Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, more and more businesses have started to depend on remote desktop apps to boost their organization’s performance. With reliable desktop software, you can access remote computers from a single location regardless of where you are in the world. This offers unquestionable benefits and makes remote work much easier.
Whether you’re an IT professional, analyst, or programmer, you may be on the lookout for the best and most reliable software to perform the task. In today’s review, we’ll compare two of the most popular solutions out there – GoToMyPC and RemotePC. Keep reading to learn which software offers better benefits for your particular case.
GoToMyPC vs. RemotePC – Overview
What Is GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC is a software that allows you to connect to remote desktops for file syncing and sharing directly from the software’s web browser. To set up this app on your device, a small server must be installed on your host computer that will communicate with the GoToMyPC broker. The smart remote diagnostic tools specific to this app make it easier to identify issues. There are also advanced security settings, plenty of pricing plans, and a free trial.
What Is RemotePC?
RemotePC, on the other hand, doesn’t require any installations and is compatible with most operating systems. Users can choose between “Always-On Access” for 24/7 computer access or a one-time access, featuring a sharing key. The tool runs with AES-256 encryption which makes it extremely secure. There’s also a free trial as well as a bunch of pricing plans tailored to different user categories.
Features
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC is a perfect tool for businesses. It has an excellent UI that rivals TeamViewer one of the most popular free-to-use personal remote programs. This familiarity and simplicity make file transfer, remote computer access, chat, and invitation sending straightforward. You can even print files from a remote computer that’s locally connected to a printer. Anyone can install this program regardless of their computer skills.
Another great thing about GoToMyPC is its advanced security. The sessions are powerfully encrypted to ensure the data you transfer remains safe.
The basic version of this app includes file access, editing, and deletion. GoToMyPC also a special feature that helps identify issues on a computer by running network configuration and performance testing. RemotePC doesn’t have a counterpart for this diagnostic tool.
There’s also a GoToMyPC pro account that allows central billing features and simplifies user payment management.
Some of the most notable benefits of using GoToMyPC include a user-friendly interface, drag-and-drop file transfer features, Kindle OS support, 24/7 phone support, 128-bit encryption, end-to-end authentication, dual passwords, and full multi-monitor display. There is also a mobile app for added flexibility.
However, some of the disadvantages include a slightly higher cost, frequently reported freezing during large file transfers, and occasional problems with unreliable connections.
RemotePC
RemotePC has a range of features to meet your most diverse needs. Two of the most popular features include remote access and standard screen-sharing. You can manage and transfer just about any file between two devices. The app allows remote connectivity between mobile tablets and desktop computers or easy access to video files on any device.
You can enjoy these features for free. However, some features can vary depending on your payment plan.
Most notable RemotePC advantages include a user-friendly interface, more affordable pricing, and 24/7 live chat support. As far as disadvantages are concerned, this app comes with limited features on the web app and is slow at adding new users.
Compatibility
Both GoToMyPC and RemotePC support the most popular operating systems like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. However, only GoToMyPC offers additional support for iPad OS, Chrome OS, Raspberry Pi, and Fire OS.
Price
GoToMyPC and RemotePC have a range of pricing plans aimed at meeting the organization’s needs. Both platforms offer a free plan for basic screen-sharing and remote-access features, although these are understandably quite limited. All prices indicated below are at the time of writing and may include limited offers and special deals these companies offer for new customers.
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC currently has three pricing plans:
- Personal
- Pro
- Corporate
The Personal plan is meant for one user, it costs $44 per month with a 20% discount on an annual purchase, making it $35 per computer per month.
The Pro plan is made for small teams with the need for admin access to multiple users. The price is $41.50 per month, with a 20% discount for annual purchases resulting in a $33 per month subscription per computer. This plan can be used for teams from two to 50 members. Additional Pro plan features include:
- Administration of Accounts and Users
- Central Billing for Users
- Switch Users Easily
- Monitor Usage
- Comprehensive Reporting
- Remote Deployment
As for the Corporate plan, the price is $28 per computer per month, and it’s available for five or more users. Some features only available at this tier include:
- Single Sign On
- Manage Group Features and Security
- More-than-one Administrator
- Wake on LAN
- In-Session Reboot
RemotePC
RemotePC, on the other hand, has five different pricing plans:
- Two Consumer Plans
- SOHO
- Team
- Enterprise
The first Consumer plan costs $14.62 for the first year and $29.25 for two years. It allows one user license and access to one computer. The second Consumer plan is $29.62 per year or $59.25 for two years. This option offers all the same features other than that it allows access to two computers.
The SOHO plan is $59.62 per year or $119.25 for two years, and allows unlimited user licenses and access to 10 computers. It also allows you to organize and add users, as well as an “Endpoint Cloud Backup”. This plan has additional payment options when you need to access five or up to 25 computers, making it more customizable for small-to-mid companies.
The Team plan costs $224.62 for one and $449.25 for two years and offers access to 50 computers and unlimited user licenses. This plan has a 7-day free trial as well as advanced features such as:
- Active Directory/SSO
- Active Directory Sync
- HelpDesk on-demand support
Finally, the Enterprise plan costs $449.62 per year or $899.25 for two years, and it offers access to 100 computers with unlimited user licenses. Additional features in this plan include:
- Organize Computers into Groups
- Deployment
- Set Roles and Access Permissions for Users
Registration Process
Both GoToMyPC and RemotePC make it simple to register for a new account.
RemotePC
To create a new account on RemotePC, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website.
- Click on the “Sign Up” button in the upper right-hand of the window.
- Go over details around each plan and select the one that works best for you.
- Scroll down and fill in the boxes in the “Account Information” section.
- Fill in the “Billing Information.”
- Agree to the pricing terms by checking the box.
- Hit “Create My Account.”
To start using the tool, you have to configure your computer. You’ll receive a unique name for your computer in your RemotePC account and use it for remote access. You’ll also be asked to come up with a ”Personal Key” that only you will have access to.
You can configure your computer for an ”Always-On Remote Access” feature by following the steps below:
- Log into your RemotePC account using the email and password.
- Hit “Configure Now” on the RemotePC home screen.
- Set the “Computer Name” and “Personal Key.”
- Press “Enable Now.”
With such a simple set-up process, you can get ready to remotely access your computer using the RemotePC application from any mobile device or computer in minutes.
GoToMyPC
To sign up for a new account on GoToMyPC, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website and hit “Buy Now” in the upper right-hand corner.
- Pick between the three plans and press “Buy” under the one that you wish to purchase.
- The system will take you to another screen where you can enter the plan and account details. Customize your plan (change the number of computers) and enter your account information.
- Enter the billing information and hit “Continue.”
Once you create an account on GoToMyPC, the next step is to set up a host computer you can access from any device or another computer:
- Log into your GoToMyPC account.
- Hit “Add This Computer.”
- Press “Install GoToMyPC,” then “Download.”
- Save the file on your computer and click on the newly downloaded icon to begin the installation.
- Enter your GoToMyPC account information.
- Set up a nickname for your computer. You’ll use this nickname when you log in to your GoToMyPC account.
- Create an access code for the host computer. For privacy reasons, it’s better not to use the same code as your account password.
- Click on “Next.”
This is all it takes to connect a host computer to your GoToMyPC account. To access this computer, it must be turned on and connected to the internet. You don’t have to install the GoToMyPC software on your computer to access the host device.
You can connect to your host computer from a remote location by logging into your account and pressing “Connect” next to your host computer’s name.
Why RemotePC Is Better
Both GoToMyPC and RemotePC are stable remote computer access tools with plenty of useful features. However, there are areas where RemotePC is simply better.
For starters, this software offers a more flexible pricing plan. Performance-wise, RemotePC is stronger as it provides near real-time response for most locations as well as robust video conferencing tools for attending and hosting meetings from anywhere. As far as software access, you can use your web browser to run RemotePC, while GoToMyPC requires a software installation. You can also transfer files with a remote computer without having to start a remote session, which is impossible on GoToMyPC.
Overall, RemotePC is easier to administer, set up, and use.
Why GoToMyPC Is Better
GoToMyPC is the only tool of the two that offers quotation-based pricing, which may be more suitable for large enterprises. Also, GoToMyPC provides a monthly subscription plan, which makes it a better option for those who only wish to use the software for a limited amount of time.
GoToMyPC vs. RemotePC Review Wrap Up
If you’re looking for a remote access tool, both GoToMyPC and RemotePC are among the top options for corporate and multi-user platforms and are worth getting into. But which one is a better tool overall?
Previous user experience, available features, and general reviews say that RemotePC has the upper hand due to its simple user interface, better compatibility options, easier remote computer access, video chat support, and mostly better latency. It’s also a bit more scalable than GoToMyPC, making it suited for freelance technicians or support specialists.
What is your experience with GoToMyPC and RemotePC? Which one is better suited to your needs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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