TeamViewer vs AnyDesk: Remote Desktop Software for Mac and Windows

Remote desktop software lets you access and control another computer over the internet. It is useful for remote work, technical support, accessing files from another location, and managing computers without being physically present.

SoftsCR offers remote access tools including TeamViewer for macOS, AnyDesk for Windows, and RustDesk. Although all three can be used for remote computer access, they have different strengths, platform support, and security approaches.

This guide compares TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and RustDesk so you can understand which type of remote desktop software fits your needs.

What Is Remote Desktop Software?

Remote desktop software allows one computer to connect to another computer over a network or the internet. Depending on the software and permissions, you can view the remote screen, control the mouse and keyboard, transfer files, and provide technical support.

Remote access tools are commonly used by:

• Remote workers
• IT support teams
• Businesses managing multiple computers
• Freelancers and technicians
• Users who need access to a computer while away from it

Features vary between applications, so it is important to check supported operating systems, access controls, performance, and security settings before choosing a tool.

TeamViewer for Mac

TeamViewer is a widely used remote access and support application with support for macOS and other major platforms. TeamViewer supports remote control, file transfer, unattended access, and other remote-support functions. Its current documentation lists macOS among its supported operating systems.

For Mac users, TeamViewer can be useful when you need to connect between different types of devices. For example, a Mac can be used to access a Windows computer, while supported mobile and desktop platforms can also participate in remote sessions.

TeamViewer Features

Depending on the version and license, TeamViewer can provide features such as:

• Remote desktop control
• Screen sharing
• File transfer
• Unattended access
• Remote support
• Device management
• Cross-platform connections

TeamViewer also provides security features for remote connections. Its current security documentation describes AES-256 session encryption and RSA-based key exchange, while newer versions use modern TLS 1.3 security mechanisms.

TeamViewer for Cross-Platform Remote Access

One reason users choose TeamViewer is its broad operating-system support. TeamViewer supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and other environments depending on the product and version.

This makes it useful when the computers involved in a remote session do not use the same operating system.

AnyDesk for Windows

AnyDesk is another remote desktop application designed for remote access and support. SoftsCR provides AnyDesk 9.6.12 for Windows, while the official AnyDesk website now lists newer Windows releases.

AnyDesk 9.6.12 was released on March 23, 2026. It included changes to the Unattended Access window and Address Book functionality, along with other fixes.

If SoftsCR continues to distribute version 9.6.12, describe it specifically as AnyDesk 9.6.12 rather than calling it the latest version.

AnyDesk Features

AnyDesk focuses on responsive remote connections and remote-support workflows. Its platform uses the DeskRT codec and is designed for low-latency remote desktop connections.

Depending on the version and configuration, AnyDesk can provide:

• Remote desktop access
• Remote support
• File transfer
• Screen sharing
• Unattended access
• Session recording
• Access control
• Two-factor authentication
• Address Book management

AnyDesk also supports connections involving multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

AnyDesk Security

AnyDesk uses several security mechanisms for remote connections. Its official security documentation describes TLS 1.3, RSA 2048 asymmetric key exchange, and 256-bit AES transport encryption. It also provides access-control settings and two-factor authentication options.

These controls are particularly relevant when remote access is being used for business or technical support.

TeamViewer vs AnyDesk: Key Differences

TeamViewer and AnyDesk can both provide remote desktop access, but their features and workflows differ.

The right choice depends on the devices you need to connect, the features you require, and how you want to manage remote access.

RustDesk: An Open-Source Remote Desktop Alternative

RustDesk provides another approach to remote desktop access. It is an open-source remote control application that supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web access.

One of RustDesk’s notable features is its self-hosting capability. Organizations can run their own RustDesk server infrastructure instead of relying entirely on a vendor-managed service. RustDesk documentation describes separate ID and relay server components used to help devices establish remote connections.

This can be useful for organizations that need greater control over their remote-access infrastructure.

RustDesk and Self-Hosting

Self-hosting does require additional technical configuration. The administrator is responsible for deploying and securing the server environment.

RustDesk provides an open-source server option, while its Pro server adds features such as centralized administration, access control, 2FA, and other management functions.

For users who simply want to connect to another computer without managing a server, a conventional cloud-based remote access application may require less setup.

Remote Desktop Security

Security should be considered before enabling remote access to any computer.

TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and RustDesk use different security architectures, so it is better to compare their actual security mechanisms rather than treating them as identical.

TeamViewer documents AES-256 session encryption, RSA-based authentication, and newer TLS 1.3 security mechanisms.

AnyDesk documents TLS 1.3, RSA 2048 key exchange, 256-bit AES transport encryption, access controls, and two-factor authentication.

RustDesk documentation describes end-to-end encryption based on NaCl and provides self-hosting options that allow organizations to operate their own ID and relay infrastructure.

Regardless of the application, use strong authentication, limit who can access the computer, keep the software updated, and disable remote access when it is no longer required.

How to Set Up TeamViewer on Mac

The exact interface can vary between TeamViewer versions, but the general setup process is straightforward.

1. Download TeamViewer for Mac

Download the appropriate TeamViewer version for your macOS installation from a trusted source.

2. Install the Application

Open the downloaded installer and follow the installation instructions.

3. Launch TeamViewer

After installation, open TeamViewer and review its remote-access and security settings.

4. Configure Remote Access

If you need unattended access, configure the appropriate password and access controls within TeamViewer.

5. Connect to the Remote Computer

Use the remote computer’s TeamViewer credentials or connection details to establish the session.

For business use, review the available permissions and access controls carefully before allowing unattended connections.

Which Remote Desktop Software Fits Your Needs?

Your choice depends mainly on your operating system, connection requirements, and management preferences.

TeamViewer can be suitable when you need broad platform support and a range of remote-support features.

AnyDesk can be useful when responsive remote connections and lightweight remote-access workflows are important. Its official Windows client is actively updated, so users should check the version they are downloading.

RustDesk may be suitable for users and organizations interested in open-source remote access and self-hosting. Its self-hosted architecture gives administrators more control over the infrastructure used for remote connections.

Before downloading any remote desktop application, check the operating-system requirements and make sure you are using a legitimate and trusted software source.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is TeamViewer available for Mac?

Yes. TeamViewer supports macOS, and its official documentation lists supported macOS versions and the corresponding minimum TeamViewer versions.

Can AnyDesk connect from Windows to Mac?

Yes. AnyDesk supports cross-platform connections involving Windows and macOS, along with other supported operating systems.

Is AnyDesk 9.6.12 still available?

AnyDesk 9.6.12 was an official Windows release from March 2026. However, newer versions have since been released, so 9.6.12 should be described as an older specific version rather than the current release.

Does AnyDesk support low-latency remote access?

Yes. AnyDesk uses its DeskRT technology and describes its software as providing low-latency remote connections and efficient bandwidth usage.

Does RustDesk support self-hosting?

Yes. RustDesk supports self-hosting through its own server infrastructure. Its documentation explains how the ID and relay servers work and provides deployment information for self-hosted environments.

Is remote desktop software secure?

Remote desktop software can use strong encryption and authentication, but security also depends on how the software is configured. Use strong passwords, enable available two-factor authentication, restrict access permissions, keep software updated, and only provide access to trusted users.

Which remote desktop software should I use?

There is no single option that fits every situation. Consider your operating system, required features, remote-support workflow, security requirements, and whether you need a self-hosted deployment before choosing a tool.