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NoMachine Vs Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

oliver
Oliver Rieder Article author
NoMachine Vs Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol

Looking for reliable and easy-to-use remote desktop access software? If the answer is yes, then keep reading, because you’re in the right place.

The two remote desktop tools we’re comparing today are fantastic support, file sharing, and remote management solutions for small businesses. While most often used in software troubleshooting scenarios, they’re optimal for personal use, as well. Read on to learn more about NoMachine and Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).


Overview

NoMachine

nomachine logo

Using NX technology, NoMachine delivers an ultra-fast, high-quality remote desktop management experience. It offers features like file transfers, live audio/video streaming, and session recording. Conveniently, NoMachine supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms, too.

As if all of these features weren’t exceptional enough… NoMachine provides all them at no cost.

NoMachine is absolutely free to use- no ads, and no feature limitations. For those looking for a great remote desktop access tool without spending a dime…
check out NoMachine.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

microsoft logo

Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows you to create and control RDP sessions that access desktop computers located elsewhere (referred to as a client”.) RDP comes standard with numerous new versions of Mac and Windows OS.

During RDP sessions (via a network connection), users can connect, access, and manage data (apps, programs, files, etc) through a Graphical User Interface (GUI.)

Note: RDP server and client computers (respectively) must run RDP server and client software (respectively) at the same time.

    Feature

    NoMachine

    NoMachine offers a plethora of powerful features, including standard screen-sharing and reliable remote access. Any file type is transferable between server and client devices, allowing you to manage any and all content remotely.

    Users can even use a mobile tablet to remotely access video files stored on a distant desktop hard drive.

    From large-size connectivity tools- to the option of linking thousands of unique devices together, NoMachine features vary widely, based on the paid subscription chosen by the user.

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

    Whether by desktop or mobile iOS/Android RDP app, Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol lets you access and manage remote devices.

    For mobile app RDP users, the app has specific keys that allow for modifiers like the “alt”, “control”, and “option”. Additionally, users can access keyboard shortcuts via these keys.

    Regardless of the user’s location in relation to the device they need remote admittance to, Microsoft RDP allows access to files stored on a remote computer, making document printing and sharing quick and easy.

    Users can adjust their remote desktop preferences to keep the remote machine “awake”, which ensures the computer is always readily accessible. RDP is an optimal tool for administrative professionals, allowing easy publishing for remote-access-related resources like virtual desktops, session-based desktops, and RemoteApp programs.

    FeaturesMicrosoft RDPNoMachine
    File Transferring
    Session Recording
    Audio Support
    Session Transferring
    Remote Printing
    USB-Sharing
    Real-Time Chat Tools
    Mobile Accessibility
    Microsoft RDPNoMachine
    File Transferring
    Session Recording
    Audio Support
    Session Transferring
    Remote Printing
    USB-Sharing
    Real-Time Chat Tools
    Mobile Accessibility

    Interface Comparison

    Performance
    Both desktop apps performed nicely and offered simple GUIs that made it easy to understand .

    Visual Quality
    Image scaling looked equally great on both Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol and NoMachine.

    Mobile Accessibility
    Mobile device connectivity functioned as effectively as connecting with another desktop machine.

    Microsoft RDP
    NoMachine

    Operating System

    Either of these two tools is compatible with multiple operating systems. Another way to compare the NoMachine and VNC is by the number of operating systems that can be accessed remotely with the tool.

    Operating SystemMicrosoft RDPNoMachine
    Windows
    MacOS
    Android
    iOS
    Linux
    Raspberry Pi
    ARM
    Microsoft RDPNoMachine
    Windows
    MacOS
    Android
    iOS
    Linux
    Raspberry Pi
    ARM

    Pros And Cons

    See below for a list of pros and cons for NoMachine and TeamViewer, the information provided can be used to draw comparisons with apps like AnyDesk or RemotePC.

    NoMachine:

    Pros
    • Easy video/audio streaming from remote desktops
    • Easy recording
    • Minimal lag issues
    • Tons of features
    • Free for non-commercial, individual use
    Cons
    • Takes a while to learn how to use
    • Limited mobile device compatibility

    Microsoft RDP:

    Pros
    • Remote Desktop Protocol doesn’t need a fast internet connection because remote servers are used as the resource to run apps
    • Managing and monitoring all connected devices is easy
    • Can connect from any device
    • Accessing files and folders is easy
    • Ultra-fast troubleshooting
    Cons
    • Resource bottlenecks can occur depending on the power of the host and the volume of users trying to access simultaneously
    • Needs advanced configurationy
    • An entire network/system can’t be accessed during downtime
    • Expensive and complex for multi-user environments
    • Remote rebooting unavailable
    • 3rd-party tools are needed in some cases

    Pricing

    Both NoMachine and Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol offer several pricing options, and now armed with the information shared above, users should easily compare pricing policies with other remote tools like TeamViewer and RDP.

    NoMachine

    NoMachine for Everybody is free for non-commercial users, and doesn’t require signing up. Just download and install the software to start enjoying NoMachine.

    The free plan supports a number of professional processes (like accessing work-related files from a personal computer), but it isn’t meant to be used under direct commercial circumstances. It does offer specialized business and enterprise-level options for commercial use, ranging from $40.50, up to 5-figure sums per year.

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

    Microsoft RDP supports all Windows 8,10 and 11 versions, but only Windows Enterprise or Windows Pro users can have their computers accessed remotely.

    AKA: Computers that run any version of Windows 8,10 or 11 (including Windows Home) can access other devices. But the device being accessed must run Windows Pro or Windows Enterprise.

    Pricing for Windows 11 Pro starts at $200.

    Pricing OptionsMicrosoft RDPNoMachine
    Free Version No Yes
    Free Trial No No
    Level 1 $200 (Windows Pro) $40.50/year
    Level 2 N/A $224.50/year
    Microsoft RDPNoMachine
    Free Version
    No Yes
    Free Trial
    No No
    Level 1
    $200 (Windows Pro) $40.50/year
    Level 2
    N/A $224.50/year

    Conclusion

    While NoMachine is a great remote desktop tool, it has many competitors worth looking into.

    Like any other business software, considering the features, reliability, convenience, and functionality is critical. Every tool must enhance your team’s workflow and user experience, and compliment the unique needs of your organization.

    We hope this comparison piece for Microsoft RDP and NoMachine has given you the information you’ll need to find the right solution for you.

    As you can see, there are many options to choose from, so consult your team to learn exactly what they need from remote desktop software, and find the tool that best fits the criteria and budget.