AnyDesk

Overview

AnyDesk is a remote desktop application developed by AnyDesk Software GmbH, a company founded in 2014 by former TeamViewer engineers. It is built around a proprietary video codec called DeskRT, which the company designed to minimize latency and bandwidth use for screen sharing over varying network conditions, positioning AnyDesk as a lower-cost, similarly-capable competitor to TeamViewer.

The software follows a freemium model: personal, non-commercial use is free with no time limits, while commercial and professional use requires one of several paid licenses (Solo, Standard, Advanced, or a custom-quoted Ultimate tier for large organizations). Licensing is based on the session initiator rather than the number of devices being connected to, meaning only the person starting a remote session needs a paid seat.

Key Features

• DeskRT codec — Proprietary compression aimed at low latency and smooth frame rates even on constrained connections
• File transfer — Transfer files between local and remote systems during a session
• Remote printing — Print a document from the remote machine to a local printer
• Session recording and logging — Enterprise tiers support recording sessions and logging access for auditing
• Wake-on-LAN — Power on a remote machine that supports Wake-on-LAN before connecting
• Mobile apps — Android and iOS apps for both initiating and receiving remote connections

Use Cases

• IT help desk and remote support — Technicians remotely accessing and troubleshooting end-user machines
• Unattended access — Businesses managing servers or workstations that need always-available remote access
• Cross-platform remote work — Connecting between Windows, macOS, and Linux devices from a single client
• Personal remote access — Individuals connecting to their own home or work computer while away

Who It’s For

AnyDesk is aimed at individuals who want a free tool for personal remote access, and IT teams or businesses willing to pay per-initiator licensing for support tooling, session logging, and vendor support. Organizations or individuals who want to self-host their remote desktop infrastructure or need the client and server code to be open and auditable may prefer RustDesk or Remmina instead.