When it comes to remotely accessing your Mac, the are various ways of doing it and two of the best apps for it are RemotePC and GoToMyPC.
Both are well-established remote desktop software, making it easier for Mac users to access computers from anywhere.
But if you’re wondering which one is best suited for your needs, here we’ve put them head-to-head.
We also have a full review of RemotePC and a review of GoToMyPC if you want to read more about the individual apps themselves.
| Feature | RemotePC | GoToMyPC |
|---|
| Ease of Use | Modern interface, quick setup | Simple setup, but slightly dated UI |
| Performance & Speed | Fast, low-latency, smooth performance | Reliable but can feel sluggish on demanding tasks |
| File Transfer | Yes, between local and remote devices | Yes, drag-and-drop functionality |
| Remote Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Monitors Support | Yes | Yes |
| Collaboration Tools | Whiteboard tool, chat functionality | Basic collaboration features |
| Security | 256-bit AES encryption, 2FA available | 256-bit AES encryption, 2FA available |
| Mobile Access | iOS & Android apps | iOS & Android apps |
| Remote Sound | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Standard support | 24/7 customer support |
| Price | Affordable, multiple pricing tiers starting at $22.12/month | More expensive, fewer discounts, plans starting at $33/month |
| Best for | Professionals, freelancers, teams | General users, those needing strong support |
Table of Contents
Why Use Remote Access Software on a Mac?
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s quickly cover why remote access software is an incredibly useful tool to use on your Mac.
Although macOS has tools to access files remotely, remote desktop software offer far more control and power over what you can do.
In particular, remote access apps allow you to:
- Access files and applications on your Mac remotely from another location.
- Offer remote tech support to friends, family, or colleagues.
- Improve productivity by enabling you to access files and apps that aren’t on your Mac.
- Run tasks on your Mac without being physically present.
Here then we take a deeper-dive into RemotePC and GoToMyPC to see how they compare.
1. Ease of Use and Setup
RemotePC
RemotePC offers a simple setup that allows users to install the software quickly and start connecting to their machines remotely.
Its interface is clean, user-friendly, and suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Once you have an account and have granted it all the permissions it needs, it takes just a few clicks to connect to your Mac from another device, whether it’s a Windows PC, iOS, or Android device.
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC is also easy to set up, but some users might find the interface slightly dated and basic compared to RemotePC’s more modern look.
However, GoToMyPC is designed for simplicity and has a straightforward setup process that won’t confuse first-time users.
You just download the software, create an account, and connect to your Mac remotely.
2. Performance and Speed
RemotePC
One of RemotePC’s strengths is it’s very lightweight, which creates fast connections and a minimal impact on system resources.
During remote sessions, connections are generally low latency, which makes for smooth file transfers and control of Mac applications.
RemotePC also supports multiple displays, which is an added advantage for users with more complex setups.
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC offers reliable performance with consistent connections, but some users report that it can feel sluggish during high-demand tasks, such as streaming media or using heavy applications remotely.
While it’s absolutely fine for most needs and scenarios, RemotePC generally offers better speed and less lag for certain tasks.
3. Features and Functionality
RemotePC
RemotePC provides plenty of features for Mac users, including:
- File transfer between the remote and local device.
- Chat functionality during remote sessions, which can be useful for troubleshooting.
- Whiteboard tool for collaboration.
- Remote sound transmission, so you can hear audio from your Mac.
- Multiple monitor support, which is crucial if you’re working on larger projects.
The software also allows you to print documents from your remote Mac to your local printer.
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC also offers useful features, such as:
- Drag-and-drop file transfers between the remote Mac and local device.
- Remote sound transmission and remote printing support.
- 24/7 customer support, which generally has very good feedback.
While GoToMyPC offers many of the same key features as RemotePC, it lacks some of the more advanced collaboration tools like the whiteboard that will appeal to teams.
4. Security
RemotePC
Security offers 256-bit AES encryption to ensure that your remote connections remain secure.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is also available, providing an extra layer of protection when logging into your Mac remotely.
This is especially important if you handle sensitive data or use remote access for work purposes.
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC also provides 256-bit AES encryption and supports two-factor authentication, making both services secure enough for personal and professional use.
GoToMyPC’s host-based approach, where your Mac is registered as a trusted device, adds an additional level of security.
5. Pricing
RemotePC
RemotePC offers affordable pricing, especially when compared to GoToMyPC.
It offers several subscription tiers, starting from $22.12/month for single users with discounts available for yearly subscriptions.
It also offers a 7 day Free Trial which allows you to test it properly before fully committing.
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC is slightly more expensive than RemotePC.
It also offers several subscription tiers, with prices starting from $33/month, but it does include more tools than the basic tier in RemotePC.
It also provides a 7 day Free Trial, so you will have some time to try it out before subscribing.
6. Mobile Access
RemotePC
RemotePC offers excellent mobile access with apps for iOS and Android, allowing you to control your Mac from your smartphone or tablet.
The mobile app for RemotePC is well designed and reliable, making it a useful bonus if you’re on the move.
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC also offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, though users report that the experience on mobile can be a bit hit-and-miss.
The main problems seem to be switching between applications or using touch controls.
Connections are generally stable and reliable though with an easy to use interface.
FAQ
Can I use RemotePC and GoToMyPC on my Mac?
Yes, both RemotePC and GoToMyPC are compatible with macOS, and they work well for remote access on all Macs. You can install the clients on your Mac and connect to it from another device, including Windows PCs, iOS, and Android devices.
Can I transfer files between my Mac and a remote device?
Yes, both RemotePC and GoToMyPC allow file transfers between your Mac and another device. RemotePC supports this feature by default and GoToMyPC offers drag-and-drop file transfers.
Is RemotePC cheaper than GoToMyPC?
Yes, RemotePC is generally more affordable than GoToMyPC. RemotePC offers multiple pricing tiers and yearly discounts, making it a better option if you’re on a budget. GoToMyPC tends to be more expensive and doesn’t offer as many discounts, especially for multi-device use.
Are both services secure?
Yes, both RemotePC and GoToMyPC offer strong security measures, including 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) to keep your remote sessions safe.
Can I access my Mac from my smartphone?
Yes, both services offer mobile apps for iOS and Android. However, RemotePC provides a better experience on mobile, with smoother performance and a more intuitive design than GoToMyPC.
Does GoToMyPC offer 24/7 customer support?
Yes, GoToMyPC provides 24/7 customer support, and may be a better option for users who need around-the-clock assistance. RemotePC offers standard customer support but may not be as extensive as GoToMyPC’s.
Can I use either service to access multiple monitors on my Mac?
Yes, both RemotePC and GoToMyPC support multiple monitors, which makes them suitable if you need to work across several displays on your remote Mac.
Do both services offer free trials?
Yes, both RemotePC and GoToMyPC offer a 7 day free trial, allowing you to test the software before committing to a paid plan.