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Head-to-head · Remote Desktop Software

StarDesk vs ManageEngine Remote Access Plus

  • 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
ManageEngine Remote Access Plus #6 in Remote Desktop Software 8.9/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ManageEngine

StarDesk leads on 0 checks, ManageEngine Remote Access Plus 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 ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
  • Free trialonly ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
  • Most featuresManageEngine Remote Access Plus · 3 of 3

StarDesk scores higher on our rubric for remote desktop software: 9.7 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

StarDesk is the better fit for playing your PC games, or carrying on PC work, from a phone or tablet. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is the better fit for teams needing free access and device administration.

  • StarDesk fits best

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

  • ManageEngine Remote Access Plus fits best

    Teams needing free access and device administration

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Side by side

Feature StarDesk 9.7/10 Visit ↗ ManageEngine Remote Access Plus 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.7 8.9
Ranking #1 in Remote Desktop Software #6 in Remote Desktop Software
Best for Playing your PC games, or carrying on PC work, from a phone or tablet Teams needing free access and device administration
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Not checked yet $75/yr
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — 30 days
Features StarDesk 0/3 · ManageEngine Remote Access Plus 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, Android, iOS, web
Managed devices Not checked yet 25 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
  • Free edition supports up to 10 devices
  • Remote control, diagnostics, file transfer, and power controls
  • Cloud and on-premises deployment across major platforms
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
  • Free edition is limited to 10 devices
  • Paid plans list 25 computers and 5 technicians
  • Pricing varies across deployment and billing options
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 →

ManageEngine Remote Access Plus is remote desktop management software for IT administrators and help desk technicians. It centralizes attended and unattended access to managed Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android endpoints, while web, iOS,…

Read the review →
  1. StarDeskRemote Desktop Software 9.7Free
  2. ManageEngine Remote Access PlusRemote Desktop Software 8.9Free plan · 30-day trial

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

  • ManageEngine Remote Access Plus — where it wins

    • Free edition supports up to 10 devices
    • Remote control, diagnostics, file transfer, and power controls
    • Cloud and on-premises deployment across major platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • Free edition is limited to 10 devices
    • Paid plans list 25 computers and 5 technicians
    • Pricing varies across deployment and billing options
  • 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 →
  • ManageEngine Remote Access Plus8.9/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad remote administration suite with free access and flexible cloud or on-premises plans.

    Visit ManageEngineFull verdict →

More comparisons

All remote desktop software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on remote desktop software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update