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Apple Remote Desktop is a day saver.
December 09, 2022

Apple Remote Desktop is a day saver.

Brian Cameron | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Apple Remote Desktop

I use it to control Mac remotely. It allows me much more control over Zoom Remote or Microsoft Remote Desktop in automation. We have over 200 Mac laptops and the other remote software falls short. It would be nice to have an all-in-one solution but I do not believe it exists.
  • One off software install
  • Log in as separate user
  • Network discovery of remote machines
  • It is pretty refined. I can't think off hand what I would want changed.
  • The interface is becoming a little dated.
  • The ability to skip the server setting.
  • Makes remote doable if a simple Zoom screen share is not enough.
  • Easy to install a quick needed package.
  • Easy to trigger updates if needed.
Apple Remote Desktop is Apple specific. There is no other software suite that controls the Mac like ARD. Apple built it specifically for Apple products and it has abilities that are definitely MacOS ONLY. If you administer Macs it is a must-have over the other solutions offered on the current market.

Do you think Apple Remote Desktop delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Apple Remote Desktop's feature set?

Yes

Did Apple Remote Desktop live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Apple Remote Desktop go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Apple Remote Desktop again?

Yes

Administering Apple products it is a must. It will work on Windows machines too using VLC protocol but it is not optimum. There is a time and place for a Mac-specific product. There just is not an all-in-one solution. If there was I would definitely try it.

Apple Remote Desktop Feature Ratings

Remote Administration
8.8
Screen sharing
10
File transfer
10
Instant message
10
Secure remote access with Smart Card authentication
Not Rated
Access to sleeping/powered-off computers
5
Over-the-Internet remote session
Not Rated
Initiate remote control from mobile
Not Rated
Remote management of servers & workstations
10
Remote Active Directory® management
Not Rated
Centralized management dashboard
10
Session record
Not Rated
Annotations
Not Rated
Monitoring and Alerts
10
Multi-platform remote control
5

Using Apple Remote Desktop

2 - Both IT admins
2 - Basic IT skills.
  • Remote control when a Zoom share won't work
  • Pushing software in the background
  • Beyond remote control of the machines not much, we use an MDM for most software.
I need it to control the Mac in house.

Evaluating Apple Remote Desktop and Competitors

Yes - Microsoft Remote Desktop because it does not directly support all functions of the MacOS.
  • Product Usability
  • Prior Experience with the Product
I would not.

Apple Remote Desktop Implementation

Apple Remote Desktop Support

Apple support is great.
ProsCons
Quick Resolution
Good followup
Knowledgeable team
Problems get solved
Kept well informed
Immediate help available
Support understands my problem
Support cares about my success
Quick Initial Response
None
It is included with the software subscription.

Using Apple Remote Desktop

If you understand MacOS you will understand this software.
ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Well integrated
Consistent
Convenient
Feel confident using
Familiar
None
  • The network scanning
  • The actual connection to control the machine. It requires more than just a double click.