An In-Depth Look at ToDesk Remote Software

ToDesk is a remote desktop software that has gained significant popularity in China in recent years. Developed by a Chinese company, ToDesk allows users to remotely access and control another computer over the internet. It supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

One of ToDesk’s main selling points has been its free version that offered a good range of features. Many users appreciated being able to use ToDesk for personal and small business use cases without any cost. The software was praised for its ease of use, reliable connections, and cross-platform support.

However, as of August 31, 2022, ToDesk transitioned to a paid model for its personal edition. This change has generated a lot of discussion and varying opinions among its user base in China.

Under the new pricing, ToDesk costs ¥89 ($13) per year for individual users. While this is lower than some competitors like Sunlogin, many users felt it was a significant jump from being completely free. Additionally, certain features like file transfer and privacy mode now require an additional ¥2 ($0.30) to unlock, which some see as nickel and diming.

Comparisons have been drawn to Sunlogin, another popular remote desktop software in China. Sunlogin’s free version, while more limited than ToDesk’s original free offering, still provides core functionality without major restrictions like ToDesk’s new 300 KB/s speed cap on free accounts.

There are also complaints about a decline in connection speed and stability after ToDesk’s servers became overloaded following the influx of new users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some long-time users report frequent disconnects and lag in recent months.

ToDesk’s customer service has also been a point of criticism, with many feeling their issues and concerns are not being adequately addressed after the pricing change. The lack of an easy refund option has further fueled dissatisfaction.

On the positive side, many still feel ToDesk provides good value for its price compared to enterprise-focused international solutions like TeamViewer. The software remains popular for its ease of use and feature set.

Looking ahead, ToDesk’s future developments are likely to focus on improving technical performance in areas like connection speed and stability to win back user confidence. Expanding its enterprise offerings and support may also help diversify its customer base and revenue streams.

As remote work and education become increasingly common, the demand for reliable remote desktop software will continue to grow in China and worldwide. How ToDesk navigates the challenges and opportunities of this market shift may determine its long-term prospects as a leading domestic player in the field. While the transition to a paid model has been controversial, maintaining a quality service and open communication with its user community will be key.