Likelihood to Recommend For a small deployment of macOS, I can see where Apple Remote Desktop could suffice. I can see where a company that is strapped for cash could benefit from a knowledgeable employee using it to automate some tasks. I am not comfortable giving an estimate number-wise. For a large deployment of macOS or iOS, this would be a very inappropriate tool. There are far too many obstacles for an app like Apple Remote Desktop to successfully manage a large fleet of macOS computers or really any number of iOS devices. You simply need an MDM solution in this day and age. This will become increasingly necessary, even in small numbers, but MDM providers have started to provide solutions for customers in these situations.
Read full review It is well suited in cases where your company/organization is looking for a low/no cost remote desktop solution, or is looking for something that can be used by most anyone right away. Most organizations don't want things to be too complex, especially with a remote desktop solution, which is generally not very complex software to begin with. It would be less appropriate in cases where the company/organization has already purchased licensing for a commercial product, and/or has been heavily using a commercial product for some time.
Read full review Pros Automator Actions: This is a very cool feature and cost saving as it reduces human effort by automating the workflow of tasks. Curtain Mode: This lets you block your local user's view of the desktop while performing administrative tasks. Spotlight Search: It can perform lightning fast searches on machines using the spotlight search feature of OS X and thus saves a lot of time. Read full review Unlike Microsoft's Remote Desktop, this program is the same across platforms, which is helpful for users. This program also allows direct control over the desktop (like TeamViewer) and doesn't give you a simulated log on (like Remote Desktop). This is advantageous for seeing exactly what's on the screen but can make it a little laggy. The interface is very nice and clear once it's set up. It's obvious which computer is which and it's just a couple of clicks from opening the program to a connection. The mobile app is also really really well done. Read full review Cons I would like to see more included Unix scrips that can be pushed to clients. Inclusion of a way to remote control or screen share with Windows machines would be useful, as I manage a handful of Windows machines. While this would be possible using VNC on the Windows machines, including the ability to connect using Windows terminal connections would be awesome, for me. Read full review The session can be seen on the screen of the workstation. Could be a privacy issue. It DOESN'T work like traditional RDP, much closer to a screen sharing support session. There is no built in File Transfer. Its not a deal breaker, but definitely an annoyance. Read full review Likelihood to Renew We use it on a daily basis and works well in our environment and could see how other Apple owned organizations would benefit.
Read full review A very easy lightweight tool that is completely scalable and deployed via google admin platform. The tool is free to use and works extremely well with the chrome devices we currently have deployed. Any organization using chrome or google suites should look into this tool as it's much easier to use then other remote software in the market
Read full review Usability The user interface is amazing. You don't have to dig in to look for options. It's not overwhelming and yet a powerful utility.
Read full review I would rarely give a 10 for usability to any tool, but Chrome Remote Desktop doesn't deserves 9 either :) I find all options easy to understand. I don't have to work my brain to understand how things work when using Chrome Remote Desktop.
Read full review Support Rating Apple support is great.
Read full review The only support I ever accessed were help files and web tutorials. I never tried to access personal support, mostly because I don't believe much of it is available. As a free service, my expectations for support are pretty low; that said, Chrome Remote Desktop is easy enough to configure and troubleshoot even with limited technical knowledge.
Read full review Implementation Rating Very quick and easy install with no real issues
Read full review None, its quick and easy
Read full review Alternatives Considered I use
TeamViewer with users who are having trouble connecting to the VPN. I think
TeamViewer is a good alternative when ARD isn't working. However supporting the number of users we support,
TeamViewer can come with a pretty hefty price tag.
Read full review Chrome Remote Desktop seems to be a an easy to use and efficient program. Such as
TeamViewer , however
TeamViewer offers more program features such as able to control a device's function (shutting down, restarting, audio input, cmd etc). With those added program features I believe Chrome Remote Desktop can almost be up to par with
TeamViewer .
Read full review Return on Investment Apple Remote Desktop has a positive return on investment because for the expense to the school, the value it brings to teachers is important. The return on improved student performance is very difficult to measure financially, but there is a definite return. The overall objective of education is to increase student learning, ARD does that phenomenally. Parents see the tool used and are impressed at what the capabilities of the tool can do and how it impacts how active their students are as well as how well they can learn. One negative impact is that teachers rely too much on this tool rather than on actually teaching sometimes. Read full review Using Chrome Remote Desktop, we've saved money on remote desktop software. Using Chrome Remote Desktop, we've saved money by not needing to purchase additional hardware (monitors). Using Chrome Remote Desktop has improved the productivity of my organization by allowing employees to work from anywhere. Read full review ScreenShots