# Category Compare: Screen Sharing vs. Remote Management Software | Capterra > Confused between screen sharing and remote management? Here we compare screen sharing and remote management software so you can choose the right tool for your business. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/screen-sharing-vs-remote-management --- # Category Compare: Screen Sharing vs. Remote Management Software By Saumya Srivastava Saumya Srivastava Writer Experience Since November 2021, I've been a writer for Capterra, providing expert insights to help small businesses find the right software solutions.... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/ssrivastava/) Published June 16, 2023 5 min read Embracing the comfort and convenience of remote work and collaboration is a game-changer in today’s interconnected world. However, fully unlocking its potential boils down to selecting the right tools such as [screen sharing](https://www.capterra.com/screen-sharing-software/) and [remote management](https://www.capterra.com/remote-monitoring-and-management-software/) software. Whether it’s providing technical support, conducting virtual meetings, or collaborating on projects, it’s important to understand both software categories to ensure seamless and productive interactions.  A question that arises is, which one should you select as someone managing business operations in a remote/hybrid work environment? This article discusses the similarities and differences between screen share and remote management software categories, so you can decide which is the right tool for your business’s remote working needs. For each software category, we’ve included the top five products based on verified software reviews. [Read more](#methodology). ## What is screen sharing software? [Screen sharing software](https://www.capterra.com/screen-sharing-software/) enables sharing device screens (laptop, desktop, and mobile) with others in real time or via recorded sessions. The software offers options to share the entire screen, an application window, or a specific portion of the screen. Additionally, the remote control capabilities let others work on the shared screen and resolve issues.  Businesses use screen sharing software to facilitate collaboration among remote teams and enhance task management and delivery. The software includes real-time remote desktop sharing, access controls, activity dashboards, presenter control, and other features. ## Core features of screen sharing software The core features of screen sharing software are: - **Real-time sharing:** Share your remote desktop, laptop, or mobile screen with single or multiple users, letting them see what changes/actions are being performed in real time. - **Access controls/permissions:** Regulate who can view and use the shared screen by setting permissions and issuing passwords. ## 5 top-rated screen sharing software These products are listed in alphabetical order. ([Check how we selected them](#methodology).) \*_Analysis accurate as of May 2023_ #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty ## What is remote management software? [Remote monitoring and management](https://www.capterra.com/remote-monitoring-and-management-software/) or RMM software enables monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting a business’s IT infrastructure (networks, servers, and devices) over a remote connection. The tool monitors the health of IT infrastructure components using metrics such as CPU usage, memory utilization, disk space, network bandwidth, and more. Such insights assist with identifying and addressing issues with the IT systems on time before they cause significant disruption or downtime. The tool also sends alerts to the system administrators based on predefined thresholds or abnormal system behavior.  Businesses use remote monitoring and management software to strengthen IT infrastructure management, improve operational efficiency, enhance security, and reduce system downtime. ## Core features of remote management software The core features of remote management software are: - **Remote access control:** Access and control IT devices from any location using a centralized console. The feature allows troubleshooting and resolving issues, performing maintenance tasks, and providing technical support. - **Reporting/analytics:** Track performance metrics for IT infrastructure components, including systems, networks, servers, and devices from any location. ## 5 top-rated remote management software These products are listed in alphabetical order. ([Check how we selected them](#methodology).) \*_Analysis accurate as of May 2023_ #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty ## Screen sharing vs. remote management software: How are they similar? Screen sharing and remote management software platforms share the common goal of allowing users to access, view, and/or control remote computer systems and screens. Both software types have gained popularity as remote and hybrid education and employment are on the rise. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, and it's possible for a product to advertise as or offer both screen sharing and remote management capabilities. Some common features of the two categories include access controls, activity tracking dashboards, and user permissions and management. Screen sharing is under remote management, which offers some functionality of screen sharing systems. ## Screen sharing vs. remote management software: Which one is right for your business? To get an answer, you need to understand your business’s collaboration and remote work requirements.  Screen sharing software primarily focuses on real-time communication and collaboration. You can use the tool to share screens, and allow teams to view and interact with the shared content via remote desktop access. If your job involves presenting and brainstorming sessions while working remotely, then you can benefit from screen sharing software. It may be noted that screen sharing is a subset of remote monitoring and management. On the other hand, remote monitoring and management focus on monitoring, managing, and controlling IT infrastructure components via the remote desktop connection. It is broader than screen sharing and allows control over a device to view, monitor, and perform tasks or troubleshoot technical systems for issues. If your job requires providing remote support for technical devices or managing IT infrastructure, then you can benefit from remote monitoring and management software. Once you’ve decided which software to use, head to our [screen sharing software](https://www.capterra.com/screen-sharing-software/) and [remote management software](https://www.capterra.com/remote-monitoring-and-management-software/) category pages, where you can find a sortable list of products and software reviews from verified users. ## How to choose screen sharing vs. remote management software? - **Evaluate category-specific features:** Screen sharing software assists with team collaboration when working from different locations. On the other hand, remote management software focuses on remotely managing the IT infrastructure, and screen sharing is one of its features along with remote access and monitoring. However, these are just some of the features, and you need to carefully assess your business requirements to find a tool with the right feature set. - **Focus on data security:** Both software categories allow sharing data via screen-sharing sessions in a remote work environment. This makes it important to ensure that you are using a tool that is secured with granular access controls, multi-factor authentication, etc., and compliant with data protection laws. This protects your data from unauthorized access while you share your screen over a virtual network. - **Assess the level of control:** Check the level of control your team requires over remote devices. If you need to guide remote employees while they perform tasks, then screen sharing can meet this requirement. During sessions, you can also look for real-time collaboration (messaging, link sharing, or requesting access). However, remote management is a solution to get full control over remote devices to perform tasks, troubleshoot the system, or grant or revoke access. ## Common questions when selecting screen sharing vs. remote management software Does the software allow participants to control the shared screen? Some screen sharing solutions support real-time collaboration, wherein remote participants can request control over the shared screen. The feature enhances collaboration in the case of multiple meeting hosts. However, the availability and functionality of this feature for users may differ for every software and subscription plan, as it is a limited feature. What about file sharing between local and remote systems? File sharing or transfer capabilities between local and remote devices assist with troubleshooting technical issues or securely downloading files. You can also learn about bi-directional file transfer, file size and type, and encryption. Is there a built-in chat and messaging functionality for screen sharing or a remote session? Most screen sharing and remote management solutions provide built-in chat or messaging capabilities during sessions. However, you need to check whether the feature is available to all the participants (host, presenter, and viewer) and what all can be shared in chat (links, images, and text)**.** Additionally, check if there is a moderation option to control and manage the chat during sessions. * * * **Methodology** For both software categories, we highlight the top five products with the highest average user ratings. To be included in this list, the products had to: - Have at least 20 unique product reviews published on Capterra, with an average rating of 3.0 or higher (as of May 31, 2023). - Meet our software market definition for screen sharing and remote management software: - Screen sharing software: _“Screen sharing software allows presenters and meeting participants to share the screens of their computers with other participants' computers or projecting devices.”_ - Remote monitoring and management software: _“Remote monitoring and management or RMM software is widely used by managed services providers to monitor, maintain and troubleshoot IT systems and devices.”_ **Disclaimer:** The products listed as examples in the feature images of each software category are not intended as endorsements or recommendations by Capterra. * * * ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Saumya Srivastava](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/ssrivastava/) Saumya Srivastava is a writer at Capterra. She provides insights to help small and midsize businesses identify the right software for their needs by analyzing over 550,000 Capterra user reviews and nearly 48,000 interactions between Capterra software advisors and buyers. Prior to working at Capterra, Saumya wrote content related to educational and advertising domains. ### RELATED READING - [Choosing Project Management Software? 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