LogMeIn vs Microsoft Remote Desktop

March 20, 2025 | Author: Michael Stromann
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LogMeIn
LogMeIn gives you fast, easy remote access to your PC or Mac from your browser, desktop and mobile devices. Premium features like file transfer, file sharing and remote printing help you stay connected and productive wherever you go.
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Microsoft Remote Desktop
With the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, you can connect to a remote PC and your work resources from almost anywhere. Experience the power of Windows with RemoteFX in a Remote Desktop client designed to help you get your work done wherever you are.

Imagine, if you will, a world where you can access a computer from, well, anywhere, with the click of a button. LogMeIn and Microsoft Remote Desktop both provide this delightful service, allowing you to peer into your faraway machine with nothing more than a secure, encrypted connection. It's a bit like having your own personal transporter, minus the risk of accidentally materializing inside a wall. Both work across Windows and macOS, let you share files and are used by both people who just need to check their email and businesses who need to send their IT departments into the digital ether to perform mysterious maintenance.

Now, LogMeIn is an altogether more ambitious beast, born in 2003, proudly waving its business flag high. It offers more than just remote access—it comes with a toolbox full of IT management features, like remote printing and diagnostics. It also has cloud storage and lets you access your remote machine from just about any device, even your phone, should you find yourself in desperate need of checking your spreadsheets while on a beach in the Bahamas. It is, however, a subscription service, which is a fancy way of saying, "you must pay for it and quite regularly, too."

On the other hand, Microsoft Remote Desktop is a little more… straightforward and let's face it, not everyone needs a toolbox that makes them feel like they’re commanding a spaceship. Since 2001, it has lived in the cozy confines of the Windows operating system, offering remote access as if it were a regular feature, which, in many ways, it is. It’s free, too—no monthly payments, no unnecessary bells or whistles. For those who just want to pop in and see what's going on, it’s an uncomplicated, no-frills affair, just you and your distant desktop, with no need to look into anything more exotic, like cloud storage or remote diagnostics.

See also: Top 10 Remote Support software
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email [email protected]