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Best Remote Desktop App for Mac – HelpWire

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Updated on: March 17, 2025
Time to read: 7 minutes

Mac users looking for the best remote desktop app often try native Apple solutions. They may explore free options like Screen Sharing and Remote Management or Apple Remote Desktop, a paid remote access tool. These solutions are less than optimal due to issues like Apple Remote Desktop’s high prices and the limited compatibility of free tools.

Users searching for a more flexible solution with additional features should investigate third-party remote desktop apps. They often offer enhanced functionality, stronger security, and cross-platform compatibility compared to native Apple options. 

HelpWire is one of the best third-party remote desktop solutions for Mac available. It’s a free tool that offers fast, reliable, and secure remote connectivity. HelpWire lets you connect Mac, Windows, and Linux machines without hidden costs or usage restrictions. Let’s see why Mac users should consider HelpWire for their remote desktop needs.

Table of Contents

Enhance Your Workflow with the Best Mac Remote Desktop App

Let’s look at what makes HelpWire the best remote desktop for Mac.

Best remote desktop app for Mac

A cost-effective solution

HelpWire is the most cost-effective remote desktop app for Mac. It is a completely free solution for individuals and small teams. It does not impose limitations like many other free third-party options. Businesses and individuals can enjoy reliable and secure remote access at no cost.

Exceptional user experience

HelpWire simplifies remote access with a quick and intuitive setup process. The tool’s user-friendly interface supports fast session starts to provide client assistance or manage remote devices efficiently. No complex configuration is needed to provide an effective remote access platform.

Flexible and scalable

HelpWire’s flexibility and scalability lets it grow with your business. The solution eliminates distance limitations and allows users to manage remote devices from web-based accounts effectively.

HelpWire’s Advanced Features for Mac Remote Desktop Connectivity

HelpWire’s feature set provides teams and individual users with an effective remote desktop app for Mac.

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    HelpWire supports cross-platform connectivity between Mac, Windows, and Linux systems for flexible remote access.

  • On-demand Remote Connection
    The remote access software lets users establish connections to client devices instantly. Clients provide one-time remote access by downloading a secure temporary app. The live chat feature makes HelpWire a valuable tool for IT professionals and customer support personnel.

  • Unattended Remote Access
    HelpWire’s unattended remote access lets IT teams establish continuous control of client and system devices. Strong access controls and end-to-end encryption give service providers, businesses, and support teams the best remote desktop app for Mac.

  • Secure Remote Access
    HelpWire ensures the security of your remote connections with AES-256 encryption, Auth0 authentication, and TLS/SSL protocols for secure data transfers with no extra firewall configuration. HelpWire is hosted on secure AWS infrastructure trusted by many large corporations. DigiCert-signed applications provide software integrity. Users have complete control over remote sessions with permission-based access and instant access revocation.

  • Integrated Support Chat
    Built-in communication tools let HelpWire users engage in real-time communication after establishing remote sessions.

  • Multi-Workstation Management
    Users can establish connections and manage multiple devices simultaneously for greater efficiency and productivity.

  • Multi-Monitor Support
    Support teams can view and control multiple screens for more effective problem resolution.

  • Quick Session Setup
    The tool’s intuitive interface eliminates complex setup and supports establishing remote connections quickly.

  • File Transfer
    Users can share files with HelpWire’s simple drag-and-drop functionality.

  • Client Management Tools
    HelpWire makes it easy for teams to organize, track, and manage remote sessions for more efficient client support.

How to Set Up a Remote Desktop Connection on Mac with Helpwire

Use the following steps to use HelpWire to set up a remote desktop connection from a Mac to a Linux or Windows machine.

Step 1: Log in or register for a new HelpWire account

Log in to your HelpWire account or create a new account using an email address or Google credentials.

Register or log in to your HelpWire account for Mac remote access

Step 2: Download and install the HelpWire Operator app

Select your operating system during account setup and click the “Download Now” button. Follow the instructions to download and install the client app on your machine.

Download the HelpWire Operator app

Step 3: Select a client or add a new one

Select an existing client for your connection or click “Add a New Client” on the main toolbar to connect to a new remote device.

Add a new client or select an existing one

Step 4: Share the client app link

Share the unique client app link by copying it and sending it to your client using instant message, email, or SMS.

Add a new client or select an existing one

Step 5: Obtain access permission from the remote client

Once the client installs and opens HelpWire, press the “Request Access” and wait for the client to grant access permission to the remote system.

Get access permissions from the remote client

Step 6: Connect to the remote client

Press the “Connect” button in the client’s profile tab on your Mac to establish a remote desktop session on the client device.

Connect to your remote client from your Mac

Step 7: End the session

Your can close the connection when your session is done using either of these two methods:

  • Close the HelpWire Operator app on your Mac using the red button in the HelpWire toolbar.
  • Let the client close the HelpWire Client app on their device.
End the remote desktop on Mac session

Alternative Remote Desktop Apps for Mac

HelpWire offers users a free, cross-platform solution with excellent features and performance. Other remote desktop apps may fit your needs, but they have limitations and can be expensive. The following apps may be worth your consideration.

1. Remote Management (Built-in macOS Feature)

Remote Management is a macOS feature that provides essential remote administration tools to control other Macs connected to the same network. It offers Apple users free simple screen sharing and remote access capabilities. Remote Management is limited to Apple devices and requires additional configuration when connecting outside a local network. It’s a suitable solution for users who only need basic remote desktop access for Macs.

2. Apple Remote Desktop

Apple Remote Desktop is a paid tool ($79.99) that facilitates the remote management of multiple macOS systems. It’s a good choice for businesses with an Apple ecosystem that need remote monitoring, administration, and file transfer functionality. The tool lacks cross-platform support and is limited to Mac machines. Apple Remote Desktop has an outdated interface and may have fewer features than alternative solutions.

3. TeamViewer

TeamViewer provides users with features like remote file transfer and printing support, secure connections, and multi-monitor support. The free version is only for personal use, so businesses and professionals must purchase a costly business plan. TeamViewer is a reliable solution for enterprise remote management but may be too expensive for basic remote access requirements.

4. LogMeIn

LogMeIn is a feature-rich and powerful remote access solution for businesses that need to maintain constant connectivity to remote Macs. The tool includes advanced features like cloud storage, file sharing, and data encryption that may appeal to enterprise-grade IT teams. It’s an expensive option, starting at around $80/month, and might be more than small teams or individuals can afford or need.

5. AnyDesk

AnyDesk is a fast remote desktop app for Mac that provides cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, and mobile devices. It offers quick and simple remote access and is easy for individuals or small businesses to set up. Mac connections may display some instability in comparison to Windows machines. The free version provides a limited set of features.

Comparison of Remote Desktop Apps

Features HelpWire Remote Management ARD TeamViewer LogMeIn AnyDesk
Access all features for free
Cross-Platform Support Mac, Windows, Linux Mac Only Mac Only Mac, Windows, Linux, Mobile Mac, Windows, Linux, Mobile Mac, Windows, Linux, Mobile
Ease of Use Very Easy Moderate Moderate Easy Easy Easy
Unlimited computers to connect from/ to
Unattended remote access
Support Service Excellent and responsive Self-service only Self-service only Inconsistent Unreliable Unresponsive
Price free free one-time fee of $79.99 From $24.90/mo, free for personal use From $80/mo From $11/mo, free for personal use

Conclusion

HelpWire is the best remote desktop app for Mac users looking for a flexible, secure, and free software solution. HelpWire gives users free and unlimited remote access across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems.  The software extends the capabilities of Apple’s native remote connectivity tools with advanced features and cross-platform support.


HelpWire is an excellent solution for individuals, businesses, and IT support teams. Try it today for free and streamlined remote access.