Microsoft Remote Desktop vs Chrome Remote Desktop: Best Remote Access Tools for MSPs
Tools like Microsoft Remote Desktop vs Chrome Remote Desktop can be beneficial when physical server access is impossible. These tools allow you to manage servers and client systems regardless of location, making them essential to MSPs.
Table of Contents
- In this article you will learn:
- Overview of Microsoft and Chrome Remote Desktop utilities for MSPs.
- Comparison of key features, security, and performance of both tools.
- Guidance on choosing the right remote desktop tool based on client needs.
What is a Remote Desktop Utility?
A remote desktop utility lets users connect to a remote server or computer using its IP address and port numbers. Once connected, the user can interact with the remote system as if they were physically present.
These tools are essential for MSPs to manage client servers, provide support, and ensure that IT infrastructure runs smoothly.
Why Use Microsoft or Chrome Remote Desktop?
Given today’s abundance of remote access solutions, it is natural to ask why one should consider using Microsoft Remote Desktop or Chrome Remote Desktop instead of other effective instruments like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
Chrome Remote Desktop vs Microsoft Remote Desktop are the most effective because one is included with the Windows environment, while the Chrome plugin is simple, partially embedded, and does not require a full installation.
These tools efficiently deliver remote assistance without extra licenses for MSPs with many clients across various platforms.
Comparison of Microsoft Remote Desktop vs Chrome Remote Desktop
To help MSPs make an informed decision, here’s a direct comparison of the key features of both tools:
| Feature | Microsoft Remote Desktop | Chrome Remote Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (included with Windows) | Free |
| Cross-Platform Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Offline Access | Yes (with prior configuration) | No |
| Security | Windows authentication, SSL/TLS encryption | Google 2FA, HTTPS encryption |
| Ease of Use | Requires more configuration | Simple setup, requires Chrome browser and Google account |
| Advanced Features | Multi-monitor support, audio/webcam redirection, Wake-on-LAN | Basic functionality, lacks advanced features |
| Wake-on-LAN Support | Yes | No |
| Port Requirements | Requires open port 3389, best used with VPN/SSL gateway | No open ports needed, Google handles connection |
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions: RDP Vs RDC
Let us first debunk a myth regarding the topic before undertaking a comparison. Some people employ RDP and RDC as synonyms, while they are two different things, though closely related. Nonetheless, it’s essential to understand that when people say collaborative systems can benefit the network, they refer to different things.
- RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol): Microsoft uses this setup tool for its remote desktop application, which establishes and manages connections.
- RDC (Remote Desktop Connection): Refers to the software application that operates on the RDP protocol to interface with the remote system.
On the other hand, Chrome Remote Desktop uses Google’s protocol to handle connections. It is also secure but has a different working model from RDP.
The Benefits of Remote Desktop Applications for MSPs
01 - Cost-Effective IT Management
One thing that makes both Microsoft Remote Desktop vs Chrome Remote Desktop great is that both programs are free. This indicates that MSPs can substantially reduce their overhead expenses depending on the situation where they are dealing with multiple clients. There is no license fee, which makes it easy for small and medium-sized companies to afford them.
02 - 24/7 Access
An MSP must be allowed to access the client systems at any time to solve problems or run maintenance. Microsoft and Chrome Remote Desktop provide MSPs with constant access to remote systems availability so that there is a quick reaction to IT emergencies and minimum client downtime.
03 - Cross-Platform Compatibility
CRD stands out in cross-platform compatibility by allowing users to connect desktops with a remote Chrome browser. It also operates smoothly on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
It is beneficial for MSPs who deal with a very complex IT setting. Microsoft Remote Desktop is a little more Windows-focused but does support MacOS and mobile devices.
04 - Multiple Connections Within a Session
For MSPs managing multiple servers or client systems, establishing multiple connections within a single session is crucial. Microsoft and Chrome Remote Desktop allow users to do this, making it easier to switch between different systems without disconnecting and reconnecting repeatedly.
05 - Integrated Features
Microsoft Remote Desktop offers advanced features such as support for multiple monitors, audio redirection, and even webcam integration. These features are handy for MSPs who need to conduct remote presentations, training sessions, or collaboration with clients. Chrome Remote Desktop, while more basic, is incredibly easy to set up and use, requiring just a Google account and Chrome browser.
Security Considerations
Security is of utmost importance to MSPs, which both Microsoft Remote Desktop vs Remote Desktop offer.
01 Authentication and Encryption
Microsoft Remote Desktop works with Windows authentication, which means that ISSPs or MSPs looking after multiple enterprise clients can easily integrate this software with Active Directory. It employs RDP, which includes support for network-level Authentication (NLA) and SSL/TLS encryption over extra layers.
Secondly, the Chrome Remote Desktop comes with a Google account login to ensure the account has extra security measures, including 2FA. It also uses HTTPS for all sessions so that the data transferred between the client and the remote system does not have to cross the internet unencrypted.
02 Port Security
Indeed, one main drawback when using Microsoft Remote Desktop is opening RDP port 3389. If you put this port on the Internet, you must adequately protect it to avoid hackers using it. The MSP should have a VPN or SSL gateway for the RPD connection to manage this risk.
Chrome Remote Desktop does not use open ports as Google sets up the connection, making it more secure. Chrome Remote Desktop can be a significant boon to MSPs who want to avoid trading their clients’ exposure to certain risks.
03 Wake-on-LAN Support
Among the additional features provided by Microsoft Remote Desktop, one might distinguish Wake-on-LAN capability so that MSPs can turn on sleeping systems.
Wake-on-LAN is beneficial, especially when systems require use after or before business hours. Ironically, Chrome Remote Desktop does not support file transfer; this might be a negative that can be a deal-breaker for some MSPs.
Performance and Latency
Performance is another crucial factor for MSPs, especially when accessing systems over long distances or under heavy network traffic.
01 Latency Issues
Both Microsoft and Chrome Remote Desktop can experience latency issues, mainly if the remote system is under heavy load or the network is congested.
Factors such as limited bandwidth, physical distance, and network infrastructure quality can all impact the responsiveness of remote sessions.
02 Resource Management
MSPs need to be mindful of the resources required by these tools. Microsoft Remote Desktop can be more resource-intensive, mainly when using advanced features like multiple monitors or audio redirection.
Chrome Remote Desktop is generally lighter on system resources but needs some of these advanced features.
Conclusion
For MSPs, choosing the right remote desktop tool depends on the specific needs of your clients and your IT environment.
- Microsoft Remote Desktop is ideal for MSPs that deeply integrate their operations into the Windows environment. It offers advanced features, offline access, and robust security options, perfecting it for more complex IT environments. However, careful configuration is required to ensure security, particularly with RDP port management.
- Chrome Remote Desktop fits into the list of recommendations for an MSP, mainly if the company deals with cross-platform support. Because of its simplicity and Google’s means of properly handling connections for security, it is a sound means for managing various clients. However, it is less rich in various rather sophisticated options than the product developed by Microsoft.
In conclusion, both are free, safe, and efficient for MSPs, and the choice between the two depends on the chosen strategy and the client’s needs. Using the abovementioned tools, MSPs can avail themselves of efficient, secure, and relatively cheap remote support services essential in maintaining their clients’ optimised IT systems.