TeamViewer vs Chrome Remote Desktop

TeamViewer: what it's good at

TeamViewer connects to remote machines through firewalls and NAT with no network configuration, supporting remote control, file transfer and meetings. Free for personal, non-commercial use.

• Works through firewalls and NAT
• Cross-platform remote control
• File transfer and remote printing
• Free for personal use

Chrome Remote Desktop: what it's good at

Chrome Remote Desktop provides straightforward remote access with nothing to configure beyond signing into a Google account. It is completely free with no commercial-use restrictions, which sets it apart from most competitors.

• Completely free, including commercial use
• Works through the browser
• No firewall configuration needed
• Cross-platform including mobile

Which should you choose?

Both are free, so the honest answer is that you can install either and decide for yourself — that is the advantage of free software over a paid trial.

Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

We deliberately do not publish a star rating for either. We have no way to verify a rating that would be honest at scale, and an invented one would be worse than none — so we give you the facts and let you decide.

Frequently asked questions

Is TeamViewer better than Chrome Remote Desktop?

Neither is universally better. TeamViewer the best-known remote support and access tool, while Chrome Remote Desktop free remote access through your browser and Google account. The right pick depends on your platform and workflow.

Are both really free?

TeamViewer is free tier and Chrome Remote Desktop is free. Both can be downloaded without paying.

Can I install both?

Yes. Since neither costs anything, installing both and comparing them on your own files is usually the fastest way to decide.