ConnectWise Control vs Microsoft Remote Desktop
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of Splashtop vs Zoho Assist vs ConnectWise Control: 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business 2026. Last verified June 20, 2026.
The short answer
ConnectWise Control ranks higher on Top 11 (#3 vs #10) for IT teams and remote workers needing secure remote desktop and support access. A highly powerful and customizable tool favored by MSPs, with a steeper learning curve.
At a glance
| ConnectWise Control | Microsoft Remote Desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #3 / Splashtop vs Zoho Assist vs ConnectWise Control: 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business 2026 | #10 / Splashtop vs Zoho Assist vs ConnectWise Control: 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business 2026 |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.8 | 7.4 |
| Best for | Best for MSPs and customization | Best free option for Windows |
| Pricing | $$ ($348 to $660/yr) | Free |
| HQ | Tampa, USA | Redmond, USA |
| Founded | 1982 | 1975 |
ConnectWise Control
A highly powerful and customizable tool favored by MSPs, with a steeper learning curve.
www.connectwise.com/platform/unified-monitoring-and-management/controlMicrosoft Remote Desktop
A free and reliable tool for Windows-to-Windows connections, but lacks advanced management features.
learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/welcome-to-rdsMethodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.