Apple Remote Desktop Reviews and Ratings

Name: Apple Remote Desktop
Rating: 6.6 (107 reviews)

Rating: 6.6 out of 10

Score

6.6 out of 10

Community insights

TrustRadius Insights for Apple Remote Desktop are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, third party data sources.

Pros

User-Friendly Interface: Many users have praised the user interface of Apple Remote Desktop, noting that it is simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate. They appreciate the top navigation bar that provides quick access to all necessary tools and elements in the software, making tasks effortless to perform.

Reliable Remote Access: Several reviewers have highlighted the reliability of Apple Remote Desktop's remote access capabilities. They mention that the software can remotely access Apple computers even if they are not logged in or at the login screen. This feature has proven particularly useful for performing updates or managing machines without interrupting the user's workflow.

Comprehensive Feature Set: Users value the wide range of functionality provided by Apple Remote Desktop at a low cost. They mention features such as remote searching on devices, screen capture sharing, file copy transfer, application installation, and automator actions that automate workflow tasks and save time. This comprehensive set of features makes Apple Remote Desktop a valuable tool for various tasks.

Reviews

26 Reviews

Useful tool that needs some attention

Rating: 6 out of 10

Incentivized

April 14, 2025

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Endpoint Engineering and embedded IT Support personnel frequently use Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) to provide immediate remote assistance to end users. Although we use Jamf Pro (cloud) for overall maintenance of our macOS fleet, there are still times when Apple Remote Desktop is very useful for making live changes, or providing remote assistance to end users. It has been particularly useful in the case of student computing labs.

Pros

Sending Unix commands immediately to the endpoint
Seeing exactly what an end user is seeing on their screen
Sending messages to an entire computer lab
Instructor locking all screens during lecture portion of a lab session
Monitoring and responding to help requests
Assisting users with complicated workflows
Quick configuration changes or installs
Mass restarting endpoints
Generating reports
Easy grouping of endpoints into labs, departments, etc.

Cons

Access control has become cumbersome in recent macOS releases
The application does not receive much attention from Apple Engineering and is a bit feature static
Interface is a bit dated
Integration with MDM platforms needs improvement
NAT penetration needs improvement

Likelihood to Recommend

I would rate this higher if I was confident that Apple is continuing to develop this utility. It has only received minor updates for quite a long time, and is not featured much in any of Apple's online material. It really is a useful utility, but it is starting to show its age and is fraying a bit around the edges in some respects. It could be very useful when integrated with the various MDM solutions (in our case, Jamf Pro) especially when an engineer needs to force something immediately and can't wait for a check-in, and also can't depend on the end user being able to (for instance) do a sudo jamf policy or sudo jamf recon.

Bruce Carter

Senior Systems Engineer in Information Technology at University of Notre Dame (1001-5000 employees)

Vetted Review

20 years of experience

Verified on LinkedIn

Remote Desktop with ease with the Apple Remote Desktop

Rating: 10 out of 10

Incentivized

December 9, 2022

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Apple Remote Desktop helps me connect with my clients with ease. If there are problems or discussions that need to be conducted via Remote Desktop, this program is the most suitable. I have used it, especially during the pandemic, but also during times when traveling may not be as feasible, as well as when there is an urgent meeting that is taking place.

Pros

Connectivity with ease
No lag/time differential
Sleek design

Cons

Sending requests for Remote Desktop
Availability across entire Apple ecosystem
Availability on other operating systems

Likelihood to Recommend

Apple Remote Desktop is well suited for connectivity with clients and other staff members, who have been with you for a while. I might use with caution on clients or staff who have not yet developed rapport with the company as it may be confusing. I believe in person meetings might be more suitable

Zane Alsareinye

Private Tutor at Self Employed (1-10 employees)

Vetted Review

4 years of experience

View profile

Apple Remote Desktop is a day saver.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Incentivized

December 9, 2022

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use it to control Mac remotely. It allows me much more control over Zoom Remote or Microsoft Remote Desktop in automation. We have over 200 Mac laptops and the other remote software falls short. It would be nice to have an all-in-one solution but I do not believe it exists.

Pros

One off software install
Log in as separate user
Network discovery of remote machines

Cons

It is pretty refined. I can't think off hand what I would want changed.
The interface is becoming a little dated.
The ability to skip the server setting.

Likelihood to Recommend

Administering Apple products it is a must. It will work on Windows machines too using VLC protocol but it is not optimum. There is a time and place for a Mac-specific product. There just is not an all-in-one solution. If there was I would definitely try it.

Brian Cameron

IT Specialist in Information Technology at The Shelby Group (51-200 employees)

Vetted Review

20 years of experience

Apple Remote Desktop: All you need to know

Rating: 8 out of 10

Incentivized

December 8, 2022

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I researched about a lot of software that could help me manage all the workstations in my office, and I came across Apple Remote Desktop. I have always had faith in the services offered by Apple and I definitely had to try this one out. I got a tutorial from an expert and I knew that I have to use it no matter what. The biggest problem it helped me solve is that I can now manage and administer the common issues from my own desk. I can run the periodic task of maintenance from the comfort of my office.

Pros

Managing devices on Same Netwok.
Best Screen Sharing UI
Default Maintenance Checks and commands for MACs

Cons

A little slower performance
Running the same operation on multiple machine is a challenge.

Likelihood to Recommend

Best Suited.

-> Running basic checks on different machines.

-> Sending out display messages for maintenance Breaks.

-> Screen sharing options for tutorial purposes.

Less Appropriate;

-> Installing simultaneous packages on multiple machines.

-> Slower processing time.

-> UI not so friendly

Amul Porwal

BIM Engineer in Engineering at Techture (51-200 employees)

Vetted Review

2 years of experience

View profile

Using Apple Remote Desktop to access headless build machines

Rating: 6 out of 10

Incentivized

December 8, 2022

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Apple Remote Desktop to remotely work on Mac Mini devices that we use for builds of iOS and MacOS applications we develop.

Pros

Detection of computers on remote network
Authentication
File manager integration

Cons

Connection quality
Keyboard mapping

Likelihood to Recommend

Apple Remote Desktop is well suited for remote access of headless devices for short periods of time, in order to perform configurations or similar tasks. It is not so well suited for continuous work or work over WiFi.

Verified User

Manager in Information Technology (11-50 employees)

Vetted Review

8 years of experience

Apple Remote Desktop... Great for onsite Apple remote access!

Rating: 8 out of 10

Incentivized

December 8, 2022

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Apple Remote Desktop works for us to manage all of our Apple computers on site. We can control screens, share files, run commands and manage the devices remotely. We use it for this basic functionality as an occasional alternative to other remote management products that we also run. Sometimes Apple Remote Desktop is the only software that can access the computer in a pinch.

Pros

It is very reliable.
It can access Apple computers remotely even if they are not logged in or even at the login screen in the case of an update.
It's basic remote management features work well.

Cons

It's onsite only without setting up a VPN or some other form of remote network access.
It can be a little slow sometimes when compared to local access.
It seems to be a neglected product by Apple and not continually developed.

Likelihood to Recommend

If you need local network remote access to Apple computers, Apple Remote Desktop is exceptional and inexpensive since it is a one-time cost. It will accomplish all you need it to. For remote offsite access you would be better to look for a different solution that doesn't require traversing the network firewall.

Verified User

Director in Information Technology (51-200 employees)

Vetted Review

20 years of experience

Nondisruptive Access

Rating: 10 out of 10

Incentivized

December 8, 2022

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Apple Remote Desktop to connect to our MacOS end users on a regular basis to troubleshoot desktop support issues. The application is also used for software updates and remote viewing/control of an Apple machine.

Pros

Ease of connection
Security
User interface

Cons

Recent update crashes often after long periods of inactivity
New MacOS disallows connection unless File Vault has been unlocked

Likelihood to Recommend

Connecting to our end user machine but logging in as the admin user to change printer settings without need to disturb work time.

Verified User

Analyst in Information Technology (5001-10,000 employees)

Vetted Review

5 years of experience

Apple Remote Desktop - Great for Mac Administration

Rating: 8 out of 10

Incentivized

December 8, 2022

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We used this software to manage the mac desk desktop's in the entire company. It aided in support when the user was in front of the PC or when they left and needed to have remote work done.

Pros

Remote Desktop Connection ability
Device status
Device monitoring via a console.

Cons

It would be nice for it to see devices across multiple subnets
the User Interface could use a facelift.

Likelihood to Recommend

For the application I used ti for, it performed the job very well. It had its shortcomings (described in previous answer) that made it less fun to use - but overall it got the job done. It made managing Mac's easier remotely than a 3rd party software ever would.

Kyle Bergeron

Endpoint Engineer in Information Technology at SAIC (5001-10,000 employees)

Vetted Review

5 years of experience

View profile

It's free, it's Apple-native, and it just works

Rating: 7 out of 10

Incentivized

March 12, 2020

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We used to use ARD when we had Mac-based Zoom Room setups, but after changing our ZR environment, we only use ARD on a couple of dashboard setups in the org. It proved to be very helpful when it came to working on machines that don't have regular human interaction (we would use Zoom to do remote support when a human was on the other end).

Pros

Remote support of headless systems.
IP addresses are easily seen.
Latency never seemed to be an issue.

Cons

UI seems dated.
Specific configurations are needed on endpoints.
It would be nice to get a notification when an endpoint comes back online after rebooting.

Likelihood to Recommend

ARD is great when you're working with headless servers and machines that don't have an active user attached. Although there is a little bit of configuration needed on the endpoint side, when set up properly, things are seamless. When in the office and the end user can't come to the IT area, I always check if I can use ARD instead of Zoom for remote assistance

Isidoro "Roy" Jovero

IT Support Engineer in Information Technology at Confluent (1001-5000 employees)

Vetted Review

4 years of experience

View profile

Apple Remote Desktop (ARD)

Rating: 10 out of 10

Incentivized

April 10, 2019

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use ARD for remote desktop for our Macbooks/iMac computers. We also use it for managing profiles and sending files between machines.

Pros

Remote searching on devices
Screen capture/sharing
File copy/transfer
Application installation

Cons

I just use what ARD offers and it works fine for my organization.

Likelihood to Recommend

I use the capabilities as they are built into the software and I have no need for any other functions.

Brian Sossamon

Director of Technology in Information Technology at Austin Trinity Episcopal School (51-200 employees)

Vetted Review

5 years of experience

View profile

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Reviews and Ratings

Useful tool that needs some attention

Rating: 6 out of 10

Incentivized

April 14, 2025

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Pros

Sending Unix commands immediately to the endpoint
Seeing exactly what an end user is seeing on their screen
Sending messages to an entire computer lab
Instructor locking all screens during lecture portion of a lab session
Monitoring and responding to help requests
Assisting users with complicated workflows
Quick configuration changes or installs
Mass restarting endpoints
Generating reports
Easy grouping of endpoints into labs, departments, etc.

Cons

Access control has become cumbersome in recent macOS releases
The application does not receive much attention from Apple Engineering and is a bit feature static
Interface is a bit dated
Integration with MDM platforms needs improvement
NAT penetration needs improvement

Likelihood to Recommend

Bruce Carter

Senior Systems Engineer in Information Technology at University of Notre Dame (1001-5000 employees)

Vetted Review

20 years of experience

Verified on LinkedIn