Tenvo vs Chrome Remote Desktop: A more capable remote access, still free
Chrome Remote Desktop is bare-bones. Tenvo is a free remote access that adds file transfer, session recording, chat, address books, and team operators — and you don't need a Google account.
Both are free. One actually has the features you need.
What you get that Chrome RD doesn't.
The capabilities Chrome Remote Desktop has never shipped.
File transfer built in
Drag and drop files between local and remote machines. Chrome Remote Desktop has no file transfer at all — you'd need a separate tool for everything.
Multiple operators
Add multiple operators to your account and manage sessions across your team. Chrome Remote Desktop is single-user only.
Session recording
Record remote sessions for compliance, training, or review. Chrome Remote Desktop cannot record sessions — full stop.
Feature-by-feature comparison.
Chrome Remote Desktop covers the basics. Tenvo is for professionals and teams who need proper remote support tools.
| Feature | Tenvo | Chrome Remote Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free tier available | Free |
| File transfer | Built-in, all plans | Not available |
| Session chat | Built-in | Not available |
| Session recording | Pro+ | Not available |
| Multi-monitor | Full support | Limited |
| Address book | Pro+ | Not available |
| Multiple operators | Roadmap | Not available |
| Unattended access | Native support | Basic |
| No Google account required | Sign up with email | Requires Google account |
When it's time to upgrade from Chrome Remote Desktop.
Chrome Remote Desktop works for simple personal access. Here's when you'll want something more.
You need file transfer
Chrome Remote Desktop has no file transfer. If you regularly move files between machines, you need a separate tool. Tenvo has drag-and-drop file transfer built in.
You manage a team
Chrome Remote Desktop is built for one person. Tenvo supports multiple operators, shared address books, and centralized billing.
You need session recording
For compliance, training, or support documentation, you need session recording. Chrome Remote Desktop cannot record at all. Tenvo records sessions on Pro plans and above.
You need professional support
Chrome Remote Desktop has no dedicated support. Tenvo offers email support on paid plans and community support on Free.
Questions before switching.
Do we need a Google account for each machine?
No. Tenvo identifies devices by their own ID, so access is not tied to a personal account on the machine you are connecting to. For shared or lab machines that removes the awkward question of whose account the device belongs to.
Can we reach a machine when nobody is signed in to a browser?
Yes — that is unattended access, available on every plan, and it does not depend on a browser being open. The machine does have to be powered on and awake; no remote access tool can wake a sleeping computer over the internet.
Does it work on a Linux server without a desktop?
There is nothing to show if no graphical session exists — a remote desktop transmits a screen, and a headless server does not have one. SSH is the right tool there. Remote access makes sense on Linux machines that do have a desktop environment.
Is file transfer included?
Yes, on every plan, though the free plan caps individual transfers at 5 MB. Unlimited file transfer starts at Lite. Worth checking against what you actually move: log bundles and installers pass the free cap quickly.
Outgrown Chrome Remote Desktop?
Our free plan already has more features than Chrome Remote Desktop. Upgrade when your team needs it.