Arguably, remote Mac control is the most essential tool for any tech team. That’s right, remote access is an invaluable feature that’s only been made more necessary in recent years. As companies are adopting more of a remote-hybrid work model, it’s important for IT teams to be able to access Macs wherever they are in the world. There’s also an increasing demand for remote access solutions that not only support cross-platform compatibility but also emphasize robust security measures to protect sensitive data. This shift is critical, as IT teams must balance convenience with the integrity of their systems, ensuring that remote management tools don’t become potential entry points for cyber threats.
This article dives into how to access a Mac remotely and the tools you’ll need, both native and third-party.
10 best remote access tools for Mac
There are a number of different ways to access Macs remotely. Everything from native and Apple-created solutions to standalone third-party apps made for just this purpose. Here’s a list of 10 of the most commonly used options.
1. Apple Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop does exactly as its name promises. And as an app made by Apple, you can imagine just how easy it is to configure and get started. Once you have Apple Remote Desktop downloaded from the App Store, then you’re all set. The major perk of the app is that you don’t need anyone attending to the other computer to give you access. Recent updates have significantly enhanced its functionality and security, with improvements like enhanced encryption protocols and better remote assistance and administration. Apple Remote Desktop excels for local network connections. Still, its performance and reliability can be limited when used over the internet, especially if you're dealing with slower or less stable connections.
Learn more about Apple Remote Desktop.
2. TeamViewer
Probably the most popular third-party remote access tool is TeamViewer. In 2024, TeamViewer rolled out updates with enhanced cross-platform support, allowing IT teams to access more devices seamlessly. Due to its integration with Jamf Pro, you can also initiate remote support sessions directly from the Jamf console. Another huge perk is that you only need a license for TeamViewer on the computer you’re using, not the one you’re remoting into. And if you interface with client or partner computers that your company does not own, you can also set up a web portal that will allow outside users to grant you access to their machines.
Learn more about TeamViewer.
3. Device Management Software
If you're already using a device management platform, such as Jamf or Kandji, then you'll want to check to see what remote access tools are available to you. Since these platforms are designed to remotely push software and scripts to Macs, they can usually let you take control of another computer as well. As you're pushing out software updates and patches, you'll find this tool helpful to check on the status of those updates.
If you’re looking for a way to streamline maintenance across your Mac fleet, it might be worth exploring solutions that go beyond remote access tools. Latest platforms like CleanMyMac Business combine patch management, system optimization, security, and troubleshooting into one intuitive interface, allowing you to monitor and maintain your Macs from a single dashboard.
It’s unobtrusive for end users and gives admins more control, helping you proactively address issues before they become bigger problems. You can try it out with a 14-day free trial and see how it fits your workflow.
4. Jamf Remote Assist
Jamf Remote Assist is the new tool in Jamf Pro that enables administrators to troubleshoot enrolled Macs remotely. Whenever an end-user has a support issue, Jamf admins can securely initiate a Jamf Remote Assist session to connect to end-user devices, making it easy to securely and remotely manage devices within their fleet.
Learn more about Jamf Remote Assist.
5. Kandji
Kandji continues to lead the market with its effective and modern Apple device management solutions. With features like one-click compliance templates and 150+ pre-built automations, apps, and workflows, it saves IT teams countless hours of manual, repetitive work. Kandji enables seamless remote desktop access, streamlining remote support and management for IT teams.
Learn more about Kandji Remote Desktop.
6. macOS Screen Sharing
With the release of macOS Sonoma, Apple has significantly enhanced the built-in Screen Sharing feature, bringing a new high performance mode. Security has also been strengthened, with improved encryption and more granular access controls to ensure that remote sessions are safer than ever. Once you open Screen Sharing, you only need the name of the computer you're trying to access or its IP address. The other computer will need to have Screen Sharing enabled, but that's easily done by going into System Preferences and then opening the Sharing page.
7. LogMeIn
LogMeIn is another great third-party solution that IT teams can use for remote access. The thing this app does really well is that it comes in various versions based on the type of industry you’re supporting. So, if you’re in healthcare, there are added encryption policies to meet HIPAA compliance. Or, if you’re in accounting, there are extra integrations you can use with Quickbooks and more. LogMeIn is also cross-platform, so it can support both Mac and Windows, making it another great option for you.
Learn more about LogMeIn.
8. Google Chrome Remote Desktop
For fans of the Google Chrome browser, here is another easy-to-use solution. It’s browser-based, so that means it’s cross-platform and works on both macOS and Windows. This cross-platform support ensures that it can adapt to different hardware and software environments, making the audience feel accommodated. It does claim to give you full access to other computers, but that can be a minor hit or miss, depending on the hardware of the actual machine. Google Chrome Remote Desktop — at its best — is a screen-sharing app.
Learn more about Google Chrome Remote Desktop.
9. Splashtop
Splashtop is truly cross-platform in that you can use it not only on macOS and Windows but also on Google Android, iOS, and iPadOS. And if you're concerned about all of your computers having remote access enabled for security reasons, Splashtop comes in different versions with varying controls. Besides, its enhanced security features like end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and role-based access controls ensure top-notch protection. Oh yeah, that's another thing about Splashtop, it can also double as a device and software management tool.
Learn more about Splashtop.
10. macOS Remote Login
Remote Login is another native macOS feature that provides secure command-line access, making it ideal for advanced troubleshooting and remote management tasks. It doesn’t require a Mac to be on the same network, allowing you to connect from anywhere by enabling the feature in the Sharing preferences. It’s ideal for remotely accessing your work computer from home, but it is probably not as secure as it would be if you were using Apple Remote Desktop.
Remote access for Macs in the enterprise has always been somewhat of a nice-to-have. But it’s increasingly becoming a must-have for every IT team. To combat rising cyber threats, remote access tools must prioritize security with end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with SOC 2 and GDPR standards. macOS’s built-in features, such as Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection, add an extra layer of security.
When it comes to large-scale deployments in enterprise environments, remote access tools must integrate smoothly with Apple Business Manager (ABM) and other Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems. Features that simplify mass onboarding, automate policy enforcement, and facilitate real-time monitoring are all critical for maintaining efficiency.
Selecting the best remote desktop software for Mac depends on your unique needs and preferences. While LogMeIn uses renowned security protocols, TeamViewer is known for its extensive remote control capabilities. Striking the perfect balance between security, performance, seamless integration, and ease of use is key. Ultimately, choosing the right remote access tool is more than just a technical decision — it’s a strategic move for your entire team.
