Sections of this topic
If you are managing a remote team, you need tools that prevent security breaches, maintain stable connections across different home networks, scale without exploding your IT budget, and work when your sales rep is presenting from a coffee shop.
In this guide, we’re zooming in on NinjaOne and AnyDesk: two platforms that solve the same challenges from very different angles.
EXPERIENCE LAG-FREE ACCESS WITH NINJAONE
Quick Snapshot: NinjaOne vs AnyDesk at a Glance
| NinjaOne | AnyDesk | |
| Best for | Enterprise IT teams & MSPs that need full RMM, automation, backup, and ticketing in one pane. | Freelancers, small teams, and field engineers who want ultra-fast, cross-platform screen-sharing. |
| Starting price | From $3.75 / device (≤50 endpoints) down to $1.50 / device at 10k+ endpoints. | Solo plan $12.99/user/mo; Free personal tier for 1 outgoing session. |
| Key features | Zero-touch agent, patch & asset management, ticketing, backup, automation workflows. | DeskRT 60 fps codec, portable 3.7 MB client, file transfer, ACL whitelisting, on-prem option. |
| Platform support | Windows, macOS, Linux (agent); iOS / Android viewer. | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, FreeBSD, Raspberry Pi. |
| Free version | 14-day full-feature trial, no forever-free tier. | Forever-free personal license (non-commercial). |
| Customer support | 98 % CSAT, free onboarding on all tiers. | E-mail & ticket support on all plans; phone support from Standard tier up. |
| Security protocols | AES-256 encryption, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS compliance, MFA & role-based access. | 4096-bit RSA key exchange, TLS 1.2, AES-256 transport, ISO 27001 data-center hosting, ACL. |
NinjaOne: Enterprise-Grade IT Management Beyond Remote Access
Ninja One is our top choice for large companies that need enterprise-level support in remote access. While AnyDesk focuses purely on screen sharing, NinjaOne monitors system health, pushes patches, automates routine tasks, and manages your entire IT infrastructure from a single dashboard.
The platform’s biggest strength is its zero-touch deployment. You can launch NinjaOne on every Windows, macOS, and Linux machine in minutes, without touching a single hardware.
Once installed, the Ninja One runs silently, giving you instant remote access while collecting performance data, tracking software inventory, and flagging security issues before users even notice them.
Let’s take a closer look at NinjaOne’s stand-out features:
- Automation-first workflow: A set of pre–made scripts and policies lets IT staff automate patching and onboarding; 90% of MSPs say it saves them up to 10 hours a week.
- Multi-tenant dashboards: One console shows every client site, so technicians can switch contexts instantly and monitor all endpoints in real time.
- Granular role-based access: Least-privilege permissions and Multi-Factor Authentication keep sessions secure while still allowing users to self-serve basic requests.
- World-class support: 98% Customer Satisfaction Score and free onboarding across all tiers shorten your time-to-value
NinjaOne Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Combines the best remote access software with RMM, backups & ticketing in one license | Per-endpoint cost can exceed bare-bones free remote desktop tools |
| Automation engine reduces busywork for small IT teams | The reporting module lacks deep custom visualizations |
| SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS compliance & AES-256 encryption | No built-in voice/video during sessions (needs third-party) |
| Multi-tenant view ideal for MSPs managing hundreds of sites | Linux feature parity is still catching up vs Windows/macOS |
Best Use Cases for Ninja One
NinjaOne would be the best fit for you if your needs align with these:
- Managed-Service Providers needing a multi-tenant console, billed per device, and tight SLAs.
- Lean internal IT teams that want automation to handle patching, backups, and remote desktop protocol security without adding headcount.
- Organizations are merging ticketing and endpoint care into one stack to streamline customer service workflows.
- Security-sensitive sectors (healthcare, finance) that must prove compliance audits, yet still deliver the best remote desktop software experience to end users.
AUTOMATE IT TASKS WITH NINJAONE STARTING $1.5 PER DEVICE
NinjaOne Pricing
NinjaOne uses per-device pricing with a published range: as low as $1.50/device at 10,000 endpoints and about $3.75/device at 50 or fewer. Your exact quote depends on endpoint count, region, and which modules you add.
Pay attention: Remote access, MDM, backup, and security are add-ons; in practice, many stacks land around $2 – $4+ per device total, with premium security (e.g., SentinelOne MDR) adding a few extra dollars per endpoint.
So what does that mean? For mid-sized teams (100 – 500 devices), this would come up to roughly $300 – $2,000/month for the core platform, rising with MDR or large backup allocations.
AnyDesk: Lightning-Fast Remote Desktop for Every User
AnyDesk is a remote desktop tool built around one obsession: speed. Using their proprietary DeskRT codec, the AnyDesk app keeps picture quality crisp while keeping latency below 16 ms on local networks, which is fast enough that mouse movements feel native, even over 100 kb/s links.
The app weighs just 3.7 MB, needs no installation rights, and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even Raspberry Pi. The high compatibility combined with lightning speeds makes the AnyDesk app our top choice for everyday users of the remote desktop protocol.
Here’s what AnyDesk offers:
- Speed-first architecture: The DeskRT codec delivers 60fps screen refresh rates, providing a fluid CAD, video, or gaming experience.
- Cross-platform simplicity: Native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, FreeBSD, and Raspberry Pi all share the same interface and features.
- Built-in security: On-prem installs use 4096-bit RSA key exchange, TLS 1.2, and 256-bit AES transport encryption, while Access-Control Lists let you whitelist only trusted IDs so unknown devices are blocked by default.
- Tiny footprint, big reach: Because the client is under 4 MB and needs no admin rights, guests can spin up AnyDesk remote desktop from a hotel Wi-Fi or shared kiosk in seconds.
AnyDesk Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Ultra-low latency outperforms many best remote access software rivals. | Commercial use is quickly flagged: forces upgrade from AnyDesk free to paid. |
| Truly free for hobbyists and light personal support. | No built-in monitoring or ticketing; you’ll need an add-on for full IT-ops coverage. |
| ACL whitelisting and MFA harden unattended access. | Phone support is limited to higher-tier plans. |
| An optional self-hosted server meets strict data-sovereignty rules. | Concurrent-session limits climb steeply with plan price. |
Best Use Cases for AnyDesk
Here are some of the situations where AnyDesk will overpower all its competitors:
- For freelancers or small teams who need the best free remote desktop software without admin overhead.
- For field engineers controlling industrial PCs over low-bandwidth 4G links.
- For creative pros streaming 4K footage thanks to DeskRT’s high frame rate.
- For enterprises that already have monitoring tools and just want a fast, secure screen-share layer.
- For organizations seeking a lightweight backup to NinjaOne, when users complain that RDP feels sluggish.
NinjaOne Pricing
Despite industry-best speeds, AnyDesk has a forever-free tier!
The AnyDesk Free is for personal use and supports one outgoing session at a time. You can use an Address Book (up to 5 contacts with a registered account), but custom aliases require a paid license.
The paid tiers are: Solo, Standard, Advanced, and Ultimate. Keep in mind that they come with annual billing, and pricing varies by region.
How to Remote Desktop Safely in 2025
- Start with a pre-connection security sweep. Apply the latest patches, retire unused local admin accounts, run an antivirus scan, and confirm your backup restores cleanly. These basics close the widest doors before you even open a session.
- Lock down the network path. Never expose TCP 3389 directly to the internet; Sophos measured brute-force attempts hitting an open RDP port in under one minute.
Instead, tunnel RDP through a VPN or a gateway whose firewall restricts access to trusted IP ranges, and monitor logs for any dropped packets on RDP-related ports. - Require MFA and least-privilege roles. Microsoft’s June 2025 guidance makes multi-factor authentication the first line of defense for Remote Desktop Services and shows how Network Policy Server plus Entra ID can enforce it.
Pair MFA with role-based permission sets to help-desk staff, contractors, and admins each get only the controls they need. - Optimize bandwidth for free or low-speed setups. Drop RDP color depth to 16-bit and disable wallpaper to trim roughly 40 % of traffic; Microsoft’s performance notes put simple text sessions at 10–100 kb/s.
On AnyDesk, switch to “Balanced” quality so the DeskRT keeps sessions responsive even at 100 kb/s while still hitting 60 fps when bandwidth improves.
Making the Right Choice
The best remote desktop tools aren’t necessarily the most expensive or feature-rich. They’re the ones that solve your specific pain points without creating new headaches.
Pick NinjaOne if you need a full-stack platform that rolls remote desktop, patch management, ticketing, backup, and compliance reporting into one license. Choose AnyDesk when raw speed, tiny installs, and cross-platform reach matter more than all-in-one management.
FAQs
What is AnyDesk?
AnyDesk is a cross-platform remote desktop app that uses its DeskRT codec to deliver sub-16 ms latency while running from a 3.7 MB portable client on almost any OS.
What is a remote desktop, and how does it work?
A remote desktop connection streams the host’s screen to a client device while sending back your keyboard-and-mouse inputs, making it feel like you’re sitting at that distant PC.
Is Chrome Remote Desktop a viable AnyDesk alternative?
Chrome Remote Desktop is handy for quick, no-cost access, but its one-session limit and 30-minute idle timeout push power users toward faster options like AnyDesk remote desktop
What’s the best free remote desktop software for small teams?
TechRadar’s 2025 roundup still puts TeamViewer Free at the top, with AnyDesk Free a close runner-up when speed is the priority.
Is AnyDesk free for businesses?
No. AnyDesk Free is licensed only for personal use; any commercial activity requires a paid plan such as Solo or Standard.
How do I set up a secure remote desktop connection in Windows 11?
Enable Remote Desktop, route RDP through an RD Gateway or VPN, and enforce MFA via Entra ID to block 99 % of credential-stuffing attacks.
Can I use NinjaOne for customer service ticketing?
Yes. NinjaOne includes a built-in ticketing module that ties alerts and IT management software workflows into a single console.
Are there bandwidth limits on AnyDesk Remote Desktop?
AnyDesk adapts dynamically, staying usable at 100 kb/s and scaling up to full 60 fps HD when you can supply about 1.5 Mb/s.
Patrick is a financial expert with deep knowledge in trading, technical analysis, and market structure. His analytical skills and ability to simplify complex topics have made him a trusted advisor for firms looking to navigate the financial markets effectively. Recognized for his insightful reports and strategic market analysis, Patrick has earned high praise from industry professionals. He is also the host of a widely-followed podcast, where he delves into market trends, options trading, and value investing, providing actionable insights for investors and professionals alike.
