Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Splashtop Remote Support comparison

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Splashtop Remote Support

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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 July 2026, in the Remote Access category, the mindshare of Microsoft Intune is 5.9%, down from 11.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is 6.7%, down from 11.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Splashtop Remote Support is 2.2%, 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	5.9%
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services	6.7%
Splashtop Remote Support	2.2%
Other	85.2%

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

"Our main use is Intune's management of mobile devices, like Android or iPhone devices. The application performs quite well for both types. We successfully managed almost 3,000 endpoints."

"Based on my experience, I would recommend Microsoft Intune to organizations looking for management of a large number of devices and enterprise environments."

"While I don't think you can ever have full visibility and control, Intune certainly allows us to see the applications being used and tells us if things like Windows patches aren't applied to machines. It does a good job. That visibility makes life a little easier."

"I would recommend Microsoft Intune to others; it is a very good and scalable solution."

"We have ROI because we are retiring AirWatch, so we're spending less and making the most of the free stuff."

"The stability of Microsoft Intune is good."

"Cloud control made simple, device secured with ease, and workflow runs smoothly."

"...Intune itself integrates with that entire Microsoft ecosystem. As an individual product itself, it's okay. It holds up. But when you start saying "I've bought this as part of a wider solution, as a company we are going Microsoft throughout," then it makes more sense to have Microsoft Intune... so you have that single dashboard."

More Microsoft Intune pros

"What I found most valuable in Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is accessibility because the solution lets you take control of your computer remotely."

"The installation of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services was easy."

"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 part of RDS is that it allows you to work from any location and check the server through a VPN connection."

"The most valuable feature of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is managing the remote desktop end user or remote server."

"It is a stable product."

"The solution is rock solid; it’s stable and reliable, there are no bugs or glitches, and it doesn’t crash or freeze."

"Scalability-wise, it is very good, with auto-scaling so if there are more users required then Azure will help you to automatically manage it, and in addition it is HA, so I think that the overall scalability is pretty good."

More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services pros

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

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

"With the extended license, it's easy to be remote."

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

"The solution is very fast."

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

"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 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."

More Splashtop Remote Support pros

Cons

"For migrations, sometimes we experience some issues with OS deployment and the user experience side."

"While the ability to deploy applications at startup is reliable, the policy-based application deployment method has not reached the same level of consistency."

"There are challenges with Intune, specifically in reporting. Many third-party companies offer single-pane-of-glass reporting that shows you what your update environment looks like, how your patch is doing, application status, etc., but Intune's reporting is not intuitive. You can connect to Azure, monitoring, and the workbooks, but it's not streamlined."

"I have a lot of Apple products in my environment. It would be nice to have an improved integration of Apple products with Microsoft Intune without Jam."

"One issue that Inutune can improve is password integration with the BitLocker key option. Another issue is assigning licenses. We can assign the licenses for some users on the BPM side, and our BPS users work on Outlook 365 but cannot access it there. A BPS person can go to the company portal and download Outlook 2016. They could improve the NDIS part to assign a license directly to the BPS person that allows them to install the Intune device manager directly on our system."

"Intune should improve its software inventory to provide better metering of which software is used throughout the company. This is especially needed for reporting third-party software solutions."

"There are differences in protecting the data on a mobile device and on iOS. When you protect the data on iOS, you protect the entire device."

"There is room for improvement, particularly in terms of compatibility, extending beyond the well-known major brands."

More Microsoft Intune cons

"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 speed should be a little more. When you're pitching from Mac to Windows, it takes a little more time than what is required."

"I want to connect easily from an external network even when I'm not in my enterprise or company. It should be easy to connect or integrate Microsoft Teams, for example, with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services."

"Sometimes difficult to set up without the requirement for login credentials each time."

"I think Microsoft Remote Desktop Services can be improved regarding licensing, which is a nightmare, and the shadow of Azure Virtual Desktop."

"My customers are worried that the RDP protocol can be easily compromised and would like the option to use an alternative like Blast."

"It's so insecure, and it's so limited."

"The only issue I experienced was with the initialization of the session, which affected the stability of the solution."

More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services cons

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

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

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

"Splashtop Remote Support needs to improve customization."

"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 integration features could be better."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It's bundled with Business Premium and an E3 license, which is beneficial. If you have to pay extra, it's pricey, but with the bundled package, it's acceptable. They recently increased the Business Premium pricing, which we don't appreciate. The price increase and yearly commitment are causing some problems for us."

"This cost is approximately $30 USD per user per month."

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

"I am satisfied with the pricing."

"The Intune license model is costly."

"It's affordable. In comparison to the competitors, the price depends on what features you need from Intune, but it's affordable. There are no hidden costs, but there are some features that go for a premium price. Those are the add-ons for which you have to pay extra."

"We don't get Intune as a separate module. Most of the time, we use it within an enterprise agreement like E3 or E5. Those licenses are at a good price, but what is annoying is that every single year they go higher."

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

More Microsoft Intune pricing and cost advice

"Although not an expensive product, pricing is always something that can be improved."

"The solution has a perpetual license and it is purchased upfront."

"The pricing could always be improved."

"I recall that you don't need to pay for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services because that's included in Windows."

"The price of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is reasonable."

"The cost of the solution is low."

"It's not an expensive product."

"The pricing is moderate."

More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services pricing and cost advice

"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."

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

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

Government

Manufacturing Company

11%

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	193
Midsize Enterprise	62
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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

What needs improvement with Splashtop Remote Support?

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

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...

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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Product Reports

Microsoft Intune

Download Microsoft Intune product report

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

Download Microsoft Remote Desktop Services product report

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services report

Remote Access

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

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Splashtop Remote Support