IT professional using Splashtop Remote Access as an RDP & VPN alternative

Best RDP & VPN Alternative 2025

Splashtop is a high-performance alternative to your RDP/VPN infrastructure

Is Legacy VPN a Nightmare? Fed Up With Slow and Expensive RDP?

Try Splashtop Instead and Support BYOD! Considering Microsoft RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) over a VPN to enable employee remote access to Windows and Mac computers? Using RDP alone outside the firewall exposes traffic to security risks – and can make host computers vulnerable to outside attack – so VPN is required.

This may seem like the easy or inexpensive choice, but organizations who implement it soon come to realize that this solution is expensive to set up and maintain, hard to scale, and cumbersome for employees to use, not to mention the lag issues.

Challenges of Using Legacy Remote Access with RDP Over VPN

Security Risks: VPNs and RDP are frequent targets for cyber threats like ransomware and unauthorized access.
Performance Issues: Slow connections and high latency make RDP/VPN unreliable.
Complex Setup & Maintenance: Requires extensive IT configuration and ongoing management.
Scalability Limitations: Difficult to scale efficiently for growing teams and remote workforces.
Poor User Experience: Frequent disconnections and cumbersome authentication steps disrupt workflow.
Narrow Device Compatibility: Limited support for mobile devices and non-Windows platforms.

Key Factors to Consider While Choosing an Alternative to RDP & VPN

Choosing the right alternative to RDP and VPN requires evaluating solutions based on security, performance, and ease of use. Here are the critical factors to keep in mind:

Zero Trust Security: Ensure the solution follows a zero-trust approach with strong authentication, encryption, and device verification.
No Network Exposure: The best alternatives don’t require open ports or VPN tunnels, reducing security vulnerabilities.
Seamless Access Management: Look for role-based access controls and user permissions to streamline IT oversight.
Reliability & Uptime: A robust remote access tool should provide consistent, high-availability connections without frequent dropouts.
Compliance Readiness: Verify if the solution meets industry standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 for secure data handling.
Optimized for Remote Work & IT Support: The alternative should cater to both individual users and IT teams, offering unattended access, session logging, and remote troubleshooting features.

IT expert is enjoying their alternative solution to RDP/VPN thanks to Splashtop

Upgrade to a Next-Gen VPN Replacement & RDP Alternative: Secure Remote Access with Splashtop

Splashtop offers an alternative solution to RDP and VPN which is easy for employees to use and simplifies remote access setup for IT. Splashtop Remote Access supports your business continuity plan (BCP), disaster recovery plan (DR), work-from-home initiative (WFH), pandemic policy, telecommuting and BYOD initiative, enabling employees to stay safe while being productive from anywhere.

Watch why Splashtop is a superior remote access alternative to VPN (virtual private network).

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Why is Splashtop a Better Alternative to Legacy RDP & VPN?

	Splashtop	Traditional VPN / RDP
Security
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)	Yes (authentication is first established through Splashtop cloud broker, and only after this arms-length authentication is successful, the remote user is given access to the authorized system). Gartner’s June 2019 analysis predicts that by 2023, 60% of enterprises will phase out their remote access VPN in favor of Zero Trust Network Access solutions*.	No (too much trust is established between the remote device and corporate network, exposing lateral threats, such as ransomware)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA)	Yes	Yes, but some MFA features are not free
Device Authentication	Yes	Not available in most VPN solutions
Infrastructure Update	Yes, automatically updates itself against new threats	Manual and risky. Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) warned, "As VPNs are 24/7, organizations are less likely to keep them updated with the latest security updates and patches.” (March 13, 2020)
Software Update	Yes, automatic	Need to worry about different versions of VPN client and RDP as well as compatibility issues
SSO	Yes	Yes
Session recording	Yes	No
Disable / Enable file transfer and remote print	Yes	No
Logging and monitoring	Human readable logs	Logs are not human friendly
User Productivity
Ease of Use	Click & connect – fast remote connections	No – Painful to setup and use VPN and RDP; VPN can take 20+ seconds to connect, and RDP is often slow.
Can use personal device, supporting BYOD	Yes – Can use any personal device including mobile tablets and phones	No – Need company-issued device to ensure security
Performance	High performance; 3D CAD / CAM capable; 1080p @ 60fps; 4k @ 30fps	Lag & Unable to support 3D CAD / CAM and streaming video & RDP support for MAC is weak
Tools/Utilities	File transfer, lock keyboard/mouse, chat, etc	Limited built-in tools with MS native RDP client
Scalability
On-board thousands of users	Quick & easy (both IT deployed and end user self-provision)	Long and difficult process for IT
Limited by gateway hardware	Not applicable; software based	VPN CPU/memory can overload and needs to be upgraded
Network traffic	Corporate access uses corporate bandwidth. Personal browser uses home bandwidth.	Users often forget they are on VPN and all personal traffic (Youtube) are also routed through the corporate network, congesting the network. Disabling split-tunneling reduces productivity; enabling split-tunneling increases risk.
Any device	Just use any personal device, including tablets, smartphones, Chromebook	Need company-issued devices
Set up VPN gateway at each office	Not applicable; software-based	Requires setting up & managing VPN gateway for each office
Reliability
Always updated	Yes – Splashtop managed updates	No – always troubleshooting issues, and requires manual updates
Consistent tool across platforms	Yes – Consistent remote access experience across Windows, MAC, and Linux operating systems	No – RDP is only Windows friendly
Cost	Cost effective starting at $5 per user per month (volume license discount available)	Complex & expensive to setup and manage; manual security updates; requires company-issued device; facing constant user support challenges
Management	Easy user/group management	Need to set up VPN user/group management and also RDP user/group management, resulting in redundant work and difficulty to track/manage
Conclusion	End-users and IT love Splashtop	VPN / RDP setup is a hassle for IT and users

*Source: https://www.techradar.com/news/best-remote-desktop-software

Still Need RDP?

Use Splashtop Connector to remotely access computers and servers through Splashtop without using VPN or installing a remote access agent. See our Splashtop Connector vs RDP & VPN comparison for more information.

Learn More Splashtop Connector vs RDP & VPN comparison

RDP & RD Gateway Vulnerability Risks

On November 5, 2019, The FortiGuard Labs team recommends that customers immediately apply the latest patches from Microsoft for CVE-2019-0708 on any affected machines, and where possible, also disable RDP completely. BLUEKEEP RDP ATTACKS ARE STARTING: https://www.fortinet.com/blog/threat-research/bluekeep-rdp-attacks-starting-patch-now.html.

On September 27, 2018, The Public Service Annoucement (PSA) warned “CYBER ACTORS INCREASINGLY EXPLOIT THE REMOTE DESKTOP PROTOCOL (RDP) TO CONDUCT MALICIOUS ACTIVITY,” outlining issues around outdated RDP versions with flawed encryption mechanism, unrestricted access to the default RDP port (TCP 3389) https://www.ic3.gov/media/2018/180927.aspx

On January 14, 2020, CERT Coordination Center released Vulnerability Note VU#491944 on MICROSOFT WINDOWS REMOTE DESKTOP GATEWAY (RD Gateway) ALLOWS FOR UNAUTHENTICATED REMOTE CODE EXECUTION: https://kb.cert.org/vuls/id/491944/. “Microsoft RD Gateway in Windows Server 2012 and later contain two vulnerabilities that can allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges…. the flaws lie in handling of fragmentation. This vulnerability is exploitable by connecting to the RD Gateway service listening on UDP/3391.”

No More Legacy RDP Over VPN Hassles! Access Your Desktops, Apps, and Files With Splashtop

Splashtop is designed to give users seamless, secure remote access to their computers from any device, embracing BYOD. With its industry-leading remote desktop technology running through a secure SSL (AES-256) tunnel, Splashtop allows users to access their PC and Mac desktops via their Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Chromebook devices as if they are sitting in front of their computers or servers. You get all the benefits of RDP and VPN without the issues and complexities mentioned above. Also, it takes only minutes to set up.

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FAQs

How do VPN alternatives simplify IT management and deployment?

VPN alternatives like Splashtop simplify IT management and deployment by offering cloud-based solutions that eliminate the need for complex hardware setups and ongoing maintenance. With Splashtop, IT teams can manage remote access through a centralized dashboard, allowing for easy user management, access control, and device monitoring. The streamlined setup process reduces the time and effort required to deploy and manage remote access, making it easier for IT departments to support remote workforces.

How do VPN alternatives ensure secure access to corporate resources?

VPN alternatives, such as Splashtop, ensure secure access to corporate resources by using advanced encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure connections. Splashtop employs industry-standard security measures to protect data in transit and at rest, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential. Additionally, Splashtop's access control features allow IT administrators to set granular permissions, ensuring that only authorized users can access specific resources.

How do RDP alternatives improve performance and connectivity?

RDP alternatives like Splashtop improve performance and connectivity by utilizing optimized network protocols that reduce latency and enhance data transfer speeds. Splashtop's high-performance streaming technology provides a seamless remote desktop experience, enabling users to access applications and files with minimal lag. This results in a more responsive and efficient remote work experience, especially when compared to traditional RDP solutions that may suffer from connectivity issues.

How to choose the best VPN and RDP Alternative?

Choosing the best VPN and RDP alternative involves evaluating several key factors, including security features, ease of use, performance, and cost. Look for solutions like Splashtop that offer robust security measures, intuitive interfaces, and high-performance capabilities. Additionally, consider the scalability of the solution and its ability to support various devices and operating systems. Reading customer reviews and comparing feature sets can also help in making an informed decision.

Why should organizations consider switching from traditional VPNs to Splashtop for remote access?

Organizations should consider switching from traditional VPNs to Splashtop for remote access due to its superior performance, enhanced security features, and ease of deployment. Splashtop eliminates the need for complex VPN setups and provides a more user-friendly experience. Its advanced security measures, such as end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication, offer robust protection for remote access sessions. Additionally, Splashtop's high-performance streaming ensures a seamless user experience, making it an ideal solution for modern remote work environments.

How does Splashtop support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) initiatives?

Splashtop supports BYOD initiatives by allowing employees to securely access corporate resources from their personal devices. With Splashtop, users can connect to their work computers or applications from any device, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The solution's robust security features ensure that corporate data remains protected, even when accessed from personal devices. This flexibility empowers employees to work from anywhere, using the devices they are most comfortable with.

What are the cost benefits of using Splashtop over traditional VPN and RDP solutions?

The cost benefits of using Splashtop over traditional VPN and RDP solutions include reduced hardware and maintenance expenses, lower IT management costs, and more predictable pricing. Splashtop's cloud-based model eliminates the need for expensive VPN hardware and ongoing maintenance. Its centralized management platform streamlines IT administration, reducing the time and resources required to support remote access. Additionally, Splashtop offers competitive pricing plans that provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional remote access solutions.

How does Splashtop provide a better user experience than VPN?

Splashtop offers a faster, more seamless remote access experience compared to VPN. Unlike VPNs, which route all network traffic and often cause slow connections, Splashtop provides direct, high-performance remote access with minimal latency. Users can instantly connect to their remote computers without complicated setup, frequent disconnections, or the need for additional network configurations. With features like multi-monitor support, file transfer, and easy deployment, Splashtop ensures a secure and hassle-free alternative to VPN.