Trying to explain a spreadsheet error over the phone never works. You end up saying “no, the other cell, the one to the left” about ten times before giving up. Screen sharing fixes that instantly by letting someone just see what you see.
Screen sharing software lets people show their screen to others in real time, whether that’s for a sales demo, a support call, a team meeting, or remote troubleshooting. Some tools focus purely on screen sharing. Others bundle it into full video conferencing platforms.
We tested 20 screen sharing platforms below, from full meeting suites to lightweight tools built just for quick screen shares and remote support. Some are free for basic use. Others charge per host or per month depending on features and team size.
Check the comparison table for a fast pick, or read through the full reviews to find the tool that fits how your team actually works. Stop wasting time describing what’s on your screen instead of just showing it. Pick a screen sharing tool and start getting your point across clearly today.
What Is Screen Sharing Software?
Screen sharing software lets a user broadcast their screen, or a specific window or application, to other people in real time over the internet. It’s used for meetings, remote support, presentations, and collaborative work where seeing a screen live matters more than describing it.
Many platforms combine screen sharing with video calling, chat, and remote control features, letting the person viewing the screen sometimes take control of the mouse and keyboard too.
What Are the Common Features of Screen Sharing Software?
- Real time screen broadcasting for showing an entire screen or a single application window
- Remote control access for letting a viewer take control of the shared screen when needed
- Multi participant support for sharing screens with more than one viewer at once
- Recording capabilities for saving screen sharing sessions for later review
- Annotation tools for drawing or marking directly on the shared screen during a session
- Cross platform compatibility for connecting between different operating systems and devices
- Session security controls for managing who can join and view a shared screen
What Are the Benefits of Screen Sharing Software?
- Faster problem solving by letting people see an issue directly instead of describing it
- Improved remote collaboration by making distributed teamwork feel closer to being in the same room
- Better sales and support outcomes by walking prospects and customers through things visually
- Reduced miscommunication by removing guesswork about what someone means
- Efficient remote troubleshooting by letting IT staff see and sometimes control a user’s screen directly
- More engaging presentations by keeping an audience focused on exactly what’s being discussed
Who Uses Screen Sharing Software?
- Remote and hybrid teams collaborating across different locations
- IT support teams troubleshooting issues on employee or customer devices
- Sales teams running product demos for prospects
- Customer support teams walking customers through solutions step by step
- Educators and trainers teaching remote or hybrid classes
- Software teams doing code reviews or pair programming remotely
How We Tested These Screen Sharing Software
We looked at video and screen quality, connection reliability, ease of setup, remote control functionality, and pricing across free and paid tiers. We also weighed how well each platform performs across different devices and network conditions.
We tested for:
- Screen and video quality under different network conditions
- Reliability and speed of connection setup
- Availability and quality of remote control features
- Ease of use for both hosts and participants
- Cross platform and cross device compatibility
- Pricing clarity across free and paid plans
Quick Comparison of Screen Sharing Software
| Software | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom | All around video meetings with reliable screen sharing | Free, paid from $13.33/month |
| Microsoft Teams | Teams already using Microsoft 365 | Free, paid from $4/user/month |
| Google Meet | Teams already using Google Workspace | Free, paid from $6/user/month |
| Cisco Webex | Enterprise grade meetings with strong security | Free, paid from $12/user/month |
| GoTo Meeting | Professional meetings with dependable screen sharing | $12/organizer/month |
| TeamViewer | Remote support and remote desktop access | Free for personal use, paid from $24.90/month |
| AnyDesk | Fast, lightweight remote desktop access | $14.90/month |
| join.me | Simple, quick screen sharing for small teams | $10/user/month |
| Zoho Meeting | Affordable meetings for Zoho ecosystem users | Free, paid from $1/host/month |
| RingCentral | Combined communication and screen sharing | $20/user/month |
| BlueJeans | High quality video with dependable screen sharing | Custom pricing |
| Whereby | No download, browser based screen sharing | Free, paid from $6.99/user/month |
| Screenleap | Fast, no download screen sharing for support | Free, paid from $19/month |
| Mikogo | Budget friendly screen sharing for small teams | $16/month |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Free, simple remote access through Chrome | Free |
| Discord | Community and gaming focused screen sharing | Free, paid from $9.99/month |
| Skype | Familiar, simple screen sharing for casual use | Free |
| ShowMyPC | Simple remote support and screen sharing | $9.99/month |
| UltraViewer | Free, lightweight remote screen sharing | Free |
| Surfly | Co browsing for guided customer sessions | Custom pricing |
20 Best Screen Sharing Software (Detailed Reviews)
1. Zoom
Zoom delivers all around video meetings with reliable screen sharing, remaining one of the most widely used and trusted platforms for both casual and professional screen sharing needs. It’s a strong fit for teams wanting a dependable, familiar option.
- Key Features: reliable screen and application sharing, breakout rooms, built in recording and transcription
- Pros: widely adopted and familiar to most users already
- Cons: advanced features require a paid plan
2. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams works well for teams already using Microsoft 365, offering screen sharing tightly integrated with the rest of the Microsoft productivity suite. It’s a strong fit for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Key Features: tight Microsoft 365 integration, application specific sharing, built in whiteboard and annotation
- Pros: strong integration for organizations already using Microsoft tools
- Cons: can feel heavier and more complex than dedicated screen sharing tools
3. Google Meet
Google Meet suits teams already using Google Workspace, providing simple, browser based screen sharing without needing any separate software installation. It’s a good fit for organizations built around Google’s productivity tools.
- Key Features: browser based sharing with no download, tight Google Workspace integration, simple one click sharing
- Pros: approachable and requires no software installation
- Cons: fewer advanced features than dedicated remote support tools
4. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex offers enterprise grade meetings with strong security, built with a focus on the kind of security and compliance standards larger organizations tend to require. It’s a strong fit for enterprise organizations with strict security needs.
- Key Features: strong enterprise security standards, high quality video and audio, extensive admin controls
- Pros: strong security posture suited to enterprise requirements
- Cons: interface can feel less modern than some newer competitors
5. GoTo Meeting
GoTo Meeting provides professional meetings with dependable screen sharing, focusing on reliable performance for business meetings without unnecessary extra features. It’s a solid choice for straightforward, professional screen sharing needs.
- Key Features: dependable screen sharing performance, one click meeting join, built in meeting transcription
- Pros: dependable and straightforward for professional use
- Cons: pricing is higher than some lighter weight alternatives
6. TeamViewer
TeamViewer specializes in remote support and remote desktop access, going beyond simple screen sharing to offer full remote control capabilities widely used for IT support. It’s a strong fit for IT teams needing deep remote access capabilities.
- Key Features: full remote desktop control, cross platform support, strong security with encrypted connections
- Pros: free for personal use with strong remote control capabilities
- Cons: paid plans can get expensive for business use
7. AnyDesk
AnyDesk delivers fast, lightweight remote desktop access, built with a strong emphasis on connection speed and low latency even over weaker network connections. It’s a good fit for teams prioritizing speed and performance.
- Key Features: low latency remote connections, lightweight application footprint, cross platform compatibility
- Pros: strong performance even on slower network connections
- Cons: some advanced features require higher tier plans
8. join.me
join.me offers simple, quick screen sharing for small teams, stripping away complexity to focus on getting a screen share started as fast as possible. It’s a strong fit for small teams wanting simplicity over feature depth.
- Key Features: quick one click screen sharing, simple scheduling tools, mobile screen sharing support
- Pros: approachable and fast to start using
- Cons: fewer advanced features than larger meeting platforms
9. Zoho Meeting
Zoho Meeting provides affordable meetings for Zoho ecosystem users, offering budget friendly screen sharing that integrates naturally with other Zoho business tools. It’s a good fit for smaller businesses already using Zoho products.
- Key Features: affordable per host pricing, tight Zoho ecosystem integration, built in webinar hosting
- Pros: strong affordability for smaller businesses
- Cons: less brand recognition than larger competitors
10. RingCentral
RingCentral combines communication and screen sharing, bundling screen sharing together with phone, messaging, and video into one broader communication platform. It’s a strong fit for organizations wanting unified communication tools.
- Key Features: unified communication platform, high definition screen sharing, strong mobile app support
- Pros: strong value combining multiple communication tools in one platform
- Cons: pricing is higher than dedicated screen sharing only tools
11. BlueJeans
BlueJeans, now part of Verizon, offers high quality video with dependable screen sharing, focusing on strong audio and video quality for professional meetings. It’s a solid choice for organizations prioritizing meeting quality.
- Key Features: high quality audio and video, dependable screen sharing performance, meeting analytics and insights
- Pros: strong emphasis on meeting quality and reliability
- Cons: pricing isn’t public
12. Whereby
Whereby stands out with no download, browser based screen sharing, letting participants join and share screens directly from a browser without installing anything at all. It’s a good fit for teams wanting frictionless, quick meetings.
- Key Features: completely browser based with no downloads, simple room based meeting links, clean, distraction free interface
- Pros: very approachable with zero installation friction
- Cons: fewer advanced enterprise features than larger platforms
13. Screenleap
Screenleap focuses on fast, no download screen sharing for support, built specifically for quick, one off screen sharing sessions rather than full meeting management. It’s a strong fit for support teams needing quick, simple sharing.
- Key Features: instant no download sharing, simple link based access, mobile device screen sharing
- Pros: extremely fast and simple to start a session
- Cons: lighter on features compared to full meeting platforms
14. Mikogo
Mikogo offers budget friendly screen sharing for small teams, providing solid core screen sharing functionality without a lot of extra cost. It’s a good fit for small teams and budget conscious organizations.
- Key Features: affordable flat rate pricing, multi participant screen sharing, session recording capabilities
- Pros: strong value for small teams on a budget
- Cons: interface feels less polished than newer competitors
15. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop provides free, simple remote access through Chrome, offering a no cost way to access and share screens using just a Chrome browser extension. It’s a strong fit for individuals and small teams wanting a completely free option.
- Key Features: completely free to use, simple Chrome based setup, cross device remote access
- Pros: completely free with simple setup
- Cons: lacks advanced features needed for larger business use
16. Discord
Discord serves community and gaming focused screen sharing, offering screen sharing built into a platform originally designed for gaming and community communication. It’s a good fit for gaming communities and casual team use.
- Key Features: free screen sharing within voice channels, community focused features, low latency streaming quality
- Pros: free and familiar to gaming and community focused users
- Cons: not designed for formal business meeting needs
17. Skype
Skype remains a familiar, simple screen sharing option for casual use, offering long established, straightforward screen sharing for personal and small scale professional calls. It’s a solid choice for casual, informal screen sharing needs.
- Key Features: free and widely familiar, simple one click screen sharing, cross platform availability
- Pros: free and requires no learning curve for most users
- Cons: less suited to formal business or enterprise use
18. ShowMyPC
ShowMyPC offers simple remote support and screen sharing, focusing specifically on straightforward remote access for support and troubleshooting scenarios. It’s a good fit for smaller support teams needing basic remote access.
- Key Features: simple remote support setup, no installation required for viewers, affordable monthly pricing
- Pros: approachable and affordable for basic remote support needs
- Cons: interface feels dated compared to newer tools
19. UltraViewer
UltraViewer provides free, lightweight remote screen sharing, offering a completely free tool built for quick remote access and screen sharing without any cost barrier. It’s a strong fit for individuals and small teams wanting a free option.
- Key Features: completely free to use, lightweight application size, simple remote control functionality
- Pros: completely free with no feature paywalls
- Cons: fewer security and admin controls than paid business tools
20. Surfly
Surfly specializes in co browsing for guided customer sessions, taking a different approach by letting a support agent guide a customer through a website together in real time. It’s a strong fit for businesses wanting guided, co browsing style support.
- Key Features: real time co browsing technology, no download required for customers, session recording for compliance
- Pros: unique co browsing approach well suited to guided customer support
- Cons: pricing isn’t public
What Are the Alternatives to Screen Sharing Software?
- In person meetings for teams working in the same physical location
- Recorded video walkthroughs for asynchronous explanation without a live session
- Static screenshots or documents for simple, non interactive explanations
- Phone calls alone for very simple issues that don’t require visual context
Software Related to Screen Sharing Software
- Video conferencing software for broader meeting capabilities beyond just screen sharing
- Remote desktop software for full control over another device beyond just viewing
- Webinar software for larger scale presentations to bigger audiences
- Team collaboration software for combining screen sharing with chat and file sharing
- Customer support software for integrating screen sharing into broader support workflows
Challenges With Screen Sharing Software
- Network dependency. Screen sharing quality depends heavily on both parties having a stable internet connection.
- Security concerns. Sharing a screen can accidentally expose sensitive information if not carefully managed.
- Cross platform compatibility. Different operating systems and devices can sometimes cause connection or display issues.
- Latency during remote control. Remote control features can feel laggy over slower connections, making precise actions harder.
- Feature overload. Some platforms pack in so many features that simple screen sharing becomes harder to access quickly.
Which Companies Should Buy Screen Sharing Software
- Remote and hybrid organizations needing reliable collaboration tools
- IT support teams needing remote troubleshooting capabilities
- Sales organizations running frequent product demos
- Customer support teams walking customers through issues visually
- Educational institutions running remote or hybrid classes
- Software development teams doing remote pair programming or code reviews
How to Choose the Best Screen Sharing Software
- Match the tool to your primary use case. Support teams benefit from remote control tools like TeamViewer, while sales teams may prefer simple platforms like join.me.
- Consider your existing tool stack. Microsoft Teams and Google Meet make sense if you’re already using those broader ecosystems.
- Think about installation friction. Whereby and Screenleap offer browser based sharing with no downloads required.
- Check your budget. Chrome Remote Desktop and UltraViewer offer strong free options for individuals and small teams.
- Factor in security needs. Cisco Webex and TeamViewer offer strong security controls for sensitive use cases.
- Look at remote control needs. AnyDesk and TeamViewer stand out if you need full control over the shared device, not just viewing.
Screen Sharing Software Trends
- Browser based sharing keeps growing as more platforms remove the need for any software installation at all.
- AI powered meeting features are expanding, adding automatic transcription and summary alongside screen sharing.
- Co browsing technology is gaining traction for guided customer support experiences.
- Improved mobile screen sharing continues developing as more work happens across phones and tablets.
- Tighter security controls are becoming standard as organizations grow more cautious about what gets shared and with whom.
Common Screen Sharing Software Problems (Fixes)
Problem: Screen sharing quality drops during the session. Fix: check network stability on both ends and consider a platform like AnyDesk built for performance on weaker connections.
Problem: Sensitive information got accidentally shared on screen. Fix: close unnecessary applications and tabs before sharing, and use application specific sharing instead of sharing the full screen.
Problem: A participant can’t connect due to platform compatibility issues. Fix: switch to a browser based option like Whereby or Google Meet that doesn’t require any software installation.
Problem: Remote control feels laggy and unresponsive. Fix: check connection speed on both ends, and consider a low latency tool like AnyDesk built specifically for fast remote control.
Problem: Team members are confused by too many meeting features. Fix: switch to a simpler, more focused tool like join.me or Screenleap built specifically around straightforward screen sharing.
FAQs About Screen Sharing Software
What is the best screen sharing software overall?
Zoom is a strong overall choice for general use, while TeamViewer and AnyDesk stand out for remote support and full remote control needs.
How much does screen sharing software cost?
Prices range from free options like Chrome Remote Desktop and UltraViewer, up to $20 or more per user per month for full featured business platforms.
What’s the difference between screen sharing and remote desktop software?
Screen sharing lets someone view a screen in real time, while remote desktop software goes further by letting someone actually control the device remotely.
Not always. Browser based platforms like Whereby, Google Meet, and Screenleap let you share your screen with no download required.
Is screen sharing software secure?
Most reputable platforms use encrypted connections, but security still depends on being careful about what’s visible during a shared session.
Can screen sharing software work on mobile devices?
Yes, most major platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Screenleap support screen sharing from mobile devices, though features can be more limited than on desktop.
