Splashtop

What is Splashtop?

Splashtop is a remote desktop access and support platform developed by Splashtop Inc., founded in 2006 by Mark Lee, Philip Sheu, Thomas Lee, and Robert Ha in San Jose, California. Originally focused on instant-on Linux systems and browser-based solutions, Splashtop pivoted to remote desktop software and has grown to serve over 30 million users worldwide. The company has established itself as a leading alternative to more expensive remote access solutions, offering enterprise-grade capabilities at competitive prices.

What distinguishes Splashtop from competitors is its exceptional video performance combined with aggressive pricing. The platform delivers 4K streaming at up to 60 frames per second with remarkably low latency, making it suitable for graphics-intensive work, video editing, and even some gaming scenarios that other remote desktop solutions struggle with. This performance focus, combined with pricing that undercuts major competitors by 50-80%, has made Splashtop particularly popular among creative professionals and cost-conscious businesses.

Splashtop serves diverse markets with targeted solutions including Business Access for remote workers, Remote Support for IT help desks, and specialized products for education and enterprise. The platform is used by major organizations including Toyota, Harvard University, and the NBA, demonstrating its enterprise readiness despite its value-oriented pricing. With security features including TLS 1.2, 256-bit AES encryption, and compliance certifications, Splashtop meets the requirements of regulated industries while maintaining accessibility for smaller organizations.

Key Features

• High-Performance Streaming: Industry-leading video quality with 4K resolution support at up to 60fps, optimized codecs, and low latency ideal for graphics work and multimedia.
• Multi-Monitor Support: View multiple remote monitors simultaneously, switch between them, or use multi-monitor spanning for comprehensive screen real estate.
• File Transfer: Fast drag-and-drop file transfer between local and remote computers with background transfer capability for large files.
• Remote Printing: Print documents from remote computers to local printers seamlessly without manual file transfer steps.
• USB Device Redirection: Use local USB devices like security keys, storage drives, and specialized equipment with remote computers.
• Remote Reboot: Restart remote computers in normal or safe mode and automatically reconnect after reboot completes.
• Session Recording: Record remote sessions for training, compliance, or documentation purposes with automatic storage options.
• Chat and Voice: Built-in communication tools for chatting with users during support sessions or collaborating during remote work.
• Multi-to-Multi Monitoring: Technicians can view multiple remote screens from multiple computers simultaneously on their display.
• Scheduled Access: Configure access windows and schedules to control when remote connections are permitted.

Latest Updates

Splashtop continues to enhance its remote access platform with improved performance, new features, and expanded enterprise capabilities.

• Improved 4K Performance: Enhanced video encoding for even smoother 4K streaming with reduced bandwidth requirements.
• Augmented Reality Remote Support: New AR capabilities allowing technicians to provide visual guidance through mobile device cameras.
• Enhanced Security Features: Additional security options including improved SSO integration, enhanced audit logging, and new compliance certifications.
• macOS Ventura/Sonoma Support: Full compatibility with latest macOS versions including native Apple Silicon optimization.
• Connector Improvements: Enhanced connector for accessing computers through firewalls without software installation on target machines.
• Mobile App Updates: Redesigned mobile applications with improved touch controls and better performance on modern devices.
• Web Console Enhancements: Updated management console with improved user interface and expanded administrative capabilities.
• Integration Expansions: New integrations with PSA and ticketing systems for managed service providers.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Processor: Dual-core 1.5 GHz or faster
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB for HD streaming)
• Storage: 100 MB available space
• Internet connection required

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon
• RAM: 2 GB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB available space

Linux

• Ubuntu 18.04+, CentOS 7+, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7+
• 64-bit operating system required
• X11 display server

Mobile

• iOS: Version 12.0 or later
• Android: Version 6.0 (Marshmallow) or later
• Storage: 80 MB

How to Install Splashtop

Windows Installation (Host – Streamer)

1. Visit splashtop.com and create an account
2. Download Splashtop Streamer for Windows
3. Run the installer and sign in
4. Configure security settings and permissions
5. Your computer is now remotely accessible

# Download Splashtop Streamer from splashtop.com
# Run the installer
Splashtop_Streamer_Windows_INSTALLER.exe

# For enterprise deployment
Splashtop_Streamer_Windows_INSTALLER.exe /S /D=your_deployment_code

# Service runs automatically after installation
# Verify in Services: SplashtopRemoteService

macOS Installation (Host – Streamer)

1. Download Splashtop Streamer from your account
2. Open the downloaded DMG file
3. Drag Splashtop Streamer to Applications
4. Launch and grant required permissions
5. Sign in to link the computer to your account

# Open the installer
open ~/Downloads/Splashtop_Streamer*.dmg

# Grant required permissions in System Preferences
# Security & Privacy > Privacy:
# - Accessibility
# - Screen Recording
# - Full Disk Access (optional, for file transfer)

Client Installation (Business App)

1. Download Splashtop Business from your account or app store
2. Install on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Chromebook
3. Sign in with your Splashtop account
4. Select a computer from your list to connect

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent Performance: Industry-leading video streaming with 4K@60fps support makes it ideal for graphics work, video editing, and creative professionals.
• Competitive Pricing: Significantly more affordable than LogMeIn and TeamViewer while offering comparable or superior features.
• Low Latency: Optimized codecs and infrastructure deliver responsive remote control suitable for real-time work.
• Multiple Products: Targeted solutions for different use cases (Business Access, Remote Support, Education) with appropriate feature sets.
• Linux Support: Full support for Linux hosts, unlike some competitors that focus only on Windows and Mac.
• Enterprise Features: SSO, compliance certifications, session recording, and administrative controls meet enterprise requirements.
• Unlimited Endpoints: Business Access Pro allows unlimited managed computers, unlike per-computer pricing of some competitors.

Cons

• Separate Products: Different use cases require purchasing separate products rather than one unified solution.
• Learning Curve: The various products and packages can be confusing to navigate when determining what to purchase.
• Basic Free Tier: Free options are limited to personal, non-commercial use on local networks only.
• Interface Design: The user interface, while functional, feels less polished than some premium competitors.
• Brand Recognition: Less well-known than TeamViewer or LogMeIn, which may matter for some enterprise purchasing decisions.

Splashtop vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Splashtop?

Splashtop is ideal for:

• Creative Professionals: Video editors, graphic designers, and 3D artists benefit from the high-performance streaming that handles graphics-intensive work.
• Cost-Conscious Organizations: Businesses seeking enterprise features without enterprise pricing find Splashtop offers exceptional value.
• MSPs and IT Support: Managed service providers appreciate the Remote Support product with session recording and multi-session capabilities.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities benefit from specialized education pricing and features for lab access and remote learning.
• Linux Users: Organizations with Linux infrastructure find Splashtop’s Linux support comprehensive compared to some competitors.
• Remote Workers: Employees needing to access office workstations get reliable performance at prices their companies can justify.

Splashtop may not be ideal for:

• Brand-Sensitive Enterprises: Large organizations where vendor recognition matters may prefer established names like TeamViewer.
• Simple Personal Use: Casual users with basic needs might find free solutions like Chrome Remote Desktop sufficient.
• All-in-One Seekers: Those wanting remote access bundled with other tools may prefer suites that include additional features.
• Occasional Users: Per-year licensing doesn’t suit those who only need remote access a few times annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Splashtop good for video editing and graphics work?

Yes, Splashtop is one of the best remote desktop solutions for graphics-intensive work. The platform supports 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second with low latency, making it suitable for video editing, graphic design, 3D modeling, and similar tasks. The optimized video codecs maintain quality while keeping bandwidth requirements reasonable. Many creative professionals specifically choose Splashtop over competitors because of this performance advantage, though actual experience depends on your internet connection quality.

How much does Splashtop cost compared to TeamViewer?

Splashtop is significantly more affordable than TeamViewer. Splashtop Business Access starts at $99/year per user, while TeamViewer Business starts at $298.80/year. For remote support products, Splashtop Remote Support starts around $479/year versus TeamViewer Remote Access at similar or higher pricing. The exact savings depends on your specific needs and number of users, but Splashtop typically costs 50-70% less than TeamViewer for comparable functionality.

Is Splashtop secure for business use?

Yes, Splashtop implements enterprise-grade security suitable for business environments. The platform uses TLS 1.2 with 256-bit AES encryption for all connections. Additional security features include two-factor authentication, single sign-on (SSO) integration, device authentication, blank screen option, and session timeout controls. Splashtop maintains SOC 2 Type II compliance and supports HIPAA and GDPR requirements. Detailed session logging and admin controls help organizations maintain security oversight.

What’s the difference between Splashtop products?

Splashtop offers targeted products for different use cases. Business Access is for professionals accessing their own computers remotely. Remote Support is for IT technicians and help desks providing support to others’ computers with features like unattended access and session recording. SOS is for ad-hoc support sessions requiring immediate attended access. Enterprise adds advanced features like SSO, scheduling, and endpoint management. Education products offer special pricing and features for academic institutions.

Can I try Splashtop before purchasing?

Yes, Splashtop offers free trials for most products. Business Access and Remote Support typically include 7-day free trials with full functionality. The free trial requires no credit card upfront and gives you access to evaluate all features. Additionally, Splashtop Personal is free for non-commercial use on local networks, letting you test basic functionality indefinitely, though commercial use and remote access require a paid subscription.

Final Verdict

Splashtop has established itself as a compelling alternative in the remote desktop market by delivering exceptional performance at prices that significantly undercut established competitors. The platform’s 4K@60fps streaming capability sets it apart for creative professionals and anyone doing graphics-intensive work remotely. Combined with comprehensive features and enterprise-grade security, Splashtop offers remarkable value that’s difficult to match.

The platform’s strengths lie in its performance optimization, competitive pricing, and comprehensive feature set that includes capabilities like session recording and USB redirection often reserved for more expensive solutions. The variety of targeted products ensures appropriate features for different use cases, while Linux support addresses needs that some competitors ignore. For organizations seeking to reduce remote access costs without sacrificing functionality, Splashtop delivers.

Splashtop best serves creative professionals, cost-conscious businesses, managed service providers, and educational institutions. While it may lack the brand recognition of TeamViewer or the bundled extras of LogMeIn Pro, Splashtop compensates with superior video performance and substantial cost savings. For users prioritizing performance and value over brand familiarity, Splashtop represents one of the strongest choices in the remote desktop market.