AnyDesk vs RDP is mainly a choice between reaching an existing computer and using a Windows computer built for remote work. AnyDesk and TeamViewer are remote-support applications, while RDP is the protocol you use to connect to a Windows PC or server; if you need the host supplied and available, a cloud Windows RDP is the better fit.
Quick answer
Choose AnyDesk or TeamViewer when someone needs to let you into an existing computer or when you need support features around a live session. Choose Chrome Remote Desktop for simple access to your own computer.
Choose RDP when you need a proper Windows environment for browser work, MT4/MT5 terminals, or a machine that does not depend on your home computer staying switched on. VPSLake’s Buffalo Windows RDP supplies a private KVM VM with reserved RAM, full Administrator access, a dedicated US IPv4 address, and a choice of Windows image.
| Option | Supplies the Windows host? | Connection model | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPSLake Buffalo Windows RDP | Yes | Native RDP client to a private cloud VM | An always-on Windows desktop or server |
| AnyDesk | No | Installed app with interactive or unattended access | Remote support and access to an existing PC |
| TeamViewer | No | Installed app and account-based remote sessions | Guided support and cross-device access |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | No | Browser and mobile access to an existing computer | Simple personal remote access |
How each tool connects
RDP is a protocol, not a hosting service. A remote RDP client connects to a Windows host that you already own, manage, or rent. Microsoft’s current Remote Desktop client documentation covers connecting to remote PCs and Remote Desktop Services from supported client devices.
That distinction matters when comparing RDP with AnyDesk and TeamViewer. Installing an RDP client on your laptop does not create a second computer; you still need a reachable Windows PC or server and an account allowed to connect.
AnyDesk and TeamViewer install software on both sides of the connection. They are convenient when you need to see another person’s screen, ask for permission, exchange files, or troubleshoot an existing workstation.
Chrome Remote Desktop follows the same host-versus-client model. Google describes it as a way to access files and applications on another computer from a computer or mobile device.
Speed and quality
There is no universal winner for speed because latency, bandwidth, host CPU, graphics, Wi-Fi quality, and screen resolution all affect a session.
For ordinary Windows administration, RDP has a practical advantage: it is designed around a Windows session rather than treating the desktop as a support call. You can open applications, manage files, run a terminal, and keep a work environment separate from the device in your hands.
AnyDesk and TeamViewer are often more convenient when a person is helping another person. Their interactive controls, permission prompts, and support workflows are useful when the remote user is present, especially across different desktop and mobile platforms.
Chrome Remote Desktop is intentionally simple. It works well for checking a home computer or opening an application remotely, but it does not turn that computer into an independent cloud workspace.
Ask whether the host is close to the people and services you need, stays online, and has enough CPU and RAM for the workload.
Price and licence limits
The price comparison is not simply “free app versus paid RDP”; the tools solve different problems.
AnyDesk offers free personal use and paid professional plans. Its current pricing page distinguishes personal use from licensed remote access, interactive access, managed devices, and support features. Commercial users should check the current plan terms rather than assuming that a free download covers business work.
TeamViewer also separates personal use from paid remote access and support plans. Licensing depends on users, concurrent channels, and managed devices, so it is a separate subscription from the computer being accessed.
Chrome Remote Desktop is attractive when you already own the host and only need a straightforward access layer. It does not include a new Windows machine or its resources.
With a cloud RDP, the monthly plan pays for the Windows VM and its allocated resources. VPSLake’s Buffalo 4 GB plan is $9.99/mo and includes 3 vCPU, 4 GB reserved RAM, 60 GB SSD RAID 1 storage, 3 TB traffic, a 200 Mbps port, a private KVM VM, full Administrator access, and one dedicated US IPv4 address.
VPSLake supplies a Windows Server 2019, Windows 10 Pro, or Windows 11 Pro image on the order form. You must bring your own Windows licence; the licence is not included and there is no separate licence surcharge. That BYOL detail should be part of any honest RDP budget.
For multi-user Windows Server deployments, licensing can be more involved. Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services documentation explains the Client Access License model for users or devices connecting to an RDS session host. Check the terms for your exact Windows edition and use case.
VPSLake Buffalo Windows RDP
VPSLake is the best choice here when you need the remote computer itself. The Buffalo, New York plan is a private KVM VM with reserved RAM, full Administrator access, a dedicated US IPv4 address, and client-area console, reinstall, reboot, and password-reset controls.
The 4 GB plan suits one browser profile, a single MT4/MT5 setup, rater work, or a normal Windows desktop workload. For several browser profiles, multiple terminals, or heavier parallel use, the 8 GB plan is $16.99/mo with 4 vCPU, 100 GB storage, 5 TB traffic, and a 300 Mbps port.
This is where a cloud RDP differs from AnyDesk: you do not need a home PC, office workstation, or always-on desktop to act as the host. The Windows environment is separate from your personal device, so you can leave work running on the server.
Setup is automatic after payment, and you can pay by crypto, UPI, or card. Review the Buffalo Windows RDP plans, then use the Windows VPS setup checklist.
Best for: an always-on Windows environment, browser-based work, MT4/MT5 terminals, automation, and users who need full control of a separate remote machine.
AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a strong fit for remote support and unattended access to a computer you already control. You install the host component on that computer, configure the permitted access method, and connect from another device using the AnyDesk client.
Its main advantage over native RDP is the support workflow. A technician can ask the person at the other end to approve a session, work across operating systems, use permissions, and end the session when the task is done.
The boundary is important: AnyDesk does not provide the host PC. If you are deciding between AnyDesk vs RDP for a new remote Windows workspace, price the computer and software separately.
Best for: helping someone with an existing computer, occasional remote support, and unattended access to a workstation you already own.
TeamViewer
TeamViewer is also built around remote access and support rather than supplying a cloud server. It suits guided help sessions, device management, file transfer, and cross-platform connections.
Choose a licence that matches your users, managed devices, and concurrent sessions; personal-use terms are not a substitute for a commercial plan.
Like AnyDesk, TeamViewer still depends on the remote host. It can make an existing PC easier to reach, but it does not give you a fresh Windows environment with its own allocated RAM, storage, and IP address. For that requirement, compare a cloud RDP plan instead.
Best for: support teams and users who need a structured remote-assistance workflow for computers they already manage.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is the simplest option when you want to reach your own computer and already use a Google account. Google supports access from computers or mobile devices and separate support connections.
The setup is lightweight, but you provide the host. The computer must be configured for remote access, connected to the internet, and available when you need it.
Choose it for occasional access to a home desktop, a personal file, or an application that is already installed on your own machine. Choose RDP instead when the goal is to rent a separate Windows environment for regular work.
Best for: basic personal access to an existing computer with minimal setup.
Which tool is best for a remote server?
For a remote server, use RDP as the connection method and choose the host based on your workload. AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and Chrome Remote Desktop do not replace server resources.
Use this decision rule:
- You need to help another person on their PC: choose AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
- You need occasional access to your own home computer: choose Chrome Remote Desktop.
- You already administer a Windows PC or server: use a suitable RDP client.
- You need a separate Windows machine that stays available: buy a cloud Windows RDP.
- You need several browser profiles or terminals: size the RDP by reserved RAM, not only by the connection app.
Use a strong unique Administrator password, allow only the access you need, and keep Windows and applications updated. If your session connects but file transfer is the problem, see the guide to fixing copy and paste in RDP.
FAQ
Is AnyDesk better than RDP?
AnyDesk is better for interactive remote support on a computer you already own. RDP is better when you administer a Windows PC or need a cloud Windows server for regular work; the best choice depends on whether you need support features or a dedicated host.
Is RDP faster than AnyDesk?
RDP can feel more efficient for ordinary Windows administration because it is designed for a Windows session, but actual performance depends on latency, bandwidth, host resources, and display settings. A well-placed, properly sized host matters more than the app name alone.
Can I use TeamViewer instead of RDP on a VPS?
You can install a remote-support application on a compatible VPS, but it changes the access method rather than supplying the VPS. Native RDP is usually the simpler choice for managing a Windows server unless your workflow specifically needs TeamViewer’s support features.
Does Chrome Remote Desktop give me a cloud PC?
No. Chrome Remote Desktop connects you to a computer that you provide and keep available. A cloud Windows RDP supplies the remote machine, its storage, memory, network connection, and operating-system image.
Do I need a Windows licence for VPSLake RDP?
Yes. VPSLake supplies the Windows Server 2019, Windows 10 Pro, or Windows 11 Pro image, but you bring your own valid Windows licence. The plan does not include a Windows licence or add a separate licence surcharge.