Side by side
Apple Remote Desktop vs CrossDesk
Both stand on remote desktop software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid LinuxMacWindows
Apple Remote Desktop combines Mac administration, VNC control, reporting, distribution, and automation. Its recurring price and encryption settings should be considered alongside the required macOS version.
Visit Apple Remote Desktop
Paid AndroidiPhoneLinux+4
CrossDesk provides broad remote-access coverage, browser connectivity, file transfer, and self-hosting options. Installation details for iOS and server certificate handling add practical work for some deployments.
Visit CrossDeskThe facts
| Apple Remote Desktop | CrossDesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Not published |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Apple Remote Desktop: $79.99, paid once | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | apple.com | crossdesk.cn |
| On remote desktop software | #123 of 135 | #127 of 135 |
Apple Remote Desktop: what it does well
- Remote screen control with Curtain Mode
- File transfer and software distribution
- Reports over 200 Mac hardware attributes
- Task Server supports offline installations
- More than 40 Automator actions
What to know first
- No free plan or trial
- $79.99 a month
- Some encryption is not enabled by default
- Non-Apple VNC connections are unencrypted
CrossDesk: what it does well
- Open-source and cross-platform
- Browser-based Web client
- File transfer support
- Multiple or unlimited devices advertised
- Self-hosted signaling and relay options
What to know first
- iOS release requires signing
- Self-hosted certificate needs replacement
- Windows secure-screen control depends on service
- Default use relies on CrossDesk services
Alternatives to Apple Remote Desktop Alternatives to CrossDesk The whole list