Alternatives to HelpWire

A free remote support service for connecting to and controlling Windows, macOS and Linux computers. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as HelpWire.

  • AnyDesk

    Fast remote desktop tool with low latency and simple session codes.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    AnyDesk offers low-latency sessions with simple codes and adds mobile apps, but commercial use requires a paid licence.

  • TeamViewer

    Remote access and remote support across desktop and mobile platforms.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    TeamViewer adds Android and iOS support and works through NAT without setup, but commercial use needs a paid licence and free sessions may be cut short.

  • RustDesk

    An open-source remote desktop tool you can point at your own relay server instead of somebody else’s cloud.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidSelf-hosted

    RustDesk is open source under AGPL-3.0 and can run on your own relay server, so support sessions need not use a vendor's service.

  • HopToDesk

    Free, open-source remote desktop tool with end-to-end encryption, file transfer and live chat.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    HopToDesk is also free for commercial use but open source, with end-to-end encryption and mobile apps for Android and iOS.

  • Quick Assist

    A Microsoft app for sharing a Windows or macOS screen with a helper over a remote connection.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Quick Assist is a free Microsoft app for one-off help between Windows and macOS users, without Linux support and with a basic feature set.

  • UltraViewer

    A lightweight Windows remote desktop tool for supporting clients by controlling their computer.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    UltraViewer is a lightweight Windows-only support tool with chat and file transfer that runs back to Windows XP, on a freemium model.

  • AeroAdmin

    Portable remote desktop tool for Windows that connects over the internet without installation or configuration.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    AeroAdmin is a portable Windows tool needing no installation, with a free tier allowed for business use, but macOS and Linux work only through Wine.

  • Dayon!

    An open-source Java remote assistance tool for watching and controlling a family member's or friend's computer.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Dayon! is an open-source Java assistance tool needing no network setup on the helped computer, but it streams a grayscale image and requires Java.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.