Disclaimer: We sustain our work & review products through paid collaborations.
Remote Desktop or VPN, Which Is Best?

Remote Desktop or VPN, Which Is Best?


Your article should make a comparison between two different ways to connect to a remote PC; either by using remote desktop software such as GoToMyPC or LogMeIn or a VPN service such as IPVanish or boxpn. Explain how the two can help us get access to a remote PC, and what the advantages per solution are.

Remote desktop or VPN, which Is best?

Remote desktop or VPN, which is best?

If you’re at home but need access to your office computer, you have two options. You could connect to your office PC using a remote desktop connection service like GoToMyPC or LogMeIn, or you could connect using a virtual private network (VPN) service like HideMyAss or StrongVPN.

VPN connections allow you to make a secure connection to a private network, including computers at the office, through the unsecured public network known as the Internet. On the other hand, remote desktop connections enable two or more PCs to be connected over a network under the control of one keyboard, monitor, and mouse. Both options are supported for Windows and Mac computers, and both options have pros and cons depending on the type of computing you need to do.

The limitations of VPN

While using a VPN, traffic going to the office PC must become encrypted, pass through the internet, and then be decrypted once it reaches the private network at the office. The slowest internet connection between the computer doing the accessing and the computer being accessed will dictate how fast this process can be. And because uploading data is vastly slower than downloading it on most non-commercial internet connections, this speed bottleneck can be quite substantial if you’re trying to send large files to the accessed office PC.

The limitations of remote desktop access

Remote desktop connections can feel slow or even unusable if the bandwidth of either connection is insufficient for the data streaming necessary to sustain a remote connection. The remote desktop connection is also unable to make use of the resources on the home computer, so if the office computer is slow, all computing tasks will be slow.

Up to 73% off NordVPN 2-year plans
NordVPN logo
Subscribe to NordVPN through our affiliate link and save up to 73% on 2-year plans. Do it with no fear by knowing that your purchase is protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Save Up to 73% on NordVPN

The advantages of VPN

VPN’s allow computer processing to be taken on by the home computer that is accessing the work computer. This is crucial in instances where system resources of the host computer are needed in order to complete a task, like graphically intensive software or 3D modeling.

The advantages of remote desktop access

Remote Desktop connections allow you control over all the computing resources of the accessed computer on the home PC. This means that if the office PC you’re connecting to is faster and more suitable to the tasks you’re carrying out, you’re better off with a remote desktop connection. The internet connection between these two computers is only transmitting your keyboard keystrokes and the clicking of your mouse, meaning that very little data needs to be sent over the internet during a remote desktop connection. This can be ideal for those who keep a watchful eye on their bandwidth use.


Best VPN services of 2025

Editor's choice

NordVPN

Editor's rating:
Easy to use on any device
Extra privacy and file sharing
Comprehensive online protection
Fast and reliable connections
Security

Surfshark

Editor's rating:
Easy to use everywhere
Enhanced online privacy
Fast and secure connections
Protect unlimited devices
Multi-device users

IPVanish

Editor's rating:
Protect all your devices
Ensures user privacy
Help anytime you need it
Strong online protection
Gaming

ExpressVPN

Editor's rating:
Works on all major platforms
Fast, smooth browsing
Easy for anyone to use
Added features for flexibility
Traveling

CyberGhost VPN

Editor's rating:
Enhanced privacy and security
Fair prices
Flexible IP address options
Protects all your devices
Streaming

ZoogVPN

Editor's rating:
Affordable VPN solution
Fast and stable connections
Straightforward platform
Protects your online privacy
Torrenting

Private Internet Access

Editor's rating:
Multiple device compatibility
Keeps your IP address private
Suitable for all users
Tailor settings to your needs
Beginners

TunnelBear

Editor's rating:
Intuitive and easy to use
Extra privacy and security
Blocks trackers and ads
Smooth, fast browsing

Discussions

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other users. Your feedback helps our community make better decisions.

©2012-2025 Best Reviews, a clovio brand – All rights reserved