In 2026, the perimeter of the modern office has effectively vanished. With hybrid work models now a permanent fixture of the global economy, the security of remote access to digital doorways has become the top priority for CISOs and IT directors. A breach in a remote desktop protocol is no longer just an IT inconvenience; it is a potential existential threat to the organization.
Consequently, trust in software is no longer built solely on speed or convenience. It is built on compliance, encryption standards, and Zero Trust architecture. Businesses are migrating away from legacy tools that treat security as an afterthought and are adopting platforms that verify every user, device, and packet. Below are five of the top remote desktop programs that have earned the trust of the enterprise sector for their rigorous security postures.
1. Splashtop
Splashtop has distinguished itself as the preferred choice for businesses that refuse to compromise between high performance and watertight security. While it is renowned for streaming 4K video at 60 fps, its rapid adoption in the enterprise sector is driven by its robust security features. It operates on a Zero Trust framework, ensuring that no device connects to the corporate network without passing strict identity and health checks.
It is widely considered the best remote desktop program for secure access because of its holistic approach to compliance. Splashtop integrates seamlessly with leading Single Sign-On (SSO) providers such as Okta, Azure AD, and JumpCloud, enabling automated provisioning and instant deprovisioning of user access. With features such as blank-screen protection, device authentication, and comprehensive session logging, Splashtop provides the visibility and control that modern IT teams demand.
2. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
For organizations deeply entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) offers a native cloud security model. Rather than connecting to a physical workstation that could be stolen or compromised, users connect to a virtualized Windows 10 or 11 session hosted in Microsoft’s secure Azure data centers.
The security advantage here is data sovereignty. Since the desktop exists only in the cloud, no corporate data ever resides on the employee’s personal laptop. Security is managed directly through Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), allowing for the application of “Conditional Access” policies. This ensures that only users meeting specific criteria, such as location or device health, can log in. For businesses prioritizing Data Loss Prevention (DLP), AVD provides a controlled environment where the “endpoint” is merely a viewing glass, not a storage vessel.
3. Apple Remote Desktop
For creative agencies, educational institutions, and businesses that run exclusively on macOS, Apple Remote Desktop is the standard for native fleet management. It allows administrators to automate software distribution, generate real-time hardware reports, and execute remote UNIX commands on client machines.
From a security perspective, Apple Remote Desktop leverages the inherent security features of macOS. It supports encrypted data transmission (128-bit AES) for all file transfers and control sessions. While it is less suited to cross-platform environments (such as accessing a PC from a Mac), its deep integration with Apple’s user management systems makes it a trusted tool for maintaining security in homogeneous Apple environments.
4. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
Distinct from the cloud-based AVD, Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is the solution for businesses that prefer to keep their infrastructure on-premise. This “traditional” approach allows companies to host their own terminal servers within their private data center.
RDS is trusted by industries that require absolute control over their network traffic, such as defense or utilities. By keeping all sessions inside the corporate firewall and accessing them via a Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway), businesses can enforce strict traffic inspection rules. As noted in FortiNet’s guidance on remote users, utilizing a gateway service rather than exposing direct RDP ports is essential for preventing brute-force attacks and securing the remote access pipeline.
5. Chrome Remote Desktop
For micro-businesses, freelancers, or quick ad-hoc access where budget is a primary constraint, Chrome Remote Desktop offers a secure entry point backed by Google’s infrastructure. While it lacks the granular administrative controls of an enterprise platform, it benefits from Google’s robust WebRTC security protocols. Furthermore, it meets the stringent requirements of highly regulated industries, providing full compliance support for SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS.
All connections are encrypted via HTTPS/TLS, and access is tied to the user’s Google account, which is typically protected by Google’s advanced 2-Step Verification. It does not require complex firewall configurations, as it utilizes outbound connections to broker the session. While it is not recommended for managing large fleets due to a lack of centralized audit logs, it remains a trusted, secure utility for single-user access scenarios.
Conclusion
In 2026, the “best” remote desktop software is the one that renders your network invisible to attackers while remaining accessible to your workforce. The cloud-native isolation of Microsoft AVD, or the native management tools of Apple and Microsoft, the common thread is a commitment to identity-first security. As emphasized in NIST’s Zero Trust Architecture guidelines, verifying every transaction and minimizing trust zones is the only way to build a resilient remote infrastructure. By selecting a platform that aligns with these principles, you ensure that your remote workforce remains your greatest asset, not your greatest vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes a remote desktop program “secure” for business?
A secure program must include Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), end-to-end encryption (AES-256), and robust logging. It should also support Single Sign-On (SSO) so that you can instantly revoke access if an employee leaves the company.
2. Is it safer to use a cloud-based or on-premise remote desktop solution?
It depends on your industry. Cloud-based solutions are generally secure for most businesses because they are patched and monitored 24/7 by security experts. On-premises solutions (such as Microsoft RDS) are preferred by highly regulated industries that need to keep all data completely within their own premises.
3. Can remote desktop software help prevent ransomware?
Yes. High-quality remote access tools use “device posture checks” to ensure a connecting computer has antivirus installed before allowing it to connect. This prevents an infected home laptop from spreading ransomware to the office network.
4. Why is compliance (HIPAA, GDPR) important for remote access software?
If your business handles sensitive data (such as patient records or credit card information), you are legally required to protect it. Using compliant software ensures that the remote connection meets legal standards for encryption and access control, protecting you from fines and lawsuits.
5. What is “Zero Trust” in remote access?
Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no user or device is trustworthy by default. Instead of letting a user in once and trusting them, a Zero Trust system continually verifies their identity and device health throughout the entire session.