Apple Remote Desktop vs. Remote Desktop Manager vs. TeamViewer

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Apple Remote Desktop
Score 7.2 out of 10
N/A
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), from Apple, is a remote administration tool for managing Apple computers running OS X across a network.
$79.99
one-time fee
Remote Desktop Manager
Score 9.5 out of 10
Mid-Size Companies (51-1,000 employees)
Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) from Canadian software company Devolutions is a remote administration and credential management tool for securely centralizing multiple remote connections and sensitive data.
$20
per month per user
TeamViewer
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
TeamViewer provides software for both remote management and online collaborations. With TeamViewer, users have access to fully integrated online conference solutions for audio and video communication, including interactive screen sharing and remote access features.
$299
per year
Pricing
Apple Remote DesktopRemote Desktop ManagerTeamViewer
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Team Remote Access Management
$20
per month per user
Starter
$25
per month per user, up to 5 users
Team Remote Connection Management
$30
per month per user
Team Privileged Access Management
$50
per month per user
Enterprise
Contact Sales
Unlimited Users, Multiple Sites, Worldwide
Platinum
Contact Sales
Unlimited Users, Multiple Sites, Worldwide
Remote Access
$24.90
per month (billed annually) 1 Licensed User
Business
$50.90
per month (billed annually) 1 Licensed User
Premium
$102.90
per month (billed annually) 15 Licensed Users
Corporate
$206.90
per month (billed annually) 30 Licensed Users
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Apple Remote DesktopRemote Desktop ManagerTeamViewer
Free Trial
NoYesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoYesYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNoYes
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeOptional
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Apple Remote DesktopRemote Desktop ManagerTeamViewer
Considered Multiple Products
Apple Remote Desktop
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
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.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
For multi-site remote support we utilize TeamViewer and for enterprise-wide device management we are using Cisco Meraki System Manager. ARD is a great Mac tool, but there are many options out there, that are cloud-based, that don't require you to have network tunnels into your …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I think that the one feature that sets ARD apart is the UI when in a remote session. There have been times where I've used Zoom, TeamViewer, etc. and couldn't access a part of the menu bar or accidentally closed a session due to the third-party UI that's been applied on the …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop still requires more work on its functionality, but the other market giants are way ahead of it when it comes to utilities and services. TeamViewer was the first software that we used and it was so good, we wanted to try something else so we switched to …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is far simpler than TeamViewer, especially for MacOSX. With Apple Remote Desktop native within OSX, it is simple and easy to use, and can be used with other Mac users with ease. I selected it because it has a much simpler design and is already integrated …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is a good product when you have a need to manage Apple computers on-site and don't want a cloud solution with a recurring cost. We prefer it as an alternative or secondary solution in case your primary software has issues. I wouldn't use it as my only …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
For apple/mac products - hands down has the upper advantage when it comes to remote administration. It lacks in some areas that Datto and Kasyea have the upper hand on like some system monitoring. Overall, if I had multiple macs I needed to monitor and service, I would use …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is cross-platform but lacks the cool features especially automation related features like Apple Remote Desktop does. For supporting Mac computers, Apple Remote Desktop was a clear choice.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I would feel much more comfortable having one of these alternative solutions as our Remote Desktop management tools. Each has their drawbacks and expenses associated with them, but we simply have too large of a deployment to not be considering alternatives. If it is the only …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
I have used the above two remote desktop services and have found it to be much harder than using the Apple Remote Desktop. They are slow to login with a lot of errors, time outs constantly, and interface its self moves incredibly slow. I felt a sense of relief when I started …
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
No other product does remote desktop management of multiple Macs as good as ARD does, some come close, some have less features.
Chose Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop provides a different level of support than programs listed above. Its a nice support tool built in the OS.
Remote Desktop Manager
Chose Remote Desktop Manager
  1. The types of sessions. You are not limited to just RDP sessions, you can do SSH, Web Browser, iLO, or really any session you can imagine that you might use to connect to a remote service
  2. The extensions, add-ons, and features of RDM. You simply can do a lot more.
  3. Automation - …
Chose Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager was the best product and most useful when compared to the others we used/tested. There are so many more features available within the product, as well as a low entry point from a cost perspective. None of the other products met our needs fully.
Chose Remote Desktop Manager
We chose Remote Desktop Manager because it is a full solution to run multiple endpoints in different technology
Chose Remote Desktop Manager
Selected Remote Desktop Manager for the saved VPN capabilities as I use multiple VPN clients and passwords.
Chose Remote Desktop Manager
No other product work as good as Remote Desktop Manager when using more than one type of session (SSH, VNC, TV, etc), for more than one employee. Trying to share a Database with the other product is crazy, you will spend more time "working around" than doing your Jobs. You may …
TeamViewer
Chose TeamViewer
I use both. ARD handles many scenarios which TeamViewer does not. But, TeamViewer can be installed 'on the fly' and solves many user issues quickly. I also work withWebEx and Logmein. Webex especially has lots of issues that affect basic usability that are not issues in …
Chose TeamViewer
In general, TeamViewer is positioned better for cross-platform support, and it is most common on enterprise infrastructure machines. It integrates easily and offers a level of security. Also, access is possible to users who are not admins, unlike AnyDesk, which allows us to …
Chose TeamViewer
Easier access faster than some of the others. We love the mobile feature where you can use the app to connect when on the road. Also it has the ability to access cell phones as well, which many times helps us help a client with their iphones. Great feature. There have been …
Chose TeamViewer
After discovering the options that we had we decided to go with TeamViewer since we thought it would fit better our needs and we thought it was more trustworthy due to many yrs in the market. We checked the reviews of other users online and we read good things about this …
Chose TeamViewer
Having a unified experience across operating systems and versions of operating systems has been helpful.
Chose TeamViewer
AnyDesk is good if you use only Windows machine, but since we use a hybrid OS environment we find TeamViewer works well as it is super easy to setup and deploy the tool on any machines. We also like the way TeamViewer works. Also with Microsoft Teams, it is not that easy to …
Chose TeamViewer
We still use AnyDesk also. TeamViewer (which is more expensive) has far more features, and is more user friendly.

The prices of TeamViewer have increased by quitte a lot. However, you can still see improvements in both the client as in the management interface.
Chose TeamViewer
TeamViewer has been widely used in the market since 2005, and it is the most popular remote control software. Its pricing plans are suitable for small to large enterprises. The software can be used for meetings and files transfer. It can also be used freely for non commercial …
Chose TeamViewer
Honestly, we use both products, but for those instances where we do not have a VPN tunnel to our remote sites or datacenters, TeamViewer is a great option for remote access. The product offering is well developed, mature, and had a large host of features that makes it a program …
Chose TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a popular professional choice for remote management for external service providers and for getting team members in different locations together for online meetings. Market leader, TeamViewer, also has its limitations: especially in terms of security and image …
Chose TeamViewer
All platforms and products are similar and each have their strengths and weaknesses so it is hard to generalize given that everyone's needs are different, but TeamViewer has proven to us to be not only versatile, easy to deploy and have a small foot print but also very secure …
Chose TeamViewer
Team Viewer is one of the easiest and most powerful products that I have used for remote support, particularly the unattended support element to remotely access a machine without an end user. It is a market leader for a reason, it does what you need and so really it sells …
Chose TeamViewer
The speed connection of TeamViewer is only comparable with Windows Remote Desktop Connection, but we can only use RDC with fixed IPs, also it is the most consistent tool for wake-on-LAN tasks.
Chose TeamViewer
Bomgar remote support handles Windows UAC prompts in a far better manner than TeamViewer. The remote user is able to input their administrative username and password at any time required within the session, without needing to disclose this to you.
Chose TeamViewer
The basic functionality makes it at the top of the list. Without even purchasing an enterprise license this is an out of the box Technology tool!
Chose TeamViewer
[We selected the it because] TeamViewer works well with Ubuntu. Struggles with Windows in my opinion.
Chose TeamViewer
Teamviewer does very well against its competition with ease of use, and ability to manage many clients.
Features
Apple Remote DesktopRemote Desktop ManagerTeamViewer
Remote Administration
Comparison of Remote Administration features of Product A and Product B
Apple Remote Desktop
6.7
28 Ratings
16% below category average
Remote Desktop Manager
9.1
54 Ratings
14% above category average
TeamViewer
8.6
540 Ratings
3% above category average
Screen sharing8.028 Ratings10.026 Ratings00 Ratings
File transfer8.027 Ratings9.836 Ratings8.8508 Ratings
Instant message7.323 Ratings9.01 Ratings8.6468 Ratings
Secure remote access with Smart Card authentication5.04 Ratings8.119 Ratings00 Ratings
Access to sleeping/powered-off computers8.621 Ratings8.75 Ratings7.3359 Ratings
Over-the-Internet remote session7.322 Ratings9.146 Ratings00 Ratings
Initiate remote control from mobile4.07 Ratings7.527 Ratings00 Ratings
Remote management of servers & workstations8.123 Ratings10.051 Ratings00 Ratings
Remote Active Directory® management7.08 Ratings8.524 Ratings00 Ratings
Centralized management dashboard5.818 Ratings9.743 Ratings00 Ratings
Session record7.211 Ratings9.123 Ratings8.3367 Ratings
Annotations3.17 Ratings10.026 Ratings7.9132 Ratings
Monitoring and Alerts5.814 Ratings8.218 Ratings00 Ratings
Multi-platform remote control9.08 Ratings9.843 Ratings00 Ratings
Security
Comparison of Security features of Product A and Product B
Apple Remote Desktop
-
Ratings
Remote Desktop Manager
-
Ratings
TeamViewer
8.6
54 Ratings
2% above category average
Role-based user permissions00 Ratings00 Ratings8.654 Ratings
Platform & Infrastructure
Comparison of Platform & Infrastructure features of Product A and Product B
Apple Remote Desktop
-
Ratings
Remote Desktop Manager
-
Ratings
TeamViewer
8.0
40 Ratings
2% above category average
Third-party software integrations00 Ratings00 Ratings8.040 Ratings
Remote Access
Comparison of Remote Access features of Product A and Product B
Apple Remote Desktop
-
Ratings
Remote Desktop Manager
-
Ratings
TeamViewer
8.3
65 Ratings
6% above category average
Attended device access00 Ratings00 Ratings9.164 Ratings
Unattended device access00 Ratings00 Ratings8.460 Ratings
Mobile device access00 Ratings00 Ratings7.757 Ratings
Virtual device access00 Ratings00 Ratings8.354 Ratings
Multiple-display support00 Ratings00 Ratings8.355 Ratings
Multiple concurrent sessions00 Ratings00 Ratings8.354 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Apple Remote DesktopRemote Desktop ManagerTeamViewer
Small Businesses
Getscreen.me
Getscreen.me
Score 9.6 out of 10
Getscreen.me
Getscreen.me
Score 9.6 out of 10
Getscreen.me
Getscreen.me
Score 9.6 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager
Score 9.5 out of 10
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
Score 9.1 out of 10
Action1
Action1
Score 9.5 out of 10
Enterprises
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager
Score 9.5 out of 10
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
Score 9.1 out of 10
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager
Score 9.5 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Apple Remote DesktopRemote Desktop ManagerTeamViewer
Likelihood to Recommend
6.0
(26 ratings)
9.7
(54 ratings)
8.7
(557 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.0
(4 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
10.0
(64 ratings)
Usability
8.0
(5 ratings)
9.8
(12 ratings)
9.1
(57 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(5 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(5 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(4 ratings)
9.0
(7 ratings)
9.6
(50 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(3 ratings)
9.1
(1 ratings)
8.9
(119 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(5 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(5 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
8.5
(5 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(5 ratings)
User Testimonials
Apple Remote DesktopRemote Desktop ManagerTeamViewer
Likelihood to Recommend
Apple
I would rate this higher if I was confident that Apple is continuing to develop this utility. It has only received minor updates for quite a long time, and is not featured much in any of Apple's online material. It really is a useful utility, but it is starting to show its age and is fraying a bit around the edges in some respects. It could be very useful when integrated with the various MDM solutions (in our case, Jamf Pro) especially when an engineer needs to force something immediately and can't wait for a check-in, and also can't depend on the end user being able to (for instance) do a sudo jamf policy or sudo jamf recon.
Read full review
Devolutions
If you have lots of servers to manage, lots of credentials, different protocols, documents, other files, and need a single tool to manage it, this is the tool. Active Directory integrated, user and groups permissions, audit everything, keep data in encrypted files or in a database, customize everything, even the installer,
Read full review
TeamViewer
I think it works well for IT management and help desk support of end users. I find it very useful to help users and send files to their desktop. Remote Workers still run into some problems with MFA and updates, both to the TV Host app and OS updates. However, it does give us secure direct access without the need of a VPN.
Read full review
Pros
Apple
  • 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
Devolutions
  • Customer service delivery, whereby you can connect to clients to assist and resolve an incident.
  • Working from home logging onto office based machine.
  • It helps to attend to a problem more quickly, thereby saving the cost of relocation and commuting to distant places.
  • Speed and cost elements are critical here.
Read full review
TeamViewer
  • It is secure and eliminates the need for VPN for remote users.
  • It offers a 2FA to insure that security is strong for our system.
  • Can save time with file transfer syncs for labels, batches and other files.
  • It supports multi device and cross platform usage within our warehouse.
Read full review
Cons
Apple
  • 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
Devolutions
  • Occasionally there is a UI bug where the sidebar goes missing and you have to delete some files in %localappdata% to bring it back
  • Would be great if it could also connect to serverless SQL instances like Azure SQL
  • If computer sleeps and wakes with Remote Desktop Manager open it will comtimes ask you to re-login for no reason - as when you close and reopen Remote Desktop Manager it works
Read full review
TeamViewer
  • With an iPad, you can't take control of the device, so you have to tell someone what to do. Which can be a challenge because the end user doesn't know what to do
  • With the free version of TeamViewer you cant enter Admin credentials because TeamViewer blocks the windows to fill in the credentials
  • The free version can be really limited which can be putting off people because they don't see the full potential of TeamViewer
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Apple
It is a fairly unique tool in the level of integration it has with Apple Desktop products. It definitely needs some engineering attention, and it should be expanded to the iOS arena. It is not perfect, but it is very useful and fills an otherwise fairly empty niche in the support toolkit realm. The built-in screen sharing app in macOS handles the direct screen control or viewing function fairly well, but it does not have all of the other mass control features that Apple Remote Desktop supplies.
Read full review
Devolutions
I've been using RDM for about 10 years now. I started with the free version, which I used for a few years, and eventually switched to the Enterprise version. I can never go back now! I use this tool for everything and cannot see doing my job without it! Whenever we have someone new come in or bring in a vendor/contractor, they always ask me what RDP tool I'm using. Once I explain about it's features and all, they're usually instantly sold on it. :)
Read full review
TeamViewer
We need this tool in our day to day business. It is what we do all day remoting into clients devices. In this day and age we can access devices all over the world as long as we have secure internet connection. It certainly saves money in gas, and even if you are away you can help.
Read full review
Usability
Apple
It can be more usable, and if you are not in the Apple ecosystem, most likely you haven't even heard of it. Does it need improvements? Absolutely. Will it get improved? Most likely not. I believe this app is just part of the system app, which is nice to have, but any user will most likely choose some other option from the available apps.
Read full review
Devolutions
Due to the way our business works, the use of Remote Desktop Manager is limited to the IT staff. For that reason have given it a rating of 8, but only a limited number of employees benefit from this solution as the bulk of our consultants that support customers can not benefit from this solution due to security mandated separation between internal and external systems
Read full review
TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a reliable and really strong tool for accessing remote IT platforms secure and fast. We don't know any product that provide us such strong functionality to make our life as a internationally recognized MES provider with DIAMES with an international clientele so easy. We look forward for any new TeamViewer functionality that supports us even more.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
Apple
No answers on this topic
Devolutions
No answers on this topic
TeamViewer
Always available if setup correctly.
Read full review
Performance
Apple
No answers on this topic
Devolutions
No answers on this topic
TeamViewer
The application is built on VNC which is a very stable technology.
Read full review
Support Rating
Apple
When i have needed support it was for Hardware not the software itself
Read full review
Devolutions
I've never had to use support as I've never had an issue. That said, you can open a support ticket right from the UI. The user forums are active, and there are thousands of threads covering many topics. Very easy to get support if needed. This is an easy ten.
Read full review
TeamViewer
the few times i have had to contact teamviewer support, they were very responsive and give me quick answers and seemed to understand my problems quickly and easily. I did not have to sit on the phone for hours on hold or get passed around to multiple phone support techs before finding a solution to my issues, so i would rate their support very highly.
Read full review
In-Person Training
Apple
No answers on this topic
Devolutions
No answers on this topic
TeamViewer
As expected without any problem! Alternate in-person training is another efficient way to learn how a product works. There are many third party supporters for TeamViewer courses available that can give additional ideas how to use TeamViewer for specific functions and features as we did require in respect of our usage.
Read full review
Online Training
Apple
No answers on this topic
Devolutions
No answers on this topic
TeamViewer
I have never used the online training either. I have watched a few informational videos that were helpful when learning how to do a specific procedure within TeamViewer and get the most out of the software by utilizing one of the many features that are available with the software. Again, 5 if for neutral.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
Apple
Very quick and easy install with no real issues
Read full review
Devolutions
The implementation was completely successful. We had no issues!
Read full review
TeamViewer
TeamViewer installation and deployment to other devices is pretty straightforward and does not require much technical know-how. This makes ease of use attractive when supporting both new and existing clients with limited technical knowledge. I think ease of use is a huge factor in getting new clients. TeamViewer handles that extremely well.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
Apple
I would feel much more comfortable having one of these alternative solutions as our Remote Desktop management tools. Each has their drawbacks and expenses associated with them, but we simply have too large of a deployment to not be considering alternatives. If it is the only solution you can afford, it is OK to start here. I could see where this would have a return on investment, but it is really only suitable for a very small and localized scale. If employees are at all mobile, the duct taping of products necessary (VPN, distribution points, script repositories) would be very cumbersome.
Read full review
Devolutions
VisionApp is not in the list. This is the application we used before we got introduced to RDM. VisionApp was great but it did not have the same features as RDM did. Perhaps VisionApp has had some updates but we haven't found any reason to switch applications again
Read full review
TeamViewer
TeamViewer's cost is much lower than that of other solutions, and its security is far superior to RemotePC's. TeamViewer is also a request-based remote session manager, unlike other software that allows indefinite connection time. TeamViewer's free version makes it even better for one end of the group to find support, while the other end has the paid version.
Read full review
Scalability
Apple
No answers on this topic
Devolutions
No answers on this topic
TeamViewer
Stay up working. Easy to connect and disconnect. easy way to transfer files to another desktop
Read full review
Return on Investment
Apple
  • 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
Devolutions
  • A common place for storage for all users. Instead of employees using multiple different password management systems, they all use Remote Desktop Manager to store them now.
  • We don't have to buy licenses from multiple vendors when everyone uses Remote Desktop Manager.
Read full review
TeamViewer
It took about 3 months.
  • Customer Support of our business has become more interactive with customers, leading to faster resolution of their problems.
  • Remotely accessing devices in our office allows employees to stay productive while working from home.
  • TeamViewer helps us to collaborate with other firms for projects we're doing.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Remote Desktop Manager Screenshots

Screenshot of the interface to manage remote connections.Screenshot of where entries can be customized.Screenshot of the interface for password analysis and policy enforcement.Screenshot of a user working with multiple connections at the same time.Screenshot of auditable activity, with customizable reports and logs.

TeamViewer Screenshots

Screenshot of how TeamViewer lets users connect to devices and provide remote support.Screenshot of AI, automation and remediation.Screenshot of the interface to monitor and manage devices proactively.Screenshot of some of TeamViewer's integrations.