On first use, initiating a session triggered the download and installation of a dedicated control application.
- After installation, relaunching the Control option opened the client and requested authentication. The client automatically reused credentials entered through the web interface on subsequent connection attempts.
- The interface exposed two connection methods, NEAR and RDP, presented as separate tabs. NEAR was observed to use the same credentials as RDP and to automatically save them.
- When connecting, the operator can choose whether to log on to the system logon screen or to an existing user session, such as an Administrator session. In the observed test, connecting to an active user session did not terminate an existing Remote Desktop connection, indicating that the tool can join an active session context rather than forcibly replacing it.
Figure 5: Acronis remote desktop connection dashboard.
View, input, and session controls
- Once connected, the remote control interface provided a range of view and interaction options accessible from a top-right menu. These included zoom and scaling controls such as fit to screen, fill, resize, and window positioning.
- Keyboard input handling was configurable, with options for Smart keyboard behavior and raw key input, including a mode that forwards all shortcuts directly to the remote system. Clipboard functionality was also supported through automatic clipboard synchronization and explicit send and receive clipboard actions.
- Additional in-session controls included enabling remote sound, starting session recording, setting keyboard focus behavior, and displaying live connection information.
Connection and diagnostics
The remote control tool exposed a detailed connection statistics view. This panel displayed metrics such as screen resolution, capture delay, encoding and decoding delay, buffer delay, frames per second, latency, transport protocol (UDP), round-trip time (RTT), and inbound and outbound traffic rates. These metrics were available in real time during the session.
File transfer functionality
File transfer was supported during the remote control session and was generally smooth. However, when multiple files were selected for transfer, they were processed sequentially rather than in parallel, resulting in queued transfers.
Figure 6: Acronis file transfer dashboard.
Control and view-only modes
The remote access feature supported both full control and view-only modes. View-only mode allowed the operator to observe the remote screen without interacting with the system.
Browser-based access option
A “Connect via web client” option was available and opened a remote session directly in the browser without requiring plugins or a local client installation. This option provided rapid access but was associated with lower image quality and a reduced frame rate compared to the full client-based connection.
ManageEngine
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is a comprehensive remote support tool designed mainly for help desk operations.
We tested ManageEngine Remote Access Plus, and here are our observations:
Connection and session start
Remote Control sessions are initiated from the Actions menu and prompt the operator to enter a connection reason before starting.
- During testing, the session started immediately and did not require explicit end-user approval.
- The remote session launched in a web browser, without requiring an additional viewer application to be installed on the operator side.
A password prompt appeared when initiating the session. After entering the password, an existing RDP session was terminated, indicating that:
- The remote control feature likely relies on, or takes over, an RDP-based connection mechanism.
Figure 7: ManageEngine session start dashboard.
View and display controls
The remote control interface provides the following view options:
- Actual size
- Full screen
- Show remote cursor
- Color quality
- Screen resolution
During testing, changes to color quality, including setting it to 100%, did not result in visible differences. The screen resolution was limited to 800×600 during the session.
Session controls (keyboard, administration, privacy, and monitoring)
- The session menu includes controls for keyboard input, system access, and privacy management.
- Tools and administrative shortcuts included the Power Options menu with Lock Screen, Log Off, reboot, and shutdown options.
- The Quick Launch menu provides shortcuts to common system tools, such as Add/Remove Programs, Command Prompt, Computer Management, Control Panel, Device Manager, and Display Settings.
- The Administrator Tasks menu includes Clean up Disk, Configure Cleanup, Task Scheduler, and Update Group Policy.
Chat functionality within remote sessions
The remote control interface supports the following communication modes:
- Text Chat
- Voice Chat
- Video Chat
During our testing, text chat opened immediately and was visible on the end-user’s device. Voice chat triggered a user consent request before activation. Video chat also required user approval; full audio/video validation was limited due to the use of virtual machines.
Figure 8: ManageEngine chat interface.
File transfer functionality
ManageEngine Remote Control supports both sending files to and receiving files from the remote device. File transfer is handled through a dedicated interface rather than a two-pane file manager.
When sending files, the end user is prompted to approve the upload before the transfer begins.
- File transfers are processed sequentially, as parallel uploads are not supported, and transfers are queued.
When receiving files, the system opens a file selection dialog in the remote session, requiring the operator to select files on the remote device manually. File transfer actions also generate visible dialogs on the remote user’s screen.
macOS-specific behavior
Initial attempts to initiate remote control sessions on macOS devices resulted in errors. These issues were later attributed to missing system permissions and the absence of a required Helper component. The setup process did not clearly prompt for these requirements during initial configuration.
After granting the necessary permissions and following the provided steps to obtain administrative access, the remote control session functioned as expected. On macOS devices, the available quick actions differ from those on Windows and include:
- Activity Monitor
- Disk Utility
- Spotlight Search
- Mission Control
- Terminal
- Console
Remote desktop tools use cases
1. IT support and help desk services
Organizations, especially those managing large networks, rely mostly on remote desktop services to provide technical support to end users. Features such as screen sharing, remote printing, and file transfer help resolve issues.
2. Remote work and accessing office computers
With the rise of remote work, employees require secure access to their host computer from a remote PC, mobile app, or web browser.
Features such as multi-monitor support, offline mode, and cloud-based remote support ensure seamless workflows.
Solutions that incorporate two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication, and end-to-end encryption help safeguard sensitive data.
3. Secure access to enterprise applications
Enterprise users need remote desktop tools that integrate with their servers and support single sign-on (SSO) for maximum security. Mass deployment capabilities allow IT administrators to roll out remote access software across thousands of connected devices efficiently.
Advanced features such as full visibility, access code validation, and factor authentication help mitigate cyber threats.
Latest developments in the remote desktop industry
Security and performance innovations
As remote sessions become an essential tool for IT teams and managed service providers, vendors have introduced improvements in streaming protocols.
These updates include smarter compression techniques, dynamic bandwidth adjustment, and error handling designed to keep remote connection tools stable even on slower connections. Such improvements help users transfer files, share screens, or remotely control a computer with fewer disruptions.
At the same time, securing remote access has become increasingly challenging. Widespread adoption of remote support and remote file transfer functions has introduced more opportunities for security vulnerabilities.
Organizations are increasingly focused on strategies such as user training, stronger firewall settings, and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive information.
Microsoft’s shift
Microsoft has introduced significant changes to its remote desktop strategy. In May 2025, the company retired its classic Microsoft Remote Desktop app and transitioned users of Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Dev Box to the new Windows App.
This change affects individual users, IT teams, and enterprises that rely on Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol for secure remote connections.
The Windows App is designed to provide multi-monitor support, dynamic resolution, and more reliable remote access to work computers and home computers across operating systems. It works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and web browsers, providing a more comprehensive solution for remote desktop access.1
Shifting towards daas (desktop as a service)
Another development in the industry is the shift toward Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS). Gartner forecasts that by 2027, DaaS could be more cost-effective than providing laptops for up to 95% of the workforce. Spending in this segment is projected to rise from $4.3 billion in 2025 to $6 billion by 2029.2
This shift has implications for remote work strategies. DaaS enables companies to provide employees with secure remote access to a computer environment without the need for extensive hardware management.
It supports remote screen access, file sharing, collaboration tools, and direct cloud printing. For small businesses and larger enterprises alike, this model eliminates hidden fees, streamlines server management, and provides IT teams with a more comprehensive solution to securely manage unlimited users and multiple devices.
What to look out for when choosing the right remote access solution?
Key features
Unattended vs. attended access
- Unattended access allows IT teams to connect to devices without requiring user approval. This is crucial for remote monitoring, mass deployment, and enterprise-wide IT management.
- Attended access requires user confirmation before a remote session begins, making it ideal for technical support scenarios where user involvement is necessary.
File transfer & session recording
- Secure file transfer enables the movement of data between a host computer and a remote PC connection using drag-and-drop functionality.
- Remote sessions can be recorded for auditing, compliance, or training purposes, ensuring transparency in technical support interactions.
Multi-monitor & multi-user access
- Multi-monitor support enhances efficiency for users working across multiple screens, especially in IT and creative industries.
- Multi-user access enables multiple professionals to collaborate within a remote session, making it an essential feature for IT teams and small businesses.
Cloud vs. on-prem deployment
- Cloud-based remote support solutions offer scalability, enabling access from any location with an internet connection.
- On-prem remote desktop tools provide greater control over sensitive data, making them ideal for organizations with strict security requirements.
Security & compliance
With the rise of remote work, ensuring secure access to corporate systems has become a critical priority.
Businesses are investing heavily in cybersecurity, with global spending nearly doubling from just under $100 billion in 2017 to almost $200 billion in 2023.
The majority of these investments focus on security services, infrastructure protection, and network security equipment, reflecting the growing need for comprehensive defense measures.3
- End-to-End Encryption: To safeguard sensitive data from interception, remote access solutions must implement strong encryption protocols, ensuring that information remains protected during transmission and storage.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Strengthening login security with an additional authentication step significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, a pressing concern as remote work expands. In 2023, 72% of global respondents expressed at least some level of concern about the security risks associated with employees working remotely, emphasizing the need for advanced authentication measures.4
Cost analysis
The financial aspect of implementing a remote access solution goes beyond the initial licensing fee. It includes factors such as maintenance, scalability, and hidden costs associated with additional security features or advanced functionalities.
You should evaluate whether a solution provides long-term value by balancing affordability with essential security and performance capabilities. If you are a small business, you can look for remote access software with a free trial or a free version. When deciding between an RMM and a remote desktop solution, many businesses start with remote desktop tools and upgrade to RMM as they scale.
Usability
A remote access tool should not only be functional but also user-friendly, ensuring smooth operation for both IT administrators and end-users:
- Intuitive dashboard: A clear, well-organized interface displaying key details like connected devices and session status ensures easy navigation and efficiency.
- Easy connectivity: Remote sessions should be quick to initiate, requiring only a simple code or authentication to establish a secure connection.
- Role-based access: Customizable permissions help IT teams control user access, reducing security risks and operational errors.
- Comprehensive user support: Detailed documentation, tutorials, and responsive support enable quick issue resolution and user onboarding.
Which type of solution is right for you?
Whether you’re a small business, a large enterprise, or an individual user, the right choice depends on key factors such as scalability, security, automation, and IT management capabilities.
Small businesses: Prioritizing cost & simplicity
Best for startups, freelancers, and SMBs with limited IT resources, teams needing occasional remote access for troubleshooting or work-from-home flexibility, and companies that don’t require large-scale IT automation.
The best solution for small businesses is remote desktop tools. Here is why:
- Lower cost and more straightforward setup compared to RMM solutions.
- Provides essential remote access for troubleshooting and file sharing.
- Ideal for IT teams offering occasional remote support.
- Cloud-based options for easy accessibility without dedicated infrastructure.
When to upgrade to RMM?
- If your business expands, it will require centralized IT management and automation.
- If you need proactive security monitoring and bulk patch management.
- If you want to support multiple users and endpoints more efficiently.
Enterprises: Managing large-scale IT operations
Best for large organizations with distributed teams and global IT operations, IT departments managing hundreds or thousands of endpoints, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) needing automation, security, and compliance.
The best solution for enterprises is remote monitoring and management (RMM). Here is why:
- Comprehensive system monitoring and automation reduce manual IT workload.
- Ensures security compliance with advanced access controls.
- Ideal for large-scale IT support with real-time monitoring and alerting.
- Proactive issue resolution through automated patching and security updates.
Individual users: Remote work & personal access
Best for remote workers and freelancers needing access to office computers, IT consultants providing ad-hoc remote support, and professionals needing secure access to enterprise applications
The best solution for individual users is remote desktop software. Here is why:
- Lightweight, easy-to-use, and does not require complex setup.
- Works well for personal access to office/home computers.
- Supports file transfers, remote printing, and secure authentication.
Key features to look for if you are an individual user:
- Cross-platform access: Ensures usage on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
- Cloud vs. on-prem deployment: Cloud for flexibility, on-prem for security-sensitive tasks.
- Session recording & audit logs: Ideal for compliance and training purposes.
- End-to-End Encryption: Essential for secure access.
When to upgrade to an RMM?
- If you manage multiple clients as an IT consultant, you need automation.
- If security and compliance are major concerns in your work.
- If you want proactive monitoring rather than just remote access.
Methodology
To evaluate remote access performance across vendors, test environments were deployed on cloud-based servers with consistent hardware specifications while varying operating systems and geographic regions. This approach was designed to isolate vendor performance differences without introducing infrastructure-related bias.
Windows and Linux test instances were provisioned on c5.xlarge machines, each configured with a 100 GB gp3 disk, 3,000 IOPS, and 125 MB/s throughput. Windows systems ran Windows Server 2025 Base and were deployed in Ireland, Ohio, and Seoul. Linux systems ran Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (HVM) and were deployed in São Paulo, North California, and Canada.
To include macOS in the evaluation, a mac1.metal instance was also provisioned with the same storage configuration and ran macOS Sequoia, deployed in the Mumbai region.
Instances were intentionally distributed across multiple regions to avoid favoring vendors whose management or relay servers might be geographically closer to a single test location. By testing across diverse regions, we assessed performance differences, expecting that geographic distance to vendor infrastructure could influence session quality.
Test scenarios
Each vendor was evaluated using the same set of remote access tasks to ensure consistency:
- File upload performance measures the effective transfer speed from the operator to the remote system.
- File download performance measures the transfer speed from the remote system to the operator.
- Parallel file upload behavior tests whether multiple files (e.g., five files uploaded simultaneously) were transferred concurrently or queued sequentially.
Parallel upload testing was used to assess how efficiently each tool handled real-world workflows involving multiple files, rather than single large transfers. All file transfer results were recorded in MB/s to enable direct comparison across vendors, operating systems, and regions.
FAQs
Reference Links
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
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