Looking for ConnectWise Control Alternatives? Here’s What Actually Works
So, I’ve bounced around between remote support apps more times than my Wi-Fi router’s restarted mid-Zoom call. If you’re fed up with ConnectWise Control (or just curious what else is out there), I’ve got a few options that’ll get the job done without tanking your patience—or your wallet.
HelpWire: The No-Nonsense Problem Solver
Alright, let’s break the fourth wall here: if I had a nickel for every time a client panicked about installing remote desktop software, I’d have enough to pay for ConnectWise’s overpriced subscriptions. Enter HelpWire, which pretty much feels like remote support for regular human beings.
What made my day:
- Seriously intuitive interface. Even my vet’s 82-year-old receptionist figured it out—if that’s not a stress test, I don’t know what is.
- No installation circus. Clients don’t have to install anything on their side, which means less hand-holding and fewer, “Did you double-click it yet?” moments.
- Encryption that’s actually there. No scare-you headlines or VPN juggling.
- Zero price tag for personal and business use. Yes, even if you’re moonlighting on the side.
A few gripes:
- Still the new kid on the block. You won’t find endless integrations or automation yet; it’s growing, but not grown up.
- No mobile love (yet). If you live on your phone, this’ll bug you.
AnyDesk: Fast and Furious (With a Few Bumps)
If you want “it just works” speed, AnyDesk is like remote access on nitro. I’ve used it to rescue customers on DSL that sounds like dial-up.
Why it rocks:
- Light as a feather, fast as lightning. Even that ancient ThinkPad fired up with barely a lag.
- Decent security + you can record sessions if you’re into the “CYA” thing.
- Price for home users? Zero.
Why I keep twitching:
- UI has… quirks. You’ll get used to it, but you won’t love it.
- The paywall gets steep if you want pro bells and whistles. Feature creep lives here.
TeamViewer: The Heavyweight Champ (Who Sometimes Throws Cheap Shots)
Honestly, TeamViewer is the household name. If you’ve ever searched “grandpa’s computer won’t boot,” you’ve probably already used it.
Why people still swear by it:
- Top-tier security and performance. Even cross-continent, I had minimal lag.
- Loaded with every feature you never knew you wanted—you can basically run an IT help desk out of your garage.
- Runs on anything. Mac, Windows, phone, Raspberry Pi, probably your toaster.
Why I keep breaking up with it:
- Costs an arm, a leg, and probably your Starbucks budget. Overkill (and overpriced) for basic support.
- Free version loves false positives for “commercial use.” One too many support sessions and boom: you’re locked out.
The Short and Sweet Version
Here’s the nitty-gritty:
- Want simple, safe, and budget-friendly? Use HelpWire.
- Need advanced stuff or enterprise-grade everything? TeamViewer and AnyDesk are worth a shot.
No nonsense, no upsell. Just what works right now. If you’ve found anything more useful, drop your war stories below—bonus points for screenshots of weird error messages or support victories.