Parallels Access 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
Parallels Access ranks higher on Top 11 (#9 vs #10) for IT teams and remote workers needing secure remote desktop and support access. Provides a superior user experience for accessing desktops from mobile devices like iPads.
At a glance
| Parallels Access | Microsoft Remote Desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #9 / 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) | 7.6 | 7.4 |
| Best for | Best mobile-to-desktop experience | Best free option for Windows |
| Pricing | $ ($19 to $99/yr) | Free |
| HQ | Bellevue, USA | Redmond, USA |
| Founded | 1999 | 1975 |
Parallels Access
Provides a superior user experience for accessing desktops from mobile devices like iPads.
www.parallels.com/products/access/Microsoft 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.