Alternatives to DWService
A free, open-source remote access service that lets you reach computers from a web browser. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
DWService
A free, open-source remote access service that lets you reach computers from a web browser.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as DWService.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Google's free remote desktop service for reaching and controlling your computers from a web browser.
Chrome Remote Desktop is also free and browser-based, but closed source, requiring a Google account and routing connections through Google's service.
Getscreen.me
A browser-based remote desktop service for controlling and supporting computers from any web browser.
Getscreen.me also works from a browser and adds a self-hosted version and lifetime personal option, but it is closed source and business features cost extra.
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.
MeshCentral provides browser-based desktop, terminal and file management from a server you host yourself, instead of relying on DWService servers.
RustDesk
An open-source remote desktop tool you can point at your own relay server instead of somebody else’s cloud.
RustDesk uses native clients rather than a browser controller and can run through your own relay server, under the AGPL-3.0 licence.
AnyDesk
Fast remote desktop tool with low latency and simple session codes.
AnyDesk uses native apps with session codes and low latency, is closed source, and requires a paid license for commercial use.
TeamViewer
Remote access and remote support across desktop and mobile platforms.
TeamViewer uses native desktop and mobile apps and is closed source, with commercial use requiring a paid licence.
HopToDesk
Free, open-source remote desktop tool with end-to-end encryption, file transfer and live chat.
HopToDesk is also free and open source, using native apps with end-to-end encryption and support for Android and iOS.
Zoho Assist
Cloud-based remote support and unattended access software for IT teams, help desks and MSPs.
Zoho Assist is a business-focused cloud support service requiring a Zoho account, with attended and unattended access on desktop, mobile and Chromebook.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Apache Guacamole
A self-hosted remote desktop gateway that gives browser access to machines over VNC, RDP and SSH.
Tactical RMM
A self-hosted remote monitoring and management tool with agents for Windows, Linux and macOS.
