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Head-to-head · Remote Desktop Software

StarDesk vs AnyDesk

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score StarDesk #1 in Remote Desktop Software 9.7/10 Free ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit StarDesk
AnyDesk #4 in Remote Desktop Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit AnyDesk

StarDesk leads on 0 checks, AnyDesk on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreStarDesk · 9.7/10
  • Free planonly AnyDesk
  • Most featuresAnyDesk · 3 of 3

StarDesk scores higher on our rubric for remote desktop software: 9.7 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

StarDesk is the better fit for playing your PC games, or carrying on PC work, from a phone or tablet. AnyDesk is the better fit for established teams needing endpoint management.

  • StarDesk fits best

    Playing your PC games, or carrying on PC work, from a phone or tablet

  • AnyDesk fits best

    Established teams needing endpoint management

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Side by side

Feature StarDesk 9.7/10 Visit ↗ AnyDesk 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.7 9.1
Ranking #1 in Remote Desktop Software #4 in Remote Desktop Software
Best for Playing your PC games, or carrying on PC work, from a phone or tablet Established teams needing endpoint management
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Not checked yet —
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Features StarDesk 0/3 · AnyDesk 3/3
File transfer Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Session recording Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Mobile apps Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Access mode Not checked yet Both
Supported platforms Not checked yet Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, web browser
Managed devices Not checked yet 100 devices
Our review
Pros
  • Made for both games and work: play PC games on a phone or tablet, or reach a work PC
  • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
  • Says it streams up to 4K at 144 FPS with 4:4:4 colour and needs no VPN
  • Supports attended and unattended access across desktop and mobile platforms
  • Up to 100 managed devices on Solo, with higher tiers reaching 2,000
  • Includes recording, access controls, Wake-on-LAN, and file transfer
Cons
  • In Free Early Access (public beta): free to use for now, with no paid plans announced yet
  • No Linux app is listed on its download page
  • Professional use requires a paid license; the free plan is for personal use
  • All plans are billed yearly, with displayed prices excluding taxes
  • Platform-specific limitations apply across supported desktop and mobile clients
Our verdict

StarDesk is a remote desktop app: you install it on your Windows PC and connect back to that computer from another device (its FAQ says controlling a Mac is in development; a Mac works as the client). Its download page lists apps for…

Read the review →

AnyDesk provides remote desktop access for individuals, IT teams, support organizations, and businesses. It supports interactive sessions that require user approval as well as unattended access using password authentication. Core…

Read the review →
  1. StarDeskRemote Desktop Software 9.7Free
  2. AnyDeskRemote Desktop Software 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • StarDesk — where it wins

    • Made for both games and work: play PC games on a phone or tablet, or reach a work PC
    • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
    • Says it streams up to 4K at 144 FPS with 4:4:4 colour and needs no VPN

    Where it doesn't

    • In Free Early Access (public beta): free to use for now, with no paid plans announced yet
    • No Linux app is listed on its download page
  • AnyDesk — where it wins

    • Supports attended and unattended access across desktop and mobile platforms
    • Up to 100 managed devices on Solo, with higher tiers reaching 2,000
    • Includes recording, access controls, Wake-on-LAN, and file transfer

    Where it doesn't

    • Professional use requires a paid license; the free plan is for personal use
    • All plans are billed yearly, with displayed prices excluding taxes
    • Platform-specific limitations apply across supported desktop and mobile clients
  • StarDesk9.7/10 · Free

    A remote desktop app: reach your own Windows PC from Windows, macOS, Android or iOS; its FAQ says controlling a Mac is in development.

    Visit StarDeskFull verdict →
  • AnyDesk9.1/10 · Free plan

    A broad remote-access suite for teams managing attended support and unattended endpoints.

    Visit AnyDeskFull verdict →

More comparisons

Guides on remote desktop software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update