Chrome Remote Desktop vs. Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Chrome Remote Desktop
Score 7.2 out of 10
N/A
Chrome Remote Desktop from Google is a cross-platform remote administration and remote desktop tool that requires the Chrome browser and an extension. It is free to use.
$0
RDCMan
Score 7.1 out of 10
N/A
RDCMan, or Remote Desktop Connection Manager from Microsoft, is a utility for managing multiple remote desktop connections. Once shut down due to a vulnerability in version 2.7, RDCMan is now updated and part of the Sysinternals family of tools. The 2.8 release fixes CVE-2020-0765, the XML parsing vulnerability. As of May, 2025, RDCMan is in version 3.1.
$0
Pricing
Chrome Remote DesktopMicrosoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Chrome Remote DesktopRDCMan
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Chrome Remote DesktopMicrosoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
Considered Both Products
Chrome Remote Desktop

No answer on this topic

RDCMan
Chose Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
We haven't needed to test or compare any other Remote Desktop Management solution, as Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) works so well, and does most everything we need it to do. There is also the benefit that it is both a Microsoft product (which has good …
Features
Chrome Remote DesktopMicrosoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
Remote Administration
Comparison of Remote Administration features of Product A and Product B
Chrome Remote Desktop
8.0
19 Ratings
0% above category average
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
6.4
6 Ratings
22% below category average
Screen sharing6.018 Ratings7.04 Ratings
File transfer7.010 Ratings5.36 Ratings
Instant message7.06 Ratings1.02 Ratings
Secure remote access with Smart Card authentication9.03 Ratings5.03 Ratings
Access to sleeping/powered-off computers7.08 Ratings9.03 Ratings
Over-the-Internet remote session8.019 Ratings7.55 Ratings
Initiate remote control from mobile8.016 Ratings5.04 Ratings
Remote management of servers & workstations8.017 Ratings9.36 Ratings
Remote Active Directory® management9.04 Ratings7.34 Ratings
Centralized management dashboard9.08 Ratings8.03 Ratings
Session record9.05 Ratings5.03 Ratings
Annotations9.04 Ratings4.03 Ratings
Monitoring and Alerts9.04 Ratings7.74 Ratings
Multi-platform remote control7.013 Ratings8.04 Ratings
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Score 9.4 out of 10
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User Ratings
Chrome Remote DesktopMicrosoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
Likelihood to Recommend
8.5
(19 ratings)
8.0
(6 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
7.0
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.0
(5 ratings)
7.7
(3 ratings)
Support Rating
3.8
(7 ratings)
8.3
(2 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Chrome Remote DesktopMicrosoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
Likelihood to Recommend
Google
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.
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Microsoft
As a IT specialist we have some servers we need acces to. I like to use Remote Desktop Connection Manager because it feel like you are on the computer. Is feel very trusted. Some colleagues use the Azure remote desktop version but I always recommend the windows integrated option. We also have our primary business application running on a server so they use a remote desktop connection too to log on to the server.
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Pros
Google
  • 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.
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Microsoft
  • I can see previews of all the machines working at the same time.
  • Having all password in one place.
  • Organization of devices based on purpose, configuration, etc.
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Cons
Google
  • More fluid video rendering. Does a good job, but could use a more consistent framerate at times.
  • A way to easier switch between multiple monitors.
  • Adding an ability to zoom for multi-monitor display. Sometimes on a single screen it can get difficult to read if trying to view them all.
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Microsoft
  • When trying to connect to a server/machine, and it doesn't connect, there is a "Disconnected" message that is displayed in the thumbnail. There is no information beyond this that explains why the server/machine did/could not connect. It would be helpful to the IT Administrator to know this information, even if Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) kept a log somewhere where this information can be analyzed.
  • There doesn't seem to be an option for connecting to a server that is usually only able to be accessed from a jump server. This will not connect if the server is set up as a server/machine within RDCman. This would be a beneficial feature to have within RDCman. Maybe one of the missing options is to be able to set this in the prospects for the jump server (within the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) window).
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Likelihood to Renew
Google
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
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Microsoft
No answers on this topic
Usability
Google
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.
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Microsoft
As alluded to in previous responses it is a very functional tool. It allows me to do my job quickly and efficiently every single day. There are little to no issues using the connection on a day to day basis. It handles everything you need from a remote connection perspective.
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Support Rating
Google
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.
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Microsoft
Plenty of information and support online, and with many things it's pretty straight forward for the average tech to navigate and work with. But with most things online you're not the only person that's had the issue before, and using a search engine you should be able to figure it out.
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Implementation Rating
Google
None, its quick and easy
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Microsoft
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Google
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.
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Microsoft
RDCMan outshines TeamViewer in every possible way. It’s fast, more reliable, and easier to use. I have had frequent crashes and issues when using TeamViewer, while none with RDCMan. Screen responsiveness also seems much better with RDCMan versus TeamViewer. I would often experience lag issues when using TeamViewer.
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Return on Investment
Google
  • 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.
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Microsoft
  • its less time consuming for IT engineers because they have everything on one please
  • less FTE for the tasks
  • Lack of MFA option
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ScreenShots

Chrome Remote Desktop Screenshots

Screenshot of the option to share a screen or access another computer in Chrome Remote Desktop.Screenshot of the screen to setup a remote connection.

RDCMan Screenshots

Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.22Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.22Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.81