Chrome Remote Desktop and TeamViewer are popular remote access software solutions, but the limited features available in Chrome Remote Desktop may make TeamViewer the better option for those who need full remote capabilities such as printing or file sharing.
There are several software and browser options for remotely accessing your files and multiple devices, and two of the most popular are TeamViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop. We look at the two remote desktop software options and see if TeamViewer’s added features are what you need or if Chrome Remote Desktop can meet your needs just as well.
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What is TeamViewer?
TeamViewer is a fully featured remote access tool. In addition to its remote access functionality, it also comes with collaboration features such as scheduling, audio and video support, and whiteboard tools.
TeamViewer has some of the most compatibility options among remote access solutions. It is widely regarded as one of the higher performing options, with users commenting on the speed, optimized resource management and sharp scaling of the user interface.
What is Chrome Remote Desktop?
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free tool from Google that allows users to access their computers from anywhere, regardless of the operating system being used. Chrome Remote Desktop is a Chrome extension that works with your existing Google account.
Chrome Remote Desktop has a lot going for it, considering it’s free. It has the Google name behind it as well as the core features that a remote access tool needs.
Chrome Remote Desktop vs. TeamViewer: Feature Comparison
| Function | Chrome Remote Desktop | TeamViewer |
|---|---|---|
| Secure remote access | Yes | Yes |
| Share files | New | Yes |
| Share printer | New | Yes |
| audio and video | New | Yes |
| Session recording | New | Yes |
| Remote control to iOS or Android devices | New | Yes |
Head-to-head comparison: Chrome Remote Desktop vs. TeamViewer
Remote access
With TeamViewer you have the option to install the TeamViewer software and grant it easy access. From here you can easily connect with just one click from whatever device you are using. There is a no installation option when running the software that works for a one time use.
With Chrome Remote Desktop, the connection process can be a bit more cumbersome, depending on how often you need to log in remotely. As a Google product, you need a Google account already set up on the devices. Then you need to download the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Once done, you can access your computer remotely via a Chrome browser. Once there, you will then generate a one-time PIN that must be entered to grant access.
Android and iOS support
Both Chrome Remote Desktop and TeamViewer have Android and iOS support. TeamViewer allows control and access to mobile devices from a computer. With Chrome Remote Desktop, you can only access it from a mobile device and you can’t remotely access that Android or iOS device.
Security
Chrome Remote Desktop and TeamViewer both have built-in security options to keep your connection safe. With TeamViewer, connections are encrypted with RSA public/private key exchange and AES 256-bit session encryption. There is also an option to enable two-factor authentication for each connection.
With Chrome Remote Desktop, encryption only occurs over HTTPS. There is no option for 2FA other than the PINs that are automatically generated and used for each session. In this regard, TeamViewer is the more secure of the two options.
Choosing between Chrome Remote Desktop and TeamViewer
Chrome Remote Desktop is a scaled-down, essential-only remote access software that can be easily used by almost anyone. It works best for individuals or families who just need quick access to remote computers but don’t need advanced features, security, or other frills.
TeamViewer, on the other hand, is more for the business user or those who need remote access via desktop support. TeamViewer offers many more functions, such as printing and file sharing.
If you just need basic remote access, Chrome Remote Desktop will work for you. For those who need more advanced features and options such as remote printing, file sharing and device access, TeamViewer is the way to go.
This article was written by James Forteze.
