A Chrome Remote Desktop alternative
Chrome Remote Desktop is free and simple. GaiaDesk is just as easy to start, works in any modern browser, and adds what a team needs: roles, a shared address book, an audit log and support for commercial use.
- Browsers
- Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge
- Account
- A GaiaDesk account; no Google account needed
- For teams
- Roles, shared address book, audit log, allow-lists
- Price
- Free for personal use; Pro $12 a seat a month
GaiaDesk vs Chrome Remote Desktop.
Chrome Remote Desktop details are from Google's help page, checked November 2026.
| Feature | GaiaDesk | Chrome Remote Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free for personal use; paid plans for work | Free |
| Account | GaiaDesk account | Google account |
| Hosts | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Set up and connect from | Any modern browser, or the desktop app | Chrome, at remotedesktop.google.com |
| Help someone with a one-time code | Yes | Yes |
| Team roles, shared address book, audit log | Team plan | No team plan |
| Remote terminal, CLI and MCP server | Yes | No |
| Session recording and whiteboard | Pro and Team | No |
Chrome Remote Desktop is a product of Google LLC. GaiaDesk is not affiliated with Google. If anything here is out of date, write to support@gaiadesk.net.
Which one fits.
Chrome Remote Desktop may be enough if
- You only reach your own computer now and then, for free.
- Everyone involved already uses Chrome and a Google account.
- You do not need records of who connected, or team management.
GaiaDesk is the better pick if
- You use it for work and need a commercial licence, roles and an audit log.
- You connect from Safari, Firefox or Edge, or do not want to tie access to a Google account.
- You want a terminal, file manager and command line alongside the desktop.
- You want hardware HEVC video in the desktop app for sharp text.
How to switch.
Read next: Getting started · Unattended access · Connecting · The CLI for agents
Install the host on each computer you reach
Download GaiaDesk for macOS, Windows or Linux and sign in. It runs beside Chrome Remote Desktop, so you can switch one machine at a time.
Set an unattended password on your own machines
Settings → Unattended access. With it you connect with no prompt, after a reboot and with the app closed (turn on the background service).
Connect from a browser tab
Open gaiadesk.net/app on any computer or phone, enter the 9-digit address and the code or password. Nothing to install on that side.
Bring the team over
On Team, invite people, set roles and share the address book. Once everyone is connecting through GaiaDesk, uninstall Chrome Remote Desktop.
Questions before you switch.
- Is GaiaDesk free like Chrome Remote Desktop?
- For personal use, yes, including unattended access. Work use needs Pro ($12 a seat a month) or Team ($28).
- Do I need Chrome?
- No. GaiaDesk runs in Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge.
- Do I need a Google account?
- No. You sign in with a GaiaDesk account: a password, an email code, a passkey, or Google, GitHub or Discord if you prefer.
- Can I send files?
- Yes. Drop files on the session window, or browse the remote disk in the two-pane file manager.
- Can I run both while I switch?
- Yes. They do not interfere with each other.