AnyDesk vs Microsoft Remote Desktop
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business. Last verified June 20, 2026.
The short answer
AnyDesk ranks higher on Top 11 (#5 vs #10) for IT teams and remote workers needing secure remote desktop and support access. Delivers superior speed and fluidity, especially for graphics-heavy tasks, with a lightweight client.
At a glance
| AnyDesk | Microsoft Remote Desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #5 / The 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business | #10 / The 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.4 | 7.4 |
| Best for | Best for high-performance graphics | Best free option for Windows |
| Pricing | $$ ($178 to $754/yr) | Free |
| HQ | Stuttgart, Germany | Redmond, USA |
| Founded | 2014 | 1975 |
AnyDesk
Delivers superior speed and fluidity, especially for graphics-heavy tasks, with a lightweight client.
anydesk.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business
Microsoft Remote Desktop
A free and reliable tool for Windows-to-Windows connections, but lacks advanced management features.
learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/welcome-to-rdsSee full entry in The 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.