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AnyDesk Free vs Paid: Key Differences to Know

Author: Emma Collins
Emma Collins Article author

AnyDesk is a widely-used remote desktop software known for its reliable access features. While it offers a free version for personal use and paid plans for professionals, many users find the free version too limiting. Additionally, there’s a lot of confusion about the differences between the AnyDesk free vs paid versions. Dive in to uncover the key distinctions between the two.

If you’re frustrated with the limitations of AnyDesk’s free version, discover HelpWire—a powerful, completely free AnyDesk alternative for both personal and business use. Jump into the chapter for more details.

AnyDesk Pricing Plans: In-Depth Comparison

AnyDesk offers several pricing plans tailored to personal, professional, and commercial use. Below is an in-depth comparison of AnyDesk’s current pricing plans:

  • Free Plan: This is a no-cost option ideal for individuals who need occasional remote desktop access. It is designed exclusively for personal use.
  • Solo Plan: Best for individual professionals who need basic remote access and mobile support.
  • Standard Plan: Ideal for small teams who require enhanced management features and scalability.
  • Advanced Plan: Designed for larger teams or businesses that need advanced deployment and support options.

Ultimate Plan: Tailored for enterprises with extensive requirements, maximum customization, and support.

PlanPriceUsersConnectionsManaged DevicesKey Features
Free PlanFreePersonal use only1 outgoing connectionN/ABasic remote access, limited features, no technical support.
Solo Plan$22.90 per month (billed annually)1 licensed user with 3 login devices1 outgoing connectionUp to 100 (Unattended Access)Mobile device support, unlimited devices to connect to (Interactive Access), basic file transfer, remote printing, session recording.
Standard Plan$35.90 per month (billed annually)20 licensed users in a teamStarts with 1 outgoing connection (add up to 20)Up to 500 (Unattended Access)Includes all Solo features plus standard user management, custom client generator, address book, session logging.
Advanced Plan$79.90 per month (billed annually)100 licensed users in a teamStarts with 2 concurrent connections (add up to 50)Up to 1,000 (Unattended Access)Includes all Standard features plus advanced user management, command line interface, mass deployment (MSI), group policies, REST API, priority support.
Ultimate PlanCustom pricing; contact salesCustomizableCustomizableUp to 2,000 (Unattended Access)Includes all Advanced features plus unlimited address books & entries, customizable namespace, on-premises option, single sign-on (SSO), dedicated account manager.

AnyDesk Free Version Limitations

The free version of AnyDesk is limited only to personal and non-commercial use. While it offers basic remote access features, it has several limitations that may hinder businesses from achieving efficient and reliable remote desktop access. Here are some constraints of the AnyDesk’s free version:
  1. Maximum three devices only. The free version supports only up to three remote machines.
  2. Sessions may be disconnected: Remote sessions are time-limited, which can disrupt sessions with lengthy tasks. AnyDesk does not provide a specific time limit for every session, but many users report that the free version allows sessions up to 20–60 minutes only. 
Here’s a detailed guide about AnyDesk time limits.

@RedditQuote • Jan 31, 2024

“from what my friends and I have observed, it appears you get about 30-40 minutes.”
  1. Restrictions on some functionalities: The free version does not offer advanced features such as file transfer, remote printing, session recording, and privacy mode.
  2. Commercial use prohibited: Commercial use of AnyDesk’s free version is against its terms of service and may result in account suspension. Some users report being flagged for “commercial use” even when they use the software for personal purposes. This can be due to the misclassification of AnyDesk’s automated system for detecting commercial use based on customers’ usage patterns.

@RedditQuote • Sep 30, 2023

“Now I have this huge red bar whenever I connect to a PC which says "Free license (non-professional use). Please get a trial license or buy online".”
  1. Limitations on Customer Support: Free users can only access basic customer support through online resources and community forums. For real-time inquiries or concerns, free users may experience longer response times.

@RedditQuote • Jun 27, 2024

“You have to prove you use it non-professional. But, I applied a week ago with no reply yet.”

HelpWire - Free Alternative to AnyDesk

One of the high-performing, free alternatives to AnyDesk is HelpWire. This software provides an advanced suite of features for personal, business, and professional purposes. 

With HelpWire, you can set up remote access to Windows, Linux, and macOS machines without constraints. It comes with user-friendly tools to quickly establish remote sessions without extensive or complicated configurations.

Aside from eliminating AnyDesk free limitations, these HelpWire features make it a superior choice in remote access software.

  • Multi-Platform Support

    HelpWire offers enhanced remote productivity with multi-platform support for Microsoft Windows and Mac computers.

  • Simple File Transfer

    Copy and paste files easily from an operator’s machine to a remote session.

  • Real-Time Communication

    Communicate directly with clients and resolve issues efficiently with HelpWire’s real-time chat capabilities.

  • Access and Control Multiple Workstations

    Control multiple desktops from a specific client simultaneously for effective and reliable client support.

  • Easy Establishment of Remote Sessions

    For secure remote sessions, unique client apps are generated which do not require user IDs or passwords.

  • Unattended access

    HelpWire provides unattended access to remote workstations without the need for the end user’s presence. Gain real-time control of devices, enjoy uninterrupted access, switch users seamlessly, and restart connection anytime, anywhere.

FAQ

AnyDesk free license limitations cover personal use only. Advanced features like file transfer, remote printing, and session recording are unavailable in the free version and sessions are usually interrupted approximately after 60 minutes.

To eliminate these limitations, users must upgrade to AnyDesk’s paid licenses or switch to a free alternative such as HelpWire.

Yes, AnyDesk’s free version is available for personal use indefinitely. However, if the system detects commercial usage, it may block or limit the connection.

The duration of an AnyDesk session depends on the host’s license type. According to AnyDesk, the host’s license determines the connection duration, regardless of the connecting participant’s license. 

Many users report session interruptions occurring after 15 to 60 minutes. These disconnections may be caused by security software on either the local or remote device, which scans active connections and disconnects those from “unknown” or “untrusted” IP addresses.

Tags:
AnyDesk, Comparison, Free