Remote Desktop Manager vs ISL Light

ManageEngine Endpoint Central

PDQ Deploy & Inventory

Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central) from ManageEngine is an integrated desktop & mobile device management application that enables the centralized management of desktops, servers, laptops, tablets & smartphones.

AI-powered platform that unifies identity, endpoints, and compliance—giving IT teams time and control back.

Self-hosted, agentless Windows endpoint management for on-prem  environments. Combines real-time device inventory (Active Directory sync, dynamic collections, custom scanners) with automated patching, 500+ pre-built packages, scripting, and compliance reporting.  Per-admin license, unlimited devices

Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) centralizes remote connection and credential management in one secure, cross-platform platform. Manage 50+ protocols, enforce role-based access and 2FA, track sessions, and access offline — great for teams or solo users alike.

Access Controls/Permissions

Active Directory Integration

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Audit Trail

Authentication

Collaboration Tools

Dashboard

Data Import/Export

Event Logs

File Transfer

For MSPs

Issue Auditing

IT Asset Tracking

IT Reporting

Knowledge Management

License Management

Maintenance Scheduling

Mobile Access

Patch Management

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-Time Notifications

Remote Access/Control

Remote Monitoring & Management

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Role-Based Permissions

Security Tools

Self Service Portal

Server Monitoring

SSL Security

Third-Party Integrations

Ticket Management

Troubleshooting

Two-Factor Authentication

Reviewers appreciate the robust features in the free version for personal and small business use, and they find entry-level pricing affordable. Some users report significant price jumps, expensive enterprise editions, and added costs from maintenance and currency conversion.

Value for money

By industry, Remote Desktop Manager reviewers are most commonly professionals in information technology and services (24%). The most frequent use case cited by reviewers is IT management (76%).

Remote Desktop Manager

Windows

Linux

iPhone

Android

iPad

Web-based

TeamViewer ONE

ManageEngine Remote Access Plus

Free solo access

Starter Pack

Remote connection management

Privileged access management

Enterprise

Slow startup and resource demands

Head of ALM

Also the launch performance is not so good.

Azure Cloud Consultant

I found it clunky and quite resource heavy.

67% of reviewers feel negative about Remote Desktop Manager’s performance and speed. Some users report frequent slow startup times and sluggish performance, especially when managing a large number of remote connections. Reviewers indicate that the software can be heavy on system resources, causing noticeable lag and longer installation or update processes. Some reviewers say that simultaneous use by multiple users or extensive entries in the vault further reduce speed, and they find latency and delayed response frustrating during critical tasks. Users think these performance issues hinder their workflow and productivity.

Centralized remote connection management

Systems Analyst Sr.

I love the ability to remotely access so many assets at once and save those connections.

92% of reviewers feel positive about Remote Desktop Manager’s remote access capabilities. Some users report that having all remote session types consolidated in one interface saves significant time and effort. Reviewers appreciate being able to manage multiple protocols like RDP, SSH, and VNC from a single platform, making remote administration tasks more efficient. Some reviewers find it valuable to securely access and troubleshoot computers or servers from anywhere, which they say is essential for IT teams working across locations. Users think the tool’s ability to centralize and organize remote connections streamlines daily routines.

Intuitive setup and operation

Desktop Engineer

It is fairly intuitive to setup but is geared for the IT Support inclined.  

91% of reviewers feel positive about Remote Desktop Manager’s ease of use. Some reviewers find the software straightforward to install and set up, even for those with limited technical skills. Users think the interface is user-friendly and makes connecting to remote computers quick and hassle-free. Reviewers indicate that managing multiple desktops and devices is simplified, and they appreciate having all functions accessible in one place. Some users say the tool helps them work remotely with minimal disruption, and they value the intuitive design that supports efficient daily tasks and easy troubleshooting.

Senior Consultant

It has multiple entries and connection types, making it esay to keep all my connections and password in one place and simplify my daily connections.

Director

Additionaly, pairing the tool with their other products such as Hub or Server or Gateway can provide enterprise grade security and functionality whether it be for a single user or a large IT team.

Director of IT

I use a laptop with 3 external screens 2 x 24" and 1 x 34" and when moving it needs to be resized and you either are left with unused space or scroll bars.

a very simple way to connect to multiple servers one by one or at the same time and a simply way to switch between servers without the need to sign-in and sign-out all the time.

Applications and Packaging Specialist

I have used other RDP tools but for me Remote Desktop Manager stands out due to it's great user friendly interface and the ability to remember credentials on my secured laptop.

PhD Student

You can keep all your remote connections (RDP, SSH, VNC, etc.) in one place.

System Integrator

Strong Security: RDM provides robust security features, including secure storage of passwords and other sensitive information.

Overall my experience with Remote Desktop Manager was mostly positive, with minor errors interrupting my usage, I used it during covid when only basic software packages were on client's machines and it served me very well.

integration with web browser, powershell, multiple VPN clients and loads of other useful options.

IT Lead Tech

It has so many features that have saved me so much time having to use multiple different apps for different services and put them all in 1.

DevOps Engineer

Pushing it now to use in our company with additional team features and integrations with other products (like CyberArk Password Vault)

System Administrator

The ability to maintain a list of remote devices between multiple IT employees.

It's really handy to use all the features that it offers and I use it on daily basis to remote to several servers simultaneously without any hiccups.

Integration with password managers to further increase security by avoiding having to store your credentials locally.

Global IT Manager

I like that I as an IT manager can centrally manage all remote connections for our users.

Administrator

All the different options for remote connections and the embedded web browser to name a few.

Network Engineer

When I started managing my company servers and network Appliances, I was using the local remote desktop and I had to type the ip or each server everytime.

I wish there was a way to set credentials as a variable or template instead of being stuck with standardized naming.

when changing the size of the window the remote server screen does not adjust.

Member

Low resolution, and no ability to upscale, session video recordings.  

Técnico Docente

It allows you to centralize all your connections,passwords and remote credentials in a single platform that makes your work easier.

Senior IT Consultant

Suggest a new feature and you might see it show up not a long time later. And long release notes with lots of details.

RDM has significantly reduce the operational overhead of session and password management.  

IT Manager

We have had only a couple of support tickets over several years (mainly for new features, and one software bug) and they were always handled very well.

Some users feel that RDM lacks certain features that might be beneficial for smaller companies.

Team lead

One of the best tools in my career I've ever found! And the best integration tools that really saves time for me every day (I'm a dev).

Homelab Owner

The RDP on iOS devices could use some work with touch devices

IT Project Manager

Some times it's a little bulky when making the same change on many connections at once.

Easily store security inforamation, servers and documents

Also the ability to setup security on those connections.

The remote desktop functionality is perfect if that's all you need it to do.

Have been using RDM extensively for 10+ years, yet almost every day I learn something new about what it or its companion products can do.

Business unit manager

sometimes setup connections to OS's rather than windows is confusing

I can access all my lab systems from one location.  

IT Architect

It is of great support in managing the internal infrastructure and that of our customers

System Admin

Swiss Army Knife of Tools for SysAdmin, a great tool, which includes all the management tools in a single application for System Administration

Owner of ShadowPlayersDev

The team edition provides authentication system for extra security, database, audit logs and more.

As a lone IT admin for my company, being able to access so many resources from a single interface saves time every single day.

Manager

I love how i can remote with basically all the different protrols

System Engineer

performance, in some VM's is it slow to use it.

Delivery Manager

Software license cost is high, particularly paying per user

None! Except deciding to edprecate the cloud backup functionality.

Database Administrator, Tech consultant

Service and feedback for any problems or issues

Thats is so great! and the spectrum of types of connections is also amazing!!

Connection Management

Remote Access

Password Management

Integrations

Screen and Window Management

Bugs and Issues

Team Collaboration

User Interface

Time Management

Credential Management

Small Business

Freelancers

Mid-size Business

Large Enterprises

Some reviewers find the free version of Remote Desktop Manager offers robust features suitable for personal use and small businesses, allowing users to test most functionalities before committing to a purchase. They say the paid plans provide additional team-oriented features and cost-saving integrations, which some feel justify the price. Reviewers appreciate the affordable entry-level pricing compared to similar tools, but some users report the jump to paid tiers is significant and the enterprise edition or per-user licensing can be expensive. They indicate ongoing maintenance costs and currency conversion add to the overall expense, making it less accessible for smaller companies.

Devolutions

TeamViewer enables secure remote access, IT management, and AI-driven solutions, serving 630,000+ customers with 2.5B+ installations.

Zoho Assist

Quickly support remote customers through web-based, attended remote support sessions and manage remote computers effortlessly through unattended remote access.

AnyDesk

AnyDesk is a remote desktop software accessible on all platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. AnyDesk allows users to connect to computers remotely anywhere, anytime, and facilitates desktop sharing, remote support, and web presentation.

owner

it helps us saving time a lot, certainly having nearly unlimited permanent agents to quickly unattended take over, help us react very quick and easy on customer questions for support etc.

Rich-featured remote support solution designed for SMB's and big enterprises which need to offer reliable and secure remote assistance. Easy-to-use&fast.

Remote Desktop Manager vs ISL Light Comparison (2026)

Remote Desktop Manager

ISL Light

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives