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HelpWire

Score9.8 out of 10

8 Reviews and Ratings

What is HelpWire?

HelpWire is remote access software for Windows, macOS, and Linux. IT teams and technicians can start sessions by sending a link, so the remote user clicks it and joins without creating an account or entering credentials.

Read more details.

Categories & Use Cases

Media

Screenshot of the HelpWire web interface, showing connected user's workstations with multiple displays and a live chat conversation
Screenshot of the HelpWire Operator application window, with connected workstations and multi-display support
Screenshot of the HelpWire Operator application window, with opened chat side-panel
Screenshot of the HelpWire Client application chat-window

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Screenshot of the HelpWire web interface, showing connected user's workstations with multiple displays and a live chat conversation

Top Performing Features

  • Attended device access

    The quality and reliability of connections to remote devices that are currently attended by an active user.

    Category average: 9

  • Unattended device access

    The quality and reliability of connections to unattended remote devices.

    Category average: 8.5

  • Virtual device access

    The availability, quality, and reliability of remote connections to virtual machines and devices.

    Category average: 8.5

Areas for Improvement

  • Role-based user permissions

    Permissions to perform actions or access or modify data are assigned to roles, which are then assigned to users, reducing complexity of administration.

    Category average: 8.6

  • File transfer

    Securely exchange files with remote computer without having to use email or FTP.

    Category average: 8.8

  • Instant message

    Ability for administrator to communicate via instant message with remote user.

    Category average: 8.6

Cut our reconnect troubleshooting down to almost nothing.

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

As a small team, we use HelpWire to manage Windows and Mac computers along with a few Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, and 22.04 workstations for one of our clients. We use it for daily troubleshooting, maintenance, and follow-up as needed. Since switching, we've spent far less time dealing with broken connections and reconnecting to client machines.

Pros

  • Stable sessions with far fewer disconnects than our previous tool.
  • Link-based connections let our clients join without creating an account.
  • Unattended access works well for maintenance stuff.
  • Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux which is all we deal with.

Cons

  • No mobile version yet.
  • Session history and reporting could be more detailed.

Return on Investment

  • Because it's been free with the features we need, we didn't have to add another software expense.

Usability

Alternatives Considered

Splashtop

Im really happy to have found HelpWire

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I'm a freelance tech specialist and A companay Account Manager providing support to several small businesses, helping clients with remote setup, installation, and software configuration on both Windows and Mac systems. Since most of my clients don't have a tech background, it's important for me to use remote desktop software that's easy to set up and doesn't involve complex connection steps. HelpWire has been the perfect choice for this. I can now quickly offer remote support without confusion, saving time and frustration for both me and my clients, all I need to do is send them a link

Pros

  • Available for every budget, as it free for commercial use, so I can save my expenses
  • Simple initiation of sessions, easy to explain to my clients how to use the app
  • Handy file transfer option, so I can copy and paste the necessary files

Cons

  • Lack of mobile support: sometimes it would be handier for me to assist from my phone
  • No screen recording feature

Return on Investment

  • Available for every budget, as it free for commercial use, so I can save my expenses
  • Simple initiation of sessions, easy to explain to my clients how to use the app

Usability

Other Software Used

AnyDesk, HelpWire

Would recommend for working on projects without having to leave my house

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I’m a freelance designer working from home, but sometimes I need to access my iMac at the office to finish tasks. HelpWire makes this easy by letting me connect to my office desktop remotely. It helps me use the software and files I need without making extra trips to the office and helps to meet deadlines.

Pros

  • easy to use
  • love the file transfer feature, it’s quick and saves me from using cloud storage
  • the multiple-display support is also great for working on design projects
  • unattended access is a top feature for my needs

Cons

  • sometimes there’s a bit of lag when I’m working with high-resolution files or videos, which can be frustrating

Return on Investment

  • a handy tool to simplify my work that I can use for free
  • Using HelpWire has made me more productive because I can focus on solving problems here and now, rather than wasting time on long explanations.

Usability

Alternatives Considered

TeamViewer and Splashtop

Other Software Used

Figma, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator CC, Adobe After Effects

HelpWire Review

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use HelpWire for training new employees and fixing software issues. When a new hire joins, I can easily access their computer to help them set up their development environment and answer questions right away. It’s also a great tool for troubleshooting. If someone has a problem, I can log in to their computer, see what’s wrong, and help them fix it. HelpWire makes this process quicker and easier.

Pros

  • Intuitive design and straightforward navigation
  • Easy setup and fast connection
  • Chat for better communication

Cons

  • Unattended access would be nice to add
  • Mobile support is also would be great

Return on Investment

  • Really easy to set up and access, and the intuitive process means I don’t need to spend a lot of time explaining how to use it
  • The cross-platform compatibility is also a huge plus; I can connect seamlessly between Mac, Windows, and Linux devices, which makes assisting my team much simpler.
  • With less time spent on connecting, I can focus more on solving problems efficiently, leading to increased productivity overall.

Usability

Alternatives Considered

TeamViewer, AnyDesk and Splashtop

Other Software Used

Microsoft Teams

My New Go-To for Remote Support

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Let me tell you, as a freelance tech writer, juggling projects and deadlines can feel like a constant juggling act. Travel time for on-site client visits used to eat into my precious writing hours. Plus, explaining complex software downloads to non-technical clients could be a recipe for frustration. Then I discovered HelpWire, HelpWire's one-click connection eliminates the need for complicated remote access setups and confusing software downloads for clients. It's a win-win, saving me time and reducing client frustration, allowing me to jump straight into providing the remote support they need.

Pros

  • Crystal Clear Screen Sharing for Precise Guidance
  • Effortless File Transfer for Seamless Integration
  • Seamless Chat for Clear Communication
  • One-Click Connection is a Time-Saving Hero

Cons

  • Limited Features Compared to Paid Options: As a free software, HelpWire delivers impressive core functionality. However, it might lack some advanced features found in paid remote desktop software. These could include things like: 1. Unattended Access,
  • Advanced User Management: For larger teams or organizations, more granular user management controls might be desired. This could allow for assigning different access levels or permissions to different users within the organization.

Return on Investment

  • Increased Client Satisfaction and Retention: Prior to HelpWire, troubleshooting client issues often involved frustrating remote access setups or travel time for on-site visits. HelpWire's one-click connection process and clear screen sharing have significantly improved the client experience. Issues are resolved faster, communication is smoother, and clients feel more confident in the support they receive. This has translated to a noticeable increase in client satisfaction and retention. In fact, I've been able to secure several repeat projects specifically because of the efficiency and positive experience HelpWire provides for remote support.
  • Faster Project Completion and Increased Throughput: With HelpWire, troubleshooting and collaborating with clients remotely takes a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Those saved hours add up significantly. I can now complete projects faster, take on more clients, and ultimately grow my freelance business. For example, since using HelpWire, I've been able to increase my project output by roughly 20%, allowing me to take on 2 additional clients per month.
  • Reduced Operational Costs: Travel expenses for on-site client visits used to be a significant cost factor. HelpWire eliminates this expense entirely. Additionally, the free tier of HelpWire offers all the core functionality I need, which keeps my software costs low. This translates to a higher profit margin per project, allowing me to reinvest in my business or provide more competitive rates to attract new clients. Overall, HelpWire has helped me streamline my operations, reduce costs, and ultimately increase my profitability.

Alternatives Considered

TeamViewer