Are you looking for the best remote desktop connection manager?
Then you’re in the right place.
As a System Administrator, it is common to establish multiple RDP connections on a day to day basis. You may also make other daily connections like SSH or telnet to manage and troubleshoot network equipment.
To manually establish these connections over and over again is a major pain.
How many times a day do you enter in your credentials? Somedays I could end up making 50+ connections a day. That’s 50+ times I manually enter in my credentials to make a remote connection.
This is why I started using a remote desktop connection manager.
It saves me time and is much more efficient.
Let’s take a look at some of the best remote connection managers.
1. mRemoteNG
mRemoteNG is a multi tab remote connection manager. Just like RDCman it is a centralized tool that manages connections to remote systems. mRemoteNG has many features that RDCman does not have such as the ability to manage different connection types.
In addition to RDP, it supports VNC, ICA, SSH, Telnet, RAW, Rlogin and Http/S protocols.
The tab feature comes in handy when you open multiple sessions and need to jump back and forth between them.
More features include, easy to organize and maintain a list of connections, store credentials for auto logons, importing from Active Directory, fullscreen mode, allows for grouping and nesting folders, and more.
I really like this tool, it is easy to use and has a clean interface. I can group together all server connections and create separate groups for all other types of connections like SSH.
2. RoyalTS
RoyalTS is a connection manager that supports a variety of connection types such as RDP, VNC, SSH, S/FTP and web based interfaces.
It includes a built in credential manager, team sharing options so you can share a list of connections.
You can also automate tasks like command sequence and streamline workflows.
When researching connection managers, RoyalTS kept popping up on searches and in forums. It appears to be a popular choice by other System Admins.
I personally found it to be a bit clunky and complicated to get started. It does have a lot of features that other connection managers do not have but I just found it difficult to get started compared to other products.
3. Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager
Devolutions is another centralized connection manager that can handle different protocols and centralize credentials You can even integrate existing password managers such as keepass and lastpass.
This product includes a two factor authentication features. This will enforce two successive steps of authentication to grant access to the data source.
It also has the ability to manage desktops and servers with a mobile application. Devolutions comes in a free edition and paid edition. The free version is good for standalone users, the enterprise is best for teams.
4. DameWare Mini Remote Control
Damware is a tool primarily used by help desk staff and support technicians to easily establish connections with end user devices.
The main difference between this and an RDP connection manager is it allows the screen to be shared. With RDP the remote system will log off so you can’t share the screen with the end user. That’s why RDP managers are best for servers.
Damware is supported on multiple platforms and allows remote control of Windows, Linux, and Max computers.
Additional Features
- Chat message to communicate with remote users
- Built in screenshot tool
- Secure file transfer
- Lock end users keyboard
- Remote Wake on LAN
- Remotely edit BIOS settings
- Active Directory integration
- and much more
Download FREE Trial
5. Terminals
Terminals is a multi tab remote desktop manager that supports several protocols such as RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, Citrix, HTTP and HTTPS.
Key features include a multi tab interface, open terminal window in full screen, resizable windows, connection history, customizable toolbars and search.
Terminals also includes several network tools such as ping, tracert, wak on lan, port scanner and who is. This can come in handy for some basic troubleshooting.
Terminals is an open source project and is currently not under development. It does still work on Windows 10.
Bonus Pick: Dameware Remote Everywhere
Dameware remote everywhere is a cloud based remote support solution that allows IT professionals to access nearly any platform [Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android].
Remote everywhere allows you to quickly gain remote access to systems that are on premise such as users in the office or remote workers like when they are at home, at a hotel, or anywhere with an internet connection. The cloud based web portal makes it easy to manage connections and support remote workers. This is a great tool for helpdesk or any IT professional that needs to remotely support end users.
Key Features:
- Session recording
- Hide wallpaper and screen blanking
- Screen sharing and multi-monitor support
- Organize and manage connections
- Live chat and video conferencing
- Built in troubleshooting tools
- Remotely restart and shutdown devices
- and much more.
Click here to start a 14 day FREE trail.
Final Thoughts
Each remote connection manager has its pros and cons. To find what best fits your needs I recommend downloading and trying them out for yourself. I personally use mRemoteNG and Damware mini remote control.
I use MremoteNG to manage RDP server connections and ssh connections to network switches. I like that it has a clean interface it’s simple to use and is not bloated with extra junk that I don’t need. I can also share the connection file with my team to make the whole team more efficient.
Helpdesk and my team use DamWare to connect to end users desktop and laptops. It allows us to remote shadow end users systems to troubleshoot and assist with any issues they have. With its wide range of features it’s a great tool for end user support.
That’s all. I hope that this list helped you find a remote connection manager for you and your team. You may also want to see check out my list of Active Directory Tools.
Accessing computers remotely has become an inevitable part of today’s work culture and one of the essentials for it, is a remote desktop connection manager that will streamline your connections and will keep it secure.
This manager becomes all the more an important tool if you’re a system admin who has to make many RDP connections daily.
Imagine if you have to enter your credentials for remote access several times a day.
How frustrating would that get!
Instead of managing these connections manually, a RDP Connection Banager is sure to make your life easy and that’s why we present some of the best remote desktop connection managers for managing multiple RDP sessions.
Here’s the Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers:
- DameWare Mini Remote Control – FREE TRIAL A system designed for use by Help Desk and software support teams. Installs on Windows and Windows Server.
- ManageEngine Desktop Central – FREE TRIAL A unified endpoint management system that monitors servers, desktops, and mobile devices. Available for Windows Server and Linux.
- mRemoteNG A simple, free connection management tool that includes remote device credentials management. Runs on Windows.
- RoyalTS A connection management system that controls the remote connection systems of other providers. Installs on Windows and Windows Server.
- Devolutions A remote desktop system available in a free version for individuals and a paid version for teams. Installs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
The Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers
Let’s take a detailed look into each of these tools, so you can make an informed choice.
1. DameWare Mini Remote Control – FREE TRIAL
DameWare Mini Remote Control is a remote control software designed for customer support and help desk professionals.
It comes from the stables of a leading network management company called SolarWinds.
Source: DameWare Mini Remote Control
Features
The important features of this tool are:
- Supports multi-platform desktop sharing
- Provides remote access to sleeping and powered-off computers as well
- Comes with multi-factor authentication
- Offers a flexible user-based access control
- Has a ton of remote session utilities
- Allows for easy customization
- Enables the control of multiple platforms through a single window
Pricing
It is priced at $270 per user.
Download
You can access a fully-functional 14-day free trial.
//www.solarwinds.com/dameware-mini-remote-control/registration
2. ManageEngine Desktop Central – FREE TRIAL
ManageEngine Desktop Central is a unified endpoint management system that is able to remotely manage servers, desktops, and mobile devices. This system uses remote access to onboard and update devices and also supports users through remote control and remote desktop utilities.
Features
The important features of this package are:
- Remote access behind the scenes for admin and investigation.
- Visible remote control with user participation for solution demonstration.
- Automated, unattended remote access for system maintenance.
- Management of mobile devices as well as office equipment.
- Automated patch management.
- Configuration management and security.
- IT asset management inventories for hardware and software.
- Self-service portal to support users.
- Software rollout and license management.
- Endpoint security bundle.
- Secure identity and access management services, including 2FA.
- AD analysis and user access reporting.
Pricing
Desktop Central is offered in four editions: Free, Professional, Enterprise, and UEM. Contact ManageEngine to get a quote.
Download
Desktop Central installs on Window Server and it is also available as a cloud-based server. Access a 30-day free trial of either version
//www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/
3. mRemoteNG
mRemoteNG is a centralized tool that helps to manage multiple RDP connections from a single window.
It is an open-source tool that can be customized to meet your preferences.
Source: Favcoolapps
Features
Here is a look at some of the important features of this tool.
- Supports different connection types such as VNC, SSH, telnet, RDP, RAW, RLogin and more to give you flexibility with your connections.
- Its tabbed feature makes it easy to switch back and forth between different connections.
- Maintains a database of connections, so you don’t have to enter your credentials each time
- Stores credentials for auto logons
- Imports information from Active Directory
- Supports grouping and nesting to make navigation a breeze for you
- Comes with a full-screen mode.
Pricing
100% FREE.
Download
Click here to download mRemoteNG
4. RoyalTS
RoyalTS is a powerful connection manager that works well with different types of connections and comes with many advanced features that are sure to make connection management an easy task for you.
Source: RoyalTS
Features
It comes with the following features:
- Supports many types of connections such as RDP, terminal, VNC, TeamViewer, Hyper-V, PowerShell, and more.
- Makes it possible to assign and reuse objects to connections and folders. In fact, connections can be inherited from the parent folder as well
- Protects sensitive data through encryption
- Makes it easy to share connections without compromising on your credentials
- Streamlines the overall workflow
- Tunneling is tightly integrated for greater security
- Supports dynamic folders and credentials.
Pricing
The Lite Version is free and supports up to 10 credentials/connections while the single user connection supports unlimited connections and is priced at a one-time payment of Euro 39.
Download
Click here to download the free version.
5. Devolutions
Devolutions is a centralized connection manager that supports many protocols.
It comes loaded with a host of features and tools that centralizes and manages secure remote connections.
Source: Devolutions
Features
A list of the important features of this tool are as follows.
- Handles remote connection management and password management
- Supports cross-platform connections
- Comes with shared databases and vaults
- Gives a role-based access control
- Provides reports and audits when needed
- Enhances security with two-factor authentication
- Has a mobile application for easy access
Pricing
The free edition doesn’t come with a whole lot of features and is designed for individuals who don’t have to share their credentials with other users.
The enterprise edition is ideal for system admins, MSPs, and help desk professionals who have to share credentials with other users.
It is priced at $199.99 for a single user and $4,999.99 for a site with no limit on the users.
Download
Click here to download the free version.
To conclude, a remote desktop connection manager makes your life easy especially if you have to handle multiple connections daily.
It stores your credentials, allows you to choose a credential from a list, secures your connection, gets inputs from Active Directory, and does so much more.
The above-mentioned tools are the best RDP connection managers available in the market today and we hope this information helps you to choose the right one that best fits your needs.