Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Splashtop Remote Support comparison

Microsoft and Splashtop are both solutions in the Remote Access category. Microsoft is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.6, while Splashtop is ranked #12 with an average rating of 9.5. Microsoft holds a 6.7% mindshare in VUS, compared to Splashtop’s 2.1% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Splashtop users who would recommend it.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jun 3, 2026

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services and Splashtop Remote Support are popular competitors in remote access technology. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services holds an advantage for enterprises integrated in the Windows ecosystem, while Splashtop Remote Support appeals to smaller businesses with its cost-effective features.

Features: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services offers integration with Active Directory, enhanced security protocols, and scalability. Splashtop Remote Support features strong cross-platform compatibility, efficient file transfer, and an intuitive access management system.

Room for Improvement: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services could improve on pricing transparency, usability for non-tech-savvy users, and support for non-Windows servers. Splashtop Remote Support may enhance its performance under high load, increase enterprise-level security features, and improve integration with more business applications.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services offers a structured deployment and comprehensive enterprise-level support. Splashtop Remote Support allows for rapid deployment with minimal technical complexity, delivering user-friendly customer support.

Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services involves higher setup costs appropriate for extensive integration, yielding long-term ROI for larger enterprises. In contrast, Splashtop Remote Support requires a more affordable upfront investment, offering significant ROI for smaller businesses through competitive pricing.

To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Splashtop Remote Support Report (Updated: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Splashtop Remote Support

June 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Microsoft Intune

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2026, in the Remote Access category, the mindshare of Microsoft Intune is 6.3%, down from 10.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is 6.7%, down from 11.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Splashtop Remote Support is 2.1%, down from 2.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Remote Access Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Microsoft Intune	6.3%
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services	6.7%
Splashtop Remote Support	2.1%
Other	84.9%

Remote Access

Featured Reviews

OluwashileAdeniyi

Senior Infrastructure Security Engineer at a outsourcing company with 51-200 employees

Centralized endpoint security has improved and supports hybrid work and BYOD policies

Regarding what I dislike about Microsoft Intune and its downsides, I would say that more Mac controls are needed because we have limited Mac and Linux control. When comparing controls and policies between Windows, Mac, and Linux, Windows has almost everything you can think of, while Mac and Linux have limited types of control. You cannot implement certain things on Mac and Linux that you can on Windows. The limited controls are a major issue. Additionally, if Microsoft could find a way to embed servers into Microsoft Intune, that would be beneficial. Microsoft Intune is not really designed for servers or Windows servers. It is more tailored towards Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating systems. Windows servers are not fully supported. Enterprise organizations usually have both servers and endpoints, which are users' workstations. For servers, most people look for other solutions such as SCCM, which is Configuration Manager. However, SCCM is what Microsoft Intune is trying to replace. Both SCCM and Microsoft Intune belong to Microsoft. Microsoft is trying to transition organizations into Microsoft Intune, the native cloud solution. However, because this update is still in process, servers are not fully compatible with Microsoft Intune and cannot be managed by it. The current policy that has emerged from issues with clients is what they call co-management, which is relatively new, and I do not know if adoption is significant. Many legacy or older customers who have been using these products for decades still have SCCM. When it is time for them to manage their Windows devices, they use what is called cloud attach. Cloud attach is a term whereby your SCCM is connected to your Microsoft Intune. Most people do not know about it, but I have deployed it for several organizations. Cloud attach and co-management work together so that your device is in SCCM, but some policies are pushed from Microsoft Intune. It is like two different solutions working hand in hand. That is what they call co-management. Microsoft Intune does not bring all of your endpoint and security management tools into one place, which is the goal and how it should be. However, as I mentioned, servers are not included. If we talk about end users, Microsoft Intune does bring all your devices together. In a typical enterprise environment, you have end users with workstations, laptops, company-issued phones, and bring your own devices. You can create policies for all of these. However, for the backend, your servers do not have much coverage. Servers are not really covered by Microsoft Intune in that way.

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reviewer2795433

Cloud Ops Lead at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Secure remote access has protected sensitive country data and supports strict compliance needs

I understand from the IT team managing Microsoft Remote Desktop Services that it is complex to set up the multiple roles, certificates, and networks required. Networking is quite complicated. Even though on the data center side it is quite simple, maintaining the farm of other connections that connect to that server is the complex piece. I understand there are more modern systems replicating what this solution does, which are easier to use, such as Azure Virtual Desktop within Microsoft Azure Cloud or Amazon WorkSpaces, which I have used before. Rather than having to manage all the complex networking, you could abstract it away a little further in the cloud for easier use. I also understand that this tool is in an end-of-life state now, with Microsoft actively pushing people towards Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365. I do not believe further features will be rolled out due to its end-of-life state, making it a legacy solution now.

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David Fitzerman

Chief Alchemist/ VP at DFC BBQ

Able to boot into safe mode or standard mode remotely and reliable performance

I've only had to deal with it once. Because of the custom package we have, a white-label package, I can only think of one issue maybe six or seven years ago. I don't even remember what it was. At that time, I think they were pretty responsive. Very few companies offer phone support anymore; everyone's gone the way of email responses. I'm having that problem with CorelDRAW right now, and I'm waiting three weeks for a technician. So it's a good thing it's not important. Are the customer service and support good? For me, they're as good as anybody else, maybe not as good as some companies, but probably better than most. We deal with HP, IBM, HCL. Some companies only offer email support, and you have to wait for a response. I'm trying to remember the last time I interacted with Splashtop support. They do give you an answer. On a scale of one to ten, they're nine plus. You rarely have to use them, but I'm satisfied when you do.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The feature of remotely wiping devices in Microsoft Intune is what I prefer the most."

"I would say that Microsoft Intune is absolutely the right choice for any organization that is already invested in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and wants a unified cloud-native endpoint management approach."

"The honest truth is that Microsoft Intune is the future."

"The most valuable includes managing everything from a single console."

"Microsoft Intune has positively impacted our organization by improving our overall security posture through enforcing compliance policies and reducing access from unmanaged devices."

"What I like the most about Microsoft Intune is its ability to manage mobile devices. Through integration with System Center, it can also manage desktops and laptops."

"It has improved our organization through the remote management of non-domain joined devices."

"It allows our clients to have the confidence to centrally manage policies for security, and it helps them in securing the organization from a technology aspect."

More Microsoft Intune pros

"The most valuable features of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services are unification, central management, and accessibility."

"The pricing is great as it's free in the larger Microsoft system."

"It's scalable enough for our needs and very reliable."

"The most valuable feature of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is the ability to remote into a system that is not on-premises."

"It is a stable product."

"The tool shares computer resources perfectly."

"I find the ease of use of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services most valuable, as it allows me to have remote access and connect securely."

"The most valuable feature of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is its security and simple configuration."

More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services pros

"The file transfers work well, the remote support and hosted solution work well."

"The ability to use mobile devices is helpful because we can support our clients from anywhere."

"The SOS Support is a most valuable feature, as we have remote access from our phone, there is no need to install the software, and we can do it on the cloud."

"In contrast, Splashtop is a really good product and it's not so expensive."

"The tool's most valuable features are pricing and easy management."

"Splashtop Remote Support is my main product, and I use it daily. Its main function is to control systems, which is essential remotely. Additionally, it has useful features such as chat functionality, file transfer, and the ability to add notes with information about a computer or server. Despite being simple software, it is very useful and valuable."

"The initial setup is simple."

"The solution is very fast."

More Splashtop Remote Support pros

Cons

"When somebody has a customized application or their own company's application, we cannot deploy that application."

"There have been instances where enrolling devices should take 10 minutes but ends up taking an hour due to various issues."

"The solution requires Mac support."

"They should make it easier to order it, however, that's generally true for everything from Microsoft."

"There are some areas of improvement for Microsoft Intune, including faster policy sync so changes can apply quicker, a simpler interface, better reporting with more details and clear insight, improved troubleshooting, clearer error messages and logs, and stronger support for macOS and Linux, alongside better cross-platform features."

"Could benefit from user having more control over devices."

"The platform is incredibly slow and could be more responsive. Specifically, when making changes to security policies, I would like to see those changes take effect more quickly."

"The reports that are generated aren't so great. They don't give a lot of meaning so far, but that could be down to user knowledge than the actual reporting side of things. I'm not a big user of it, but I was a bigger user of MaaS360, and we used to be able to run weekly and monthly reports. In the case of any deviations. we'd get a warning immediately. That's not so easy to do or to get in place for Intune. This could be just a user issue, but when I compare both, that's the only thing that's lacking for me."

More Microsoft Intune cons

"I would like to be able to leverage it on other operating systems."

"I have not seen a return on investment because it is free. Employee savings are not possible because if I need to take access, I still need to go to the seat and complete all tasks, so it does not save anything in that regard, but it is helpful."

"The solution should have better security."

"The only problem I see is that when I am connected, there is a certain lag because of the network."

"We'd like to see more integration with other vendors."

"I would like to see the hard drives work without locking up and integrate the local drives in the next release."

"We have used Citrix previously and it is more stable but it's a more expensive platform."

"Microsoft should be more compatible with other operating system."

More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services cons

"The solution should be able to make an inventory of computers automatically."

"I'm not sure if I can recommend the solution as I'm not sure if it's a fit for me."

"The solution should add more options and tools for shortcuts, administration, etc."

"The phone's a little tricky to work with due to the small screen."

"The packages that Splashtop has, tend to be a little bit confusing and should be simplified."

"Splashtop Remote Support needs to improve customization."

"The integration features could be better."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Microsoft Intune costs about $7 per user per month, which is somewhat on the pricier end. That said, it's a reliable product, so it's fair."

"Intune is included in the Microsoft 365 licensing package that we have."

"Its price is in the medium range. It is acceptable because you're paying for the features. I am not aware of any additional costs."

"No one can compete with Microsoft when it comes to price, and the features it is offering."

"The price of Intune is often included as part of a bundle with other Microsoft licenses, which makes it somewhat cheaper."

"Licensing depends on how you are providing support to your enterprise, whether it's device-based or user-based."

"It's a part of Microsoft 365 and E5 licenses. Microsoft's strategy of making every feature in Microsoft Intune paid needs optimization. Remote control is one of the basic features, not a luxury feature, yet we must pay for it. I"

"Microsoft Intune's pricing is reasonable."

More Microsoft Intune pricing and cost advice

"I think that Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is expensive compared to Login solution."

"Its licensing is on a yearly basis. We're on the educational or academic license, and our terms are good. We're very happy with the pricing."

"I would say it's expensive as there similar products available for free."

"It will probably cost about $500 USD to get the resources set up in the cloud."

"The solution is expensive. Since things are made to be a bit easier in the solution, the solution's cost is a bit on the higher side."

"The tool must be cheaper."

"The solution has a pretty comparable pricing."

"The cost is fair."

More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services pricing and cost advice

"The licensing fees are less than $400 per year."

"Splashtop Remote Support is not too expensive. It costs around 800 euros per year."

"The price of the solution is mid-ranged, although it is more cost effective than that of TeamViewer."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

Government

Manufacturing Company

12%

Computer Software Company

Comms Service Provider

Government

Retailer

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	192
Midsize Enterprise	61
Large Enterprise	185

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	45
Midsize Enterprise	16
Large Enterprise	36

No data available

Questions from the Community

How does Microsoft Intune compare with VMware Workspace One?

Microsoft Intune is a great tool for managing a mobile device fleet while keeping access control. The solution makes ...

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What are the pros and cons of Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune is a great configuration management tool and has a lot of good things going for it. Here are some of...

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How does Google Cloud Identity compare with Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune offers not only an easy-to-deploy data protection and productivity management solution, but also ...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services?

The experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing is that the pricing is based on licensing costs and the setup ...

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What needs improvement with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services can be improved in several areas. Currently, it requires a license cost, it has per...

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What is your primary use case for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services?

Our main use case for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is to allow multiple users to remotely access our Windows mac...

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What needs improvement with Splashtop Remote Support?

The phone's a little tricky to work with due to the small screen.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Splashtop Remote Support?

We use it for remote support. We use it for small and medium businesses. Since we're in the States, all our businesse...

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What advice do you have for others considering Splashtop Remote Support?

I'd particularly recommend their educational packages, which offer one-to-many or one-to-one remote access. These are...

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Comparisons

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ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs Microsoft Intune

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Compared 5% of the time

VMware Workstation vs Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

Compared 5% of the time

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

Compared 5% of the time

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Compared 9% of the time

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Splashtop Remote Support

Compared 8% of the time

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Compared 8% of the time

NinjaOne vs Splashtop Remote Support

Compared 7% of the time

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Compared 6% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Intune

May 2026

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Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

May 2026

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services report

Download Microsoft Remote Desktop Services product report

Buyer's Guide

Remote Access

June 2026

Download Splashtop Remote Support product report

Also Known As

Intune, MS Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Manager

Remote Desktop Services

No data available

Overview

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service designed for device management, security, and compliance. It supports automation and facilitates endpoint management for Windows, iOS, and Android devices, ensuring data protection and efficient policy enforcement.

Microsoft Intune offers seamless integration with tools like Windows Autopilot to automate device setup and deployment. Integrated with Azure Active Directory, it enhances policy management while providing robust reporting and analytics tools for compliance tracking. Despite its intuitive interface aimed at simplifying navigation and device security management, there are challenges such as compatibility issues with Linux and Mac, limited policy support for Android, and demands for better third-party integration. It's widely used for both corporate-owned devices and BYOD scenarios in dynamic IT environments.

What are the key features of Microsoft Intune?

Windows Autopilot: Automates device setup for rapid deployment.
Azure Active Directory Integration: Enhances user policy management.
Reporting and Analytics: Improves compliance visibility.
Mobile Application Management: Ensures app security without compromising personal data.
Cloud-Based Management: Allows management from any location.

What benefits and ROI can users expect?

Time Efficiency: Automation reduces time in policy enforcement and configuration updates.
Enhanced Security: Ensures data protection across corporate-owned and BYOD devices.
Improved Compliance: Advanced reporting tools enhance compliance visibility.
Flexible Management: Cloud-based nature supports management from any location.

In industries such as finance and healthcare, Microsoft Intune is implemented to ensure data protection and compliance with regulatory standards. Manufacturing sectors utilize Intune for managing a distributed workforce across global locations, while educational institutions employ it to secure and manage devices in learning environments supporting both students and faculty.

Microsoft

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services provides secure, seamless access to remote applications with cross-platform compatibility and centralized management, enhancing productivity and resource sharing in Windows environments.

The robust security features of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services enable efficient data handling and user support across devices. With a focus on remote application access, scalability, and ease of use, this solution integrates effortlessly with Windows environments. It offers centralized management, facilitating smooth IT operations. However, there is potential for improving interface intuitiveness and setup simplicity. Addressing keyboard compatibility with macOS, network connectivity challenges, and security vulnerabilities could enhance the user experience. Optimization for performance on slower networks and clearer license management would further benefit users.

What are the key features of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services?

Robust Security: Ensures data remains secure on servers.
Seamless Remote Application Access: Provides smooth access to applications remotely.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports multiple devices and operating systems.
Centralized Management: Simplifies IT resource management.
Ease of Use: Facilitates setup and offers excellent accessibility.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Increased Productivity: Enables efficient resource sharing and task management.
Enhanced Flexibility: Improves performance through remote access.
Scalability: Allows for easy management of growing resources.
Secure Access: Protects sensitive data and client applications.

In numerous industries, Microsoft Remote Desktop Services supports remote server management, virtual desktops, and application virtualization. Organizations use it for collaboration, secure data handling, and accessing critical resources across different locations. It aids in troubleshooting, ensuring secure connections to client applications and facilitating testing and support for multiple users in diverse environments.

Microsoft

Splashtop Remote Support is a cost-effective remote management platform offering features such as multi-session capabilities, secure file transfers, and mobile device support, enhancing remote assistance for small to medium businesses.

Splashtop Remote Support provides a versatile solution for remote assistance, equipped with tools like remote rebooting into safe mode, multi-session handling, and strong security measures, including multi-factor authentication. Its intuitive interface ensures ease of use, while features like HD resolution and chat functionality enable effective communication and management across devices. However, users find the pricing and package options somewhat confusing and have suggested improvements in integration, customization, and remote access security.

What are the key features of Splashtop Remote Support?

Cost-effectiveness: Offers competitive pricing with extensive features.
Multi-session capabilities: Enables simultaneous control of multiple sessions.
Remote rebooting: Allows rebooting into safe mode remotely.
File transfers: Facilitates efficient and secure file transfers.
Mobile device compatibility: Supports remote management from smartphones and tablets.
SOS Support: Provides quick assistance for emergencies.
Secure management: Features multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Chat functionality: Enables seamless communication between users.
Controlled access: Provides remote access without requiring client-side permissions.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Flexibility: Supports remote work for businesses and external clients.
Ease of use: Intuitive design simplifies remote management.
Integration compatibility: Works with ticketing systems for efficient issue management.
Enhanced security: Strong authentication methods safeguard data.

Splashtop Remote Support is deployed mainly for remote assistance of small to medium businesses in the United States. It seamlessly integrates with ticketing systems, aiding teams ranging from executives to shop floor personnel. By facilitating remote server management and support for home-working staff, it streamlines operations and client interactions.

Splashtop

Sample Customers

Mitchells and Buzzers, Callaway

Bank Alfalah Ltd.

Toyota, AT&T, Isuzu, Goodwill

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Splashtop Remote Support

June 2026

Free Report: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Splashtop Remote Support

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Splashtop Remote Support and other solutions. Updated: June 2026.

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