Remote desktop software has transformed the way businesses and individuals work. What used to be seen as clunky IT tools are now powerful, flexible, and secure platforms that support everything from global IT teams to small businesses needing reliable remote access.
If you’re considering which remote desktop software to use in 2025, here are five key things you need to know.
1. Security is the Top Priority
As hybrid and fully remote work have become the standard, secure remote access is no longer optional — it’s essential. Cyberattacks increasingly target remote connections, which means every organization needs to ensure their chosen solution is built with strong protections at its core.
Key safeguards to look for include:
- End-to-end encryption to ensure all session and file transfer data remains private.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized logins even if credentials are compromised.
Solutions like SetMe are designed with these requirements in mind, helping businesses meet compliance frameworks such as GDPR and HIPAA.
2. Performance Has Reached a New Level
Older generations of remote desktop tools were often frustrating — lag, poor image rendering, and sluggish mouse or keyboard response were common. In 2025, the experience is dramatically better. Thanks to optimized underlying technology, smarter bandwidth management, and cloud-first infrastructure, the performance of modern solutions feels nearly identical to working on the local machine.
This leap in performance matters across industries:
- IT teams can diagnose and resolve issues faster without delays.
- Creative professionals can work on real-time video or design projects without stuttering interruptions.
- Casual users benefit from smooth, reliable access, even on average home or mobile internet connections.
For SetMe, delivering a near-zero-lag experience is central to the product design — ensuring that productivity isn’t limited by distance or network connection quality.
3. Cross-Platform Flexibility is the Standard
Workplaces are no longer tied to a single operating system. Many teams use a mix of Windows and macOS devices. The best vendors now offer cross-platform remote desktop software that allows seamless connections across all these environments.
For example:
- A Windows-based IT admin can provide support to a Mac user.
- A designer on macOS can log into a Windows workstation running specialized software.
- An IT admin on macOS can set up unattended access on a headless remote server (without GUI) and manage it as if they were on-site.
This flexibility not only saves time but also reduces the IT overhead of maintaining separate solutions for different platforms.
4. Licensing Models Are Changing
Traditional licenses tied to individual machines have become outdated. By 2025, nearly all remote desktop providers have embraced flexible subscription-based models that are easier to scale and manage.
Some of the most common approaches include:
- Per-user subscriptions: One account gives a single IT professional the freedom to connect with multiple endpoints. For example, the SetMe Solo plan gives individual IT pros the ability to support hundreds of devices for a flat monthly rate ($33), making it a predictable and affordable option.
- Team and business plans: Designed for growing organizations, these packages simplify license management and provide advanced capabilities. The SetMe Professional plan offers unlimited unattended access, concurrent support sessions, and team-based features that enable smooth collaboration across growing teams.
With these models, businesses only pay for the capacity they need, avoid legacy license key issues, and scale their remote access strategy without friction.
5. User Experience Can Make or Break Adoption
Even the most advanced remote desktop software will struggle if it’s difficult for people to use. In 2025, user experience is just as important as technical features, and it often determines whether a tool is fully adopted across an organization.
Features that improve usability include:
- Drag-and-drop file transfer between local and remote desktops.
- Clipboard synchronization for quick copy-paste of text, images, or files.
- Clean, intuitive interfaces that reduce training needs for non-technical staff.
- Quick onboarding so new users can get started within minutes.
For IT administrators, a solution that’s straightforward to roll out reduces support tickets and training overhead. For businesses, it means employees can stay productive without requiring constant technical assistance.
In SetMe, the user experience is designed to be both powerful and simple. Whether it’s an IT pro managing hundreds of machines or a one-man tech support shop connecting from home, the platform ensures you can get connected quickly and stay focused on your work instead of the tool.
The Bottom Line
The remote desktop software landscape has matured dramatically in recent years. If you’re evaluating solutions in 2025, focus on three core factors:
- Security: End-to-end encryption, MFA, and compliance-ready features.
- Performance: Smooth, near-local responsiveness for real-world productivity.
- Usability: Intuitive interfaces and features that save time and frustration.
Whether you’re managing IT for a global company, running a small business, or simply need reliable remote access for day-to-day tasks, the right tool can make a measurable difference in productivity, security, and overall user satisfaction.
Don’t just compare features on paper. Test usability, measure performance under your real network conditions, and make sure security is built into the foundation. That’s how you’ll find the best remote desktop software in 2025 for your needs.