Remote meetings are taking center stage these days, and it is for good reasons. It is a lot more convenient, relatively cheaper, and less time-consuming to hold virtual meetings than to gather an entire team physically.
Desktop and screen sharing tools offer employees, teams, and educators an enabling environment to remotely meet and discuss. But the best part is that some of these tools allow users to share their screens live with other participants. This feature significantly enhances collaborative efforts, as ideas can be shared in real-time and seamlessly, too.
Online meetings are prone to miscommunication. Fortunately, screen sharing software eliminates the need for any lengthy verbal explanations that are open to misinterpretations. However, there are a plethora of remote desktop sharing solutions available. This page will narrow them down to the best seven options.
Here is a list of the 7 best remote desktop and screen sharing software.
1. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a cross-platform remote desktop sharing program that enables users to remotely access other desktops from Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and many more. It offers an extremely secure screen sharing capability with Two-Factor Authentication, among other security protocols.
If you need to demonstrate something to other users, you can use the Remote Device Control feature of the software to fully control the other devices that are remotely connected.
TeamViewer is perfect for those looking to share their screen using a program that has remote desktop sharing capabilities. Enterprises can access the program through a monthly subscription, while personal users can download the software for a 14-day free trial period.
2. Zoom
Zoom is one of the world’s renowned video conferencing solutions for hosting online meetings. Zoom video calls can include up to 1000 participants, and they can share their screens with others. Besides having a call recording feature, the app also supports Gmail, Outlook, and other scheduling programs. Creating a meeting or joining one is as simple as clicking a link.
You can also share your screen with other users and annotate it from your mobile device. That means you don’t have to be on your desk to join a call. The free version allows you to host up 100 participants for a maximum of 40 minutes, while the paid version has a 24-hour meeting limit.
3. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a secured communication platform for hosting online meetings. The screen sharing software supports video and audio calls for up to 250 participants. You can share your tablet and Smartphone screen using this program.
The program features unlimited call recordings that can be stored in the cloud or locally. The unique thing about GoToMeeting is its ability to transcribe call contents and share the same with participants. Add to that the ease of drawing on content, and you’ve got yourself a powerful, efficient, yet easy-to-use remote desktop app.
Another cool feature of this software is that it integrates perfectly with Office 365. It lets you schedule and manage meetings using Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. The program is most suitable for enterprise users and can be accessed for a monthly subscription. But you can try the program for free.
4. Slack
Slack is an excellent collaboration tool that allows users to communicate through Slack calls and chats. You can share your screen with other users during calls. Video calls can be done with up to 15 people at the same time.
Adding annotations and drawing to your screen while sharing it is quite easy in Slack. However, only one user can share their screen at a time. Communication is even more effective with this software as it allows users to create workspaces to discuss further on shared content using chats. Slack is available as a paid and free program.
5. Join.me
Join.me is an online screen sharing software that allows a user to host meetings and invite others to join using a customized meeting link. The meeting can include up to 250 participants at the same time. However, screen sharing can only be done one at a time. It comes with a whiteboarding feature that enables users to share their notes in real-time.
This software is great for enterprises looking for a screen sharing feature and solution that offers excellent presentation support. The program is available for a fee and also offers a free trial.
6. Skype
Skype is a video and audio communication tool that runs on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. It is most suitable for smaller remote teams. This screen sharing software does not require sign-ups or even a download. An account is opened for you on the web if you don’t already have the app installed on your computer or mobile device.
Skype allows you to make free live calls with up to 50 participants while sharing your screen. And the best part? You can record your calls and play them back later. All recordings are available in the chat for up to one month. Skype also offers an on-screen poll feature that allows participants to indicate their opinions democratically.
7. Windows Quick Assist
Last on this list is Windows Quick Assist, the free app that comes with Windows 10. The software allows Windows users to directly control computers remotely, either by providing or receiving support over a remote connection.
Using this software is pretty straightforward. Type Quick Assist in the Windows 10 search box to launch the program and choose to either give or get assistance. In any case, a code is shared between the giver and receiver of support, enabling one of them to either take full control of the other’s device or view their screen.
Although the software doesn’t have a wide range of features, it is an excellent free tool that can be used for assisting and even educating your team.
Final Thoughts
While your budget plays a key role in determining which remote desktop and screen sharing software you choose, subscription fees alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor. I highly recommend choosing a program that offers additional functionalities such as video recording, calendar integrations, and possibly, mobile screen sharing. These functionalities are sure to give you the most out of your online collaborations and meetings.
