Buying guide · Remote support tools

Remote support tools for Canadian small & mid-sized businesses

When someone’s computer isn’t working, every minute feels longer. These remote support tools let you or your IT provider connect quickly, see the screen, and fix issues without needing to be on-site.

Everything we recommend

If you want a smoother way to support staff or clients on different networks and in different locations, start with one of these tools. Then scroll down for more detail on how they compare.

We may earn a small commission if you sign up with any of these tools and services, at no extra cost to you. We only feature tools that are appropriate for Canadian businesses like yours.

Top pick

AnyDesk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing fast, lightweight remote support with low latency.

Why we like it: Low-latency remote connections for smooth support

AnyDesk is a remote desktop tool commonly used for IT support and remote collaboration. It offers low-latency connections and easy setup, making it suitable for small and mid-sized businesses that require responsive remote access without complex configurations.

Visit AnyDesk’s website
Runner-up

ConnectWise ScreenConnect

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote support with strong session controls

Why we like it: Strong session management and security controls

ConnectWise ScreenConnect is a remote support and VPN tool commonly used by SMBs to provide secure, on-demand access to devices. It offers robust session management and customisation options, helping IT teams resolve issues quickly while maintaining control over connections.

Visit ConnectWise ScreenConnect’s website
Also great

GoTo Resolve (GoToAssist)

Best for: Best for SMBs needing integrated remote support with VPN capabilities

Why we like it: Combines remote support and VPN in one platform

GoTo Resolve (GoToAssist) offers a combined remote support and VPN solution tailored for small and mid-sized businesses. It is commonly used for quick troubleshooting and secure remote access, helping reduce downtime and improve IT responsiveness.

Visit GoTo Resolve (GoToAssist)’s website

Who this is for

Remote support tools like these are a strong fit if:

  • Your team depends on laptops or desktops to get work done and you need a fast way to help when something breaks, even if the user is off-site.
  • You support staff or clients in more than one location—different offices, home offices, or even different cities—and on-site visits aren’t always practical.
  • Simple issues currently eat up a lot of time because people struggle to describe what they’re seeing, or support has to walk them through fixes step by step.
  • You want controlled access to devices so support can connect when needed, log what was done, and keep things secure and auditable.
  • You’d like tools that grow with you—starting small, but able to support more technicians, more endpoints, or more clients as your business expands.

If this sounds familiar, the remote support tools below make it easier to help people where they are—without constant travel or long, frustrating support calls.

Top pick

AnyDesk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing fast, lightweight remote support with low latency.

Reliable remote access for quick IT support and collaboration

AnyDesk provides Canadian SMBs with a straightforward way to access and support remote devices. It is often used by IT teams to quickly troubleshoot issues or collaborate across locations with minimal delay. The tool's lightweight design helps maintain productivity without heavy system demands.

A solid default if you just want a reliable, business-ready option.

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Runner-up

ConnectWise ScreenConnect

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote support with strong session controls

Reliable remote access and support for efficient IT management

ConnectWise ScreenConnect is often used by small and mid-sized businesses to enable remote IT support and secure device access. It allows technicians to connect to client devices quickly, making troubleshooting and maintenance more efficient. Many users appreciate its detailed session controls and customisation features, which help balance ease of use with security.

Great if you want similar benefits with a slightly different feature mix.

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Also great

GoTo Resolve (GoToAssist)

Best for: Best for SMBs needing integrated remote support with VPN capabilities

Reliable remote support and secure VPN for efficient IT management

GoTo Resolve (GoToAssist) is designed to help SMBs provide remote IT support and secure network access. Many customers use it daily to troubleshoot issues remotely and maintain secure connections for their teams. Its integration of remote support and VPN features aims to simplify IT management and reduce disruptions.

Worth a look if the top two don’t quite fit how your team works.

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Detailed breakdowns

If you’re deciding between remote support tools, these breakdowns show how each product handles things like connection quality, unattended access, security, integrations, and day-to-day usability for busy support teams.

AnyDesk

Our top pick

Reliable remote access for quick IT support and collaboration

Best for: Best for SMBs needing fast, lightweight remote support with low latency.

Why teams choose it: Low-latency remote connections for smooth support

AnyDesk is frequently chosen by small and mid-sized businesses that need efficient remote access for IT support and team collaboration. Its low-latency connections help reduce wait times during remote sessions, which is valuable for resolving technical issues promptly. The software is designed to be easy to install and use, which suits businesses without dedicated IT staff.

Typical use cases include remote troubleshooting, accessing office computers from home, and supporting clients or employees in different locations. While it offers strong performance and simplicity, it may not have as many advanced management features as some larger enterprise-focused tools.

AnyDesk is well suited for businesses that prioritise quick, reliable remote connections and want to avoid complex setups. However, teams requiring extensive integrations or detailed access controls might consider other options. Overall, it balances ease of use with effective remote support capabilities for Canadian SMBs.

Where this tool fits best

  • Low-latency remote connections for smooth support
  • Lightweight client that runs well on various devices
  • Simple setup suitable for non-technical users

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced management features compared to some competitors
  • Limited integrations with other IT management tools
  • May lack detailed access control options for larger teams
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing fast, lightweight remote support with low latency.

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ConnectWise ScreenConnect

Runner-up

Reliable remote access and support for efficient IT management

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote support with strong session controls

Why teams choose it: Strong session management and security controls

ConnectWise ScreenConnect is typically positioned as a remote support and VPN solution that helps SMBs manage IT issues without needing physical presence. It is commonly used by IT teams to provide on-demand access to employee devices, enabling faster problem resolution and reducing downtime.

One of its strengths lies in its flexible session management, allowing administrators to control permissions and monitor activity during remote sessions. This can be particularly valuable for businesses that require a balance between accessibility and security.

While it offers a comprehensive feature set, some SMBs may find the interface less intuitive compared to simpler tools, and pricing can be higher than basic remote access options. It suits teams that need detailed control and are comfortable with a more robust platform rather than those seeking minimal setup or budget solutions.

Where this tool fits best

  • Strong session management and security controls
  • Customisable interface to fit business needs
  • Supports multiple platforms including Windows and Mac

Things to keep in mind

  • Interface may be complex for non-technical users
  • Pricing can be higher than simpler remote tools
  • Setup and configuration require some IT knowledge
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote support with strong session controls

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GoTo Resolve (GoToAssist)

Also great

Reliable remote support and secure VPN for efficient IT management

Best for: Best for SMBs needing integrated remote support with VPN capabilities

Why teams choose it: Combines remote support and VPN in one platform

GoTo Resolve (GoToAssist) is often positioned as a dual-purpose tool combining remote support with VPN functionality, making it suitable for SMBs that want to streamline IT operations with a single platform. It is commonly used by IT teams to quickly connect to employee devices for troubleshooting while ensuring secure network access.

Typical use cases include remote troubleshooting, software installation, and secure access to internal resources from outside the office. Its interface is designed to be accessible for non-technical users, which can help reduce the learning curve for small business teams.

While it offers solid integration of remote support and VPN, some SMBs may find it less specialised compared to tools focused solely on remote access or VPN. It is best suited for businesses that value having both capabilities in one solution and want predictable costs with straightforward vendor support.

Where this tool fits best

  • Combines remote support and VPN in one platform
  • User-friendly interface suitable for non-technical staff
  • Supports quick issue resolution to reduce downtime

Things to keep in mind

  • May lack advanced features found in specialised VPN tools
  • Some users report occasional connectivity delays
  • Not the most cost-effective for businesses needing only VPN
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing integrated remote support with VPN capabilities

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LogMeIn Pro

Secure remote access and support for Canadian SMBs with reliable tools

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote access with integrated file sharing.

Why teams choose it: Secure remote access with multi-device support

LogMeIn Pro is a remote access and support tool frequently used by small and mid-sized businesses in Canada to enable remote work and IT support. It allows users to connect securely to office computers from home or on the go, which helps maintain productivity without needing complex setups.

This tool is often chosen for its straightforward interface and integrated file transfer capabilities, which make sharing documents and resources between remote and office environments easier. It supports multiple devices, including Windows and Mac, which suits businesses with diverse hardware.

While it offers solid remote access features, it may not have as many advanced management or collaboration tools as some competitors. It is best suited for SMBs that want reliable, secure remote connections with simple file sharing rather than extensive IT management features.

Overall, LogMeIn Pro is a practical choice for Canadian SMBs looking to reduce downtime and support remote employees without a steep learning curve or complex infrastructure.

Where this tool fits best

  • Secure remote access with multi-device support
  • Integrated file transfer simplifies collaboration
  • User-friendly interface for non-technical users

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced IT management features than some competitors
  • May be more costly for very small teams
  • Limited collaboration tools beyond remote access
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote access with integrated file sharing.

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Parallels Access

Secure remote access for mobile and desktop devices with ease

Best for: Best for SMBs needing quick, app-based remote access to personal devices

Why teams choose it: User-friendly interface optimized for mobile devices

Parallels Access is typically used by SMBs that require remote access to their office computers from mobile devices or web browsers. It is often positioned as a solution for users who want a simple, app-like experience when accessing desktop applications remotely, without needing extensive IT support.

Its strengths include a clean interface optimized for touchscreens and reliable performance over various network conditions. This makes it suitable for business owners or employees who need to check files or run specific software while on the go.

However, it may not offer the full range of advanced remote support features found in some other tools, such as multi-user sessions or extensive administrative controls. Teams with complex IT environments or those requiring detailed remote management might find other options more fitting.

Overall, Parallels Access is a practical choice for Canadian SMBs looking for straightforward, dependable remote access to their own devices, especially when mobility and ease of use are priorities.

Where this tool fits best

  • User-friendly interface optimized for mobile devices
  • Reliable remote access to desktop applications
  • Quick setup with minimal IT involvement

Things to keep in mind

  • Limited advanced remote support features
  • Not ideal for multi-user or complex IT environments
  • Fewer administrative controls compared to competitors
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing quick, app-based remote access to personal devices

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RemotePC by IDrive

Reliable remote access and support with straightforward setup

Best for: Best for Canadian SMBs needing easy remote desktop access with secure connections

Why teams choose it: Simple setup suitable for non-technical users

Many Canadian small and mid-sized businesses use RemotePC by IDrive to facilitate remote desktop access and support. It is often positioned as a practical solution for teams that need to connect to office computers securely and efficiently, whether for remote work or IT troubleshooting.

The tool supports multiple platforms, including Windows and Mac, and offers encrypted connections to help protect sensitive data during remote sessions. Its setup process is designed to be accessible for users without extensive technical knowledge, making it a good fit for SMBs without dedicated IT staff.

While RemotePC provides solid remote access features, it may not have as many advanced management or integration options as some competitors. It is best suited for businesses prioritizing ease of use and reliable connectivity over extensive customization or enterprise-level controls.

Overall, RemotePC by IDrive is a balanced choice for Canadian SMBs looking to enable remote work and support with predictable costs and straightforward vendor interaction.

Where this tool fits best

  • Simple setup suitable for non-technical users
  • Supports secure remote desktop access on multiple platforms
  • Offers reliable connections for remote work and support

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced management features compared to some competitors
  • Limited integrations with other IT management tools
  • May lack some enterprise-level customization options
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for Canadian SMBs needing easy remote desktop access with secure connections

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Splashtop Business Access

Secure, reliable remote access for Canadian SMBs with easy setup

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote desktop access without complex setup

Why teams choose it: Easy to set up and use for non-technical users

Splashtop Business Access is designed to help small and mid-sized businesses maintain productivity by enabling secure remote access to office desktops and applications. Many Canadian SMBs use it to support remote work, allowing employees to access their work computers from home or on the road without complex VPN configurations.

The tool is often praised for its straightforward installation and user-friendly interface, which reduces the need for extensive IT support. It supports multiple devices and operating systems, making it flexible for diverse teams. Security features include encrypted connections and multi-factor authentication options, which help protect sensitive business data.

While it is well-suited for businesses that require reliable remote desktop access, it may not offer the broader IT management or advanced collaboration features found in some competitors. Teams looking for simple, cost-effective remote access with predictable pricing often find Splashtop Business Access a practical choice.

Where this tool fits best

  • Easy to set up and use for non-technical users
  • Supports multiple devices including Windows and Mac
  • Secure connections with encryption and MFA options

Things to keep in mind

  • Limited advanced IT management features
  • May lack some collaboration tools found in competitors
  • Primarily focused on remote desktop, not full VPN functionality
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing straightforward remote desktop access without complex setup

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TeamViewer

Reliable remote access and support for diverse business needs

Best for: Best for Canadian SMBs needing versatile remote support with broad device compatibility.

Why teams choose it: Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices

TeamViewer is often chosen by SMBs that require a reliable and flexible remote support solution. It supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, making it suitable for businesses with diverse technology setups. This versatility allows IT teams or external vendors to assist employees or clients without physical presence.

Typical use cases include remote troubleshooting, software installation, and secure file transfers. Its VPN capabilities also help create encrypted connections, enhancing security when accessing company resources remotely.

While TeamViewer offers many features, it may be more complex than simpler remote access tools, which could require some initial setup and training. Pricing can also be higher compared to basic alternatives, so it is often best suited for businesses that need comprehensive functionality and are willing to invest accordingly.

Overall, TeamViewer balances strong security, broad compatibility, and flexible use cases, making it a common choice for Canadian SMBs that want dependable remote support and secure connections.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices
  • Strong encryption and security features for remote sessions
  • Flexible tools for remote support, meetings, and file transfer

Things to keep in mind

  • Pricing may be higher than simpler remote access tools
  • Some features can be complex for non-technical users
  • Occasional connection delays reported in low-bandwidth environments
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for Canadian SMBs needing versatile remote support with broad device compatibility.

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Zoho Assist

Secure remote support and unattended access for Canadian SMBs

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote support with unattended access options.

Why teams choose it: Supports unattended remote access for maintenance

Zoho Assist is commonly positioned as a remote support and remote access solution suitable for SMBs that require reliable, secure connections to client or employee devices. It supports both attended and unattended access, making it practical for IT teams managing multiple endpoints across different locations.

Many Canadian SMBs use Zoho Assist to troubleshoot user issues, perform software installations, and conduct routine maintenance without disrupting users. Its multi-platform compatibility covers Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices, which adds flexibility for diverse environments.

While Zoho Assist offers a straightforward interface and useful features like file transfer and session recording, it may not have as extensive integrations or advanced features as some higher-tier competitors. It is well suited for businesses that want a balance of ease of use and essential remote support capabilities without overly complex setups.

Overall, Zoho Assist fits SMBs looking for dependable remote support tools that help reduce downtime and improve IT responsiveness, especially when unattended access is a priority.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports unattended remote access for maintenance
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices
  • Includes file transfer and session recording features

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced integrations compared to some competitors
  • May lack some high-end features for large IT teams
  • Pricing can increase with additional features or users
IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for SMBs needing flexible remote support with unattended access options.

Explore plans

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