The candidates in 2026
As of May 2026, these tools are the most frequent candidates:
- TeamViewer (DE) — the market leader
- AnyDesk (DE) — the challenger
- Splashtop (US) — cheap, US-incorporated
- RustDesk (open source) — self-host or managed alternative
- Chrome Remote Desktop (Google) — free, but Google
- Microsoft Remote Desktop / RDP — Windows-centric only
- WinDesk (CH) — the Swiss one
Seven criteria that really matter
1. Architecture (P2P vs cloud relay)
P2P-first means screen data flows directly between client and host; a TURN relay is used only in the few cases where both ends sit behind symmetric NAT. Cloud-centric: all data goes through third-party infrastructure.
For privacy and latency, P2P-first is better. If you need multi-party sessions or compliance recording: cloud-centric has advantages.
2. Data location + jurisdiction
Where are the servers? Which legal framework applies? If you support Swiss accountants, law firms or healthcare providers: Swiss hosting and a Swiss limited-liability company without a US parent are non-negotiable.
| Tool | Headquarters | CLOUD Act |
|---|---|---|
| TeamViewer | DE | not directly applicable |
| AnyDesk | DE | not directly applicable |
| Splashtop | US | directly applicable |
| Chrome RD | US | directly applicable |
| WinDesk | CH | not applicable |
3. Cross-platform reach
Today: Windows + macOS + Linux + Pi should be equal platforms. A tool where "Linux is in beta" or "Pi is not official" is often a sign of an outdated strategy.
4. Pricing model
Three models dominate:
- Linear (CHF X/user, CHF Y/host): easy to calculate (WinDesk, AnyDesk Solo)
- Bundle-tiered (bundle for 1-3 users, bundle for 4-15 users…): jumps as you grow (TeamViewer)
- Per concurrent session (number of simultaneous sessions): rarely clear (some enterprise plans)
Linear is usually cheaper for SMEs + IT providers and always more predictable.
5. Compliance documentation
Do I need:
- Standard DPA (data-processing agreement)
- Audit trail (per session)
- Encryption documentation (which algorithm, key length, ECDH parameters)
- ISO 27001 or external security audit
If yes → pick a vendor with a documented compliance position. If no → you save research time now, but it gets expensive when an audit comes later.
6. Hardware token binding
Device tokens encrypted with TPM 2.0 / Secure Enclave? Theft-resistant. Token in plaintext in a file? Risk on a compromised endpoint.
7. Self-hosting option
If compliance or air-gap requires self-hosting: AnyDesk Custom Client or RustDesk. If not: managed SaaS saves you having to run a server (WinDesk, TeamViewer).
The structured decision
START
│
├─ "Must we be 100% on-premises / air-gapped?"
│ ├─ YES → RustDesk (self-host) or AnyDesk Custom Client
│ └─ NO ↓
│
├─ "Which platforms?"
│ ├─ Windows only → MS RDP + RDP-Gateway is enough
│ ├─ Mixed fleet (Win/Mac/Linux/Pi) → WinDesk, AnyDesk, TeamViewer
│ └─ Mac-centric → WinDesk (Apple-notarised), TeamViewer
│
├─ "Swiss/EU data protection mandatory?"
│ ├─ YES → WinDesk (CH), AnyDesk (DE)
│ └─ NO → all options open
│
├─ "Team size?"
│ ├─ 1 user → Free + Light is enough
│ ├─ 2-10 users with linear growth → WinDesk Pro + add-ons
│ ├─ 10+ enterprise with complex rules → evaluate TeamViewer Tensor
│ └─ Spontaneous family help → Free plan is enough
│
├─ "Multi-party sessions or recording?"
│ ├─ YES → TeamViewer (Tensor) ahead
│ └─ NO → P2P-first tool better
│
END
Practical test
Before signing a multi-year contract:
- Install the Free plan on all target platforms (Win/Mac/Linux/Pi)
- Run through 3 typical use cases (e.g. ad-hoc help, server maintenance, multi-monitor session)
- Measure latency (manually: move the mouse on the client → how long until the target reacts?)
- Test with a real customer (not just in your own office)
- Extrapolate the price for your actual team and device mix
With WinDesk: the Free plan needs no account — windesk.ch/en/download. There is no trial period: the Free plan covers two session hours a month, and prepaid credit at CHF 0.20 per connection minute covers longer tests without a subscription.
Conclusion
"Which tool is the best?" is the wrong question. The right one: "Which tool best fits my compliance, platform and price requirements?"
If Swiss hosting + cross-platform incl. Linux + Pi + linear pricing matter: WinDesk. If self-hosting is mandatory: RustDesk. If enterprise compliance + multi-party sessions: TeamViewer Tensor.