DeskJoin Remote
Consider it for a nearby Mac or Windows computer on a trusted local network. Use Windows or macOS on either side, or use an Android or iOS device as the Controller, without creating a DeskJoin account.
Local remote desktop comparison
DeskJoin Remote, Apple Screen Sharing, Chrome Remote Desktop, and RustDesk.
Four ways to view and control another computer, designed for different platforms, networks, trust models, and levels of setup.
At a glance
Compare the differences
This table describes each product's intended workflow. It is not a ranking.
| Difference | DeskJoin Remote | Apple Screen Sharing | Chrome Remote Desktop | RustDesk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | View and control a nearby computer over the same local network. | View and control another Mac with the Screen Sharing app built into macOS. | Reach your own computer over the internet or provide one-time remote support. | Cross-platform remote control through public or self-hosted ID and relay infrastructure. |
| Platforms | Windows and macOS can be the Controller or Host. Android and iOS are Controller-only. | Mac Controller and Mac Host. High Performance mode requires supported Apple silicon Macs and macOS 14+. | Mac, Windows, or Linux Host; computer web access plus Android and iOS Controllers. | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Web. iOS cannot act as a Host. |
| Connection scope | Same reachable local network only. No DeskJoin internet relay. | Designed for Mac screen sharing on a network, with macOS sharing permissions controlling access. | Internet connection required; remote access is provided through Google's service. | Direct connections where possible, with public or self-hosted rendezvous and relay services. |
| Account or identity | No account. Pair devices by comparing a six-digit code and remember their public-key fingerprints locally. | Uses macOS users and sharing permissions; Screen Sharing can also start a connection by hostname or Apple Account. | Remote access uses a Google Account and a PIN; one-time support uses a generated access code. | Basic client connections use a device ID and password. Account and centralized management features depend on the chosen server edition. |
| Setup | Install DeskJoin Remote on participating devices, grant required permissions, discover the Host, and pair. | Enable Screen Sharing on the Host Mac and connect with the built-in Screen Sharing app. | Install the Host component, configure remote access, and connect through the web or mobile app. | Install the client. Use RustDesk's public infrastructure or deploy and configure your own server. |
| Security model | Mutual TLS 1.2 pairing and control channels. In macOS 0.9.3, the token-bound local video channel itself is not encrypted. | Uses macOS authentication and per-user sharing permissions; optional VNC password access can be enabled. | Google states that all remote desktop sessions are fully encrypted; access uses a PIN or one-time support code. | End-to-end encryption based on NaCl, with an option to operate your own ID and relay infrastructure. |
| Extra data features | No clipboard sharing or file transfer in the current trial. | Shared clipboard and drag-and-drop file transfer are available during a Mac screen-sharing session. | Focused on remote access and support through Google's web and mobile experience. | Includes features such as file transfer, with availability and permissions varying by platform and configuration. |
| Availability | macOS trial and Windows development preview; signed Android Controller APK. | Included with supported Macs. | Available through Google without a separate product purchase. | Open-source client and server options, plus paid Professional Server editions. |
Product information reviewed October 11, 2026. Features, compatibility, security designs, and prices can change.
Which one fits?
Choose for the connection you actually need
Apple Screen Sharing
Start here when both computers are Macs. It is already included with macOS and currently provides a mature Mac-to-Mac experience, including clipboard and file sharing.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Choose it when you want simple access from another network and are comfortable using a Google Account and Google's remote-access infrastructure.
RustDesk
Choose it when you need broad platform coverage, open-source software, internet access, or control over your own rendezvous and relay servers.
A clear limitation
Local network does not mean remote from anywhere
DeskJoin Remote currently discovers and connects devices that can reach each other on the same local network. It does not operate a cloud relay, traverse the internet for you, or wake a sleeping Host.
If you need access while travelling, use an internet-capable service or an appropriately secured VPN and remote-access setup. Do not expose DeskJoin Remote ports directly to the public internet.
Common questions
Remote desktop comparison FAQ
How is DeskJoin Remote different from Apple Screen Sharing?
Apple Screen Sharing is built into macOS and is the simplest first choice when both computers are Macs. DeskJoin Remote is a separate local-network app: Windows and macOS can be the Controller or Host, while Android and iOS are Controller-only.
How is DeskJoin Remote different from Chrome Remote Desktop?
Chrome Remote Desktop is designed for access over the internet through Google's service and supports browser, Android, and iOS controllers. DeskJoin Remote currently works only when the devices can reach one another on the same local network and does not require a product account or DeskJoin relay.
How is DeskJoin Remote different from RustDesk?
RustDesk is a broad open-source remote-desktop system with public or self-hosted ID and relay infrastructure and support for more platforms. DeskJoin Remote has a narrower nearby-device focus and does not currently provide internet relay, self-hosting, clipboard sharing, or file transfer.
Can DeskJoin Remote connect when I am away from home?
No. The current release is for devices on the same reachable local network. Choose Chrome Remote Desktop, RustDesk, a VPN-based setup, or another internet-capable remote-access product when you need access from a different network.