Best Remote Control Apps for Windows 2025 - Complete Comparison

Looking for the best remote control app to control your Windows PC from your Android phone? With so many options available, choosing the right solution can be overwhelming. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll examine the top remote control apps for Windows in 2025, including TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, and Any Command.

Quick Answer: For local network use (home, office on same WiFi), Any Command offers the best combination of privacy, speed, and flexible pricing (free, monthly, or one-time lifetime). For remote internet access, TeamViewer and AnyDesk are solid choices, but require subscriptions. Chrome Remote Desktop is free but limited in features.

Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Any Command	TeamViewer	AnyDesk	Chrome Remote Desktop
Pricing	Free / Monthly sub / One-time lifetime (varies by country)	Free (limited) / $24.90/mo	Free (limited) / $9.90/mo	Free
Network Type	Local network only	Internet + Local	Internet + Local	Internet only
Privacy	✓ Control data local (app uses Firebase)	⚠ All data through cloud	⚠ All data through cloud	⚠ All data through Google servers
Speed/Latency	✓ Very Fast (local)	Depends on internet	Depends on internet	Depends on internet
Screen Sharing	✓ Premium	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
File Transfer	✓ Premium	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✗ No
Wake on LAN	✓ Premium	✓ Premium	✗ No	✗ No
Task Manager	✓ Premium	✓ Premium	Limited	✗ No
Virtual Gamepad	✓ Premium	✗ No	✗ No	✗ No
Custom Shortcuts	✓ Yes	Limited	Limited	✗ No
No Internet Required	✓ Yes	✗ No	✗ No	✗ No
Usage Restrictions	✓ None	⚠ Detects "commercial use"	⚠ Time limits (free)	✓ None

Detailed Comparison

1. Any Command

Any Command Local Network Freemium

Best for: Home users, HTPC control, local network file transfers, privacy-conscious users, gamers, and anyone who wants fast, private remote control without subscriptions.

✓ Pros

Free version available with basic features
Flexible pricing: Monthly subscription or one-time lifetime purchase
Control data stays local - screen sharing, file transfers, and commands operate over your local network
Very fast and low latency (local network)
Works without internet connection
No usage restrictions or time limits
Unique features: Virtual gamepad, custom shortcuts
Wake on LAN support
Lightweight and optimized
Open source server code
Code-signed for security

✗ Cons

Local network only (can't access from internet)
Requires both devices on same WiFi
Premium features require subscription or one-time purchase
No multi-monitor support yet

Why Any Command Stands Out:

Privacy First: Unlike cloud-based remote control solutions, your control data (screen sharing, file transfers, commands) stays on your local network. The app uses Firebase for premium verification and account management, but all remote control operations happen directly between your devices.
Speed: Local network connections are significantly faster than internet-based solutions. Perfect for gaming, file transfers, and real-time control.
Flexible Pricing: Free version for basic features, with options for monthly subscription or one-time lifetime purchase. Choose what works best for you - no forced subscriptions.
Value: One-time lifetime purchase option means you own premium features forever. No recurring fees, no usage limits, no "commercial use" detection.
Unique Features: Virtual gamepad for gaming, customizable shortcuts, Wake on LAN, and more features designed specifically for local control.
No Restrictions: Use it as much as you want, whenever you want. No connection time limits, no session limits, no restrictions.

Pricing: Free version with basic features. Premium available via monthly subscription or one-time lifetime purchase (price varies by country).

2. TeamViewer

TeamViewer Subscription

Best for: Remote support, business use, accessing PCs over the internet, cross-platform support.

✓ Pros

Works over internet (remote access)
Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile)
Reliable connection via cloud servers
File transfer support
Wake on LAN (premium)
Multi-monitor support
Well-established and trusted

✗ Cons

Expensive subscription ($24.90/month for commercial)
Detects "commercial use" and restricts free version
Requires internet connection
Data goes through cloud servers
Slower than local network solutions
Privacy concerns (data stored on servers)
Complex setup for local network use

Pricing: Free for personal use (with restrictions), $24.90/month for commercial use, $50.90/month for business use.

3. AnyDesk

AnyDesk Freemium

Best for: Remote access over internet, lightweight alternative to TeamViewer, business remote support.

✓ Pros

Lightweight and fast
Works over internet
Free version available
Good performance
File transfer support
Multi-platform support

✗ Cons

Free version has time limits
Premium features require subscription ($9.90/month)
Requires internet connection
Cloud-based (privacy concerns)
No Wake on LAN
Limited features compared to competitors

Pricing: Free with limitations, $9.90/month for Solo, $19.90/month for Business.

4. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop Free

Best for: Basic remote access, users already in Google ecosystem, simple setup, free solution.

✓ Pros

Completely free
Easy to set up
Works over internet
No subscription fees
Integrated with Google account
Cross-platform

✗ Cons

Limited features (no file transfer)
Requires Chrome browser
Requires Google account
Data goes through Google servers
No advanced features (Wake on LAN, etc.)
Performance depends on internet speed
Privacy concerns (Google data collection)

Pricing: Free (requires Google account)

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Any Command If:

You want to control your PC from your phone on the same network (home, office)
Privacy is important to you (control data stays local)
You want fast, low-latency control
You want flexible pricing (free, monthly, or one-time lifetime)
You prefer one-time lifetime purchase over ongoing subscriptions
You want unique features like virtual gamepad and custom shortcuts
You use it for HTPC, gaming, or local file transfers
You don't need internet-based remote access

Choose TeamViewer If:

You need to access your PC from anywhere over the internet
You're providing remote support to others
You need cross-platform support (Mac, Linux)
Budget isn't a concern (willing to pay subscription)
You need enterprise features

Choose AnyDesk If:

You need internet-based access but want a lighter alternative to TeamViewer
You're okay with time limits on free version
You prefer lower subscription costs than TeamViewer

Choose Chrome Remote Desktop If:

You want a completely free solution
You only need basic remote control (no file transfer needed)
You're already using Google services
You don't mind data going through Google servers

Why Local Network Solutions Are Better for Home Use

For most home users, local network remote control apps like Any Command offer significant advantages:

1. Privacy & Security

Your control data (screen sharing, commands, file transfers) stays on your local network, operating directly between your devices. While Any Command uses Firebase for app functionality (premium verification, account management), all remote control operations happen locally, keeping your sensitive data private within your home network.

2. Speed & Performance

Local network connections are much faster than internet-based solutions. Lower latency means better responsiveness for gaming, file transfers, and real-time control.

3. No Internet Required

Works even when your internet is down. Perfect for local network control, HTPC setups, and home automation.

4. Cost Effectiveness

Free version available for basic features. Premium options include monthly subscription or one-time lifetime purchase (price varies by country). No forced subscriptions, choose what works best for you.

5. No Usage Restrictions

No "commercial use" detection, no time limits, no connection restrictions. Use it freely without worry.

Bottom Line: If you're controlling your PC from your phone on the same network (which covers 90% of home use cases), local network solutions like Any Command are faster, more private, and offer better value with flexible pricing options (free, monthly, or one-time lifetime) than internet-based alternatives.

Feature Deep Dive

Screen Sharing Quality

Any Command: High-quality adaptive streaming optimized for local network (25-30 FPS)
TeamViewer: Good quality, adapts to connection speed
AnyDesk: Good quality with low latency
Chrome Remote Desktop: Decent quality, depends on internet speed

File Transfer Speed

Any Command: Very fast (local network, up to 100 MB/s)
TeamViewer: Depends on internet speed
AnyDesk: Depends on internet speed
Chrome Remote Desktop: Not available

Gaming & Low Latency

Any Command: Excellent for gaming (local network latency)
TeamViewer: Not ideal for gaming (internet latency)
AnyDesk: Better than TeamViewer but still limited by internet
Chrome Remote Desktop: Not suitable for gaming

Ready to Try Any Command?

Experience the best local network remote control solution. Fast, private, and affordable. Download Any Command today and see why it's the best choice for home users.

Download Any Command

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best remote control app for Windows?

The best remote control app depends on your needs. For local network use (home, office), Any Command offers privacy, speed, and no subscription fees. For remote access over the internet, TeamViewer or AnyDesk are popular choices, though they require subscriptions for commercial use.

Is TeamViewer free for personal use?

TeamViewer offers a free version for personal use, but it may detect "commercial use" and restrict access. Many users report being flagged as commercial users even for personal use. For reliable personal use, local network solutions like Any Command are often better as they don't have usage restrictions.

Why choose a local network remote control app?

Local network remote control apps like Any Command offer better privacy (control data stays on your local network), faster performance (no internet required for control operations), lower latency, flexible pricing options, and no usage restrictions. They're perfect for home use, HTPC control, and local file transfers.

Can I use Any Command over the internet?

Any Command is designed for local network use only. This is intentional - it ensures maximum privacy, speed, and security. If you need internet-based remote access, consider TeamViewer or AnyDesk, but be aware of their subscription costs and privacy implications.

Which app is best for gaming?

Any Command is the best choice for gaming because it uses local network connections, which have much lower latency than internet-based solutions. The virtual gamepad feature is also specifically designed for gaming control.

Are free remote control apps safe?

Free apps can be safe, but it depends on the app. Chrome Remote Desktop is safe but sends all data through Google servers. AnyDesk free version is safe but has limitations and sends data through their servers. TeamViewer free version may flag you as commercial use and routes all data through their servers. Any Command keeps control data (screen sharing, commands, file transfers) on your local network - the app uses Firebase for premium verification, but remote control operations happen directly between your devices.

Conclusion

Choosing the right remote control app depends on your specific needs. For most home users who want to control their PC from their phone on the same network, Any Command offers the best combination of privacy, speed, features, and flexible pricing (free version, monthly subscription, or one-time lifetime purchase).

If you need internet-based remote access, TeamViewer and AnyDesk are solid options, but be prepared for subscription costs and privacy trade-offs. Chrome Remote Desktop is free but limited in features.

For local network control (which covers the majority of home use cases), local solutions like Any Command are clearly superior in privacy, performance, and value - with the flexibility to choose free, monthly, or lifetime premium options.