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Head-to-head · Remote Desktop Software

StarDesk vs Splashtop

  • 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
Splashtop #3 in Remote Desktop Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Splashtop

StarDesk leads on 0 checks, Splashtop 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 Splashtop
  • Most featuresSplashtop · 3 of 3

StarDesk scores higher on our rubric for remote desktop software: 9.7 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

StarDesk is the better fit for playing your PC games, or carrying on PC work, from a phone or tablet. Splashtop is the better fit for budget-conscious teams needing deep integrations.

  • StarDesk fits best

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

  • Splashtop fits best

    Budget-conscious teams needing deep integrations

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature StarDesk 9.7/10 Visit ↗ Splashtop 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.7 9.2
Ranking #1 in Remote Desktop Software #3 in Remote Desktop Software
Best for Playing your PC games, or carrying on PC work, from a phone or tablet Budget-conscious teams needing deep integrations
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Not checked yet $72/user/yr
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Features StarDesk 0/3 · Splashtop 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, Chromebook, iOS, Android
Managed devices Not checked yet 2 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
  • Low $6/month annual Solo plan with access to up to 2 computers
  • Supports attended and unattended access, recording, printing, and device management
  • Integrates with Autotask PSA, ServiceNow, Freshservice, Zendesk, Jira, and more
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
  • No free plan is available
  • Solo is limited to access from up to 2 computers
  • Advanced controls and performance features require higher tiers
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 →

Splashtop provides remote desktop access and remote support for individuals, small teams, IT departments, enterprises, and educational institutions. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with attended and unattended access…

Read the review →
  1. StarDeskRemote Desktop Software 9.7Free
  2. SplashtopRemote Desktop Software 9.2Free 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
  • Splashtop — where it wins

    • Low $6/month annual Solo plan with access to up to 2 computers
    • Supports attended and unattended access, recording, printing, and device management
    • Integrates with Autotask PSA, ServiceNow, Freshservice, Zendesk, Jira, and more

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Solo is limited to access from up to 2 computers
    • Advanced controls and performance features require higher tiers
  • 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 →
  • Splashtop9.2/10 · Free plan

    A paid remote-access suite with low entry pricing, broad platforms, and deep integrations.

    Visit SplashtopFull verdict →

More comparisons

Guides on remote desktop software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update