Chrome Remote Desktop vs Splashtop: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Free remote desktop from Google that works through Chrome browser with zero installation, zero cost, and Google account authentication.
Splashtop
8.2(3,800 reviews)
High-performance remote desktop with 4K streaming at 60fps, multi-monitor support, and dedicated products for education, IT support, and creative professionals.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Chrome Remote Desktop | Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Personal users wanting free remote access to their own computers | Creative professionals needing high-fidelity remote access to powerful workstations |
| Pricing Model | Free Trial | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $5/mo |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud, on premise |
| Platforms | WEB, WINDOWS, MAC, LINUX, IOS, ANDROID | WINDOWS, MAC, LINUX, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Chrome Remote Desktop
Pros
- Completely free with no usage limits or premium tiers — genuinely no cost
- Zero installation on the client side — connect through any Chrome browser
- Google account authentication is simple and most people already have one
- Works on Chromebooks which most remote desktop tools dont support natively
- Temporary access codes make one-time support sessions effortless
Cons
- No file transfer feature — must use Google Drive or other tools to move files
- No multi-monitor support — can only view one screen at a time
- No session recording, audit logging, or admin console for professional use
- Performance is mediocre for anything beyond basic office work
- Feature development has been minimal — the product feels stagnant
Splashtop
Pros
- 4K 60fps hardware-accelerated streaming makes it viable for creative professionals and video editing
- Pricing undercuts TeamViewer by 40-60% for equivalent capabilities across all tiers
- Targeted products (Business, SOS, Education) mean you pay for exactly what you need
- Multi-monitor support for up to 5 displays with individual monitor selection
- Strong education market presence with features designed for classroom and lab use cases
Cons
- Brand recognition outside IT is low — end users may not trust installing an unfamiliar tool
- UI design is functional but dated compared to modern alternatives
- Enterprise admin features are growing but not yet as mature as TeamViewer Tensor
- The multiple product lines can be confusing — choosing between Business Access, SOS, and Remote Support
- Mobile remote control experience lags behind TeamViewer and AnyDesk in polish
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome Remote Desktop | free trial | Free0 |
| Splashtop | subscription | $5/mo |
Our Verdict
Choose Chrome Remote Desktop if...
Personal users wanting free remote access to their own computers
Choose Splashtop if...
Creative professionals needing high-fidelity remote access to powerful workstations
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.