Alternatives to Dayon!
An open-source Java remote assistance tool for watching and controlling a family member's or friend's computer. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Dayon!
An open-source Java remote assistance tool for watching and controlling a family member's or friend's computer.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Dayon!.
RustDesk
An open-source remote desktop tool you can point at your own relay server instead of somebody else’s cloud.
RustDesk shows the full-colour screen with Windows, macOS, Linux and Android clients under AGPL-3.0, and can use your own relay server instead of the public one.
HopToDesk
Free, open-source remote desktop tool with end-to-end encryption, file transfer and live chat.
HopToDesk is free and open source with end-to-end encrypted screen, chat and file transfer, needs no Java runtime and adds Android and iOS apps.
DWService
A free, open-source remote access service that lets you reach computers from a web browser.
DWService is free with an open-source agent and lets the helper connect from a web browser, but relies on the DWService servers.
Quick Assist
A Microsoft app for sharing a Windows or macOS screen with a helper over a remote connection.
Quick Assist is a free Microsoft app for Windows and macOS with view-only, annotation and full control modes, but is closed source and lacks Linux.
HelpWire
A free remote support service for connecting to and controlling Windows, macOS and Linux computers.
HelpWire is a free remote support service for Windows, macOS and Linux, but it is closed source and relies on the developer's service.
TeamViewer
Remote access and remote support across desktop and mobile platforms.
TeamViewer adds full-colour sessions and mobile support across platforms, but is closed source and free use is limited to non-commercial sessions.
AnyDesk
Fast remote desktop tool with low latency and simple session codes.
AnyDesk provides low-latency full-colour sessions with simple codes on desktop and mobile, but is closed source and needs a paid licence for commercial use.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Google's free remote desktop service for reaching and controlling your computers from a web browser.
Chrome Remote Desktop is free and used through a web browser, but requires a Google account and routes connections through Google's service.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
MeshCentral
A self-hosted remote monitoring and management server with web-based remote desktop, terminal and file transfer for every machine you run an agent on.
UltraVNC
Free, GPL-licensed VNC server and viewer for controlling Windows computers over a network or the internet.
TigerVNC
A fast, cross-platform VNC client and server built for real work, including 3D and video over the wire.
