Splashtop

Splashtop is a remote desktop and remote support platform for help-desk teams, MSPs, IT departments and creative professionals who need fast access to Windows, Mac and Linux computers. Splashtop Business download options cover the Business app (the viewer you connect from), the Streamer (the agent on the computer you connect to) and the SOS app for on-demand support. It is shareware (conditionally free): business products are paid with a free trial, and Splashtop Personal is free only for non-commercial use on your home network.

Connections are brokered by Splashtop’s cloud, so the remote computer only makes outbound connections and no inbound firewall rule is needed. The product line splits into Remote Access (unattended access to your own or your team’s computers) and Remote Support or SOS (helping end users, attended or unattended), all managed from one web console.

Splashtop at a glance

What it does

• Unattended remote access to Windows, Mac and Linux computers running the Streamer, including remote reboot and Wake-on-LAN.
• Streaming at up to 4K and 60 frames per second for smooth video and design work.
• Drag-and-drop file transfer and remote printing to a local printer.
• Higher editions add multi-to-multi monitor support, chat, session recording, user and group management and up to three users in one computer.
• Performance-oriented editions add USB device redirection, microphone passthrough, stylus support, 4:4:4 colour and Wacom Bridge.
• SOS lets an end user run a small app and read out a 9-digit session code; no prior installation or admin rights are needed.
• Recent Business app releases add running scripts and tasks from the client, camera redirection and file transfer over SSH connections through the Connector.

How IT teams use it

Set up unattended access to an office PC

1. Sign in to the Splashtop web console with your team account and download the Streamer installer for the target computer.
2. Install the Streamer on the office PC and sign it in to your account so it appears in your team’s computer list.
3. On your laptop install the Business app, sign in and pick the computer from the list. Use the toolbar for file transfer, remote print or switching monitors.

Help a user who has nothing installed

1. Ask the user to open the SOS download page from the official website and run the SOS app.
2. The app shows a 9-digit session code; the user reads it to you.
3. In your Business app enter the code to start an attended session with chat and file transfer. Up to three technicians can join the same session.

Allow Splashtop through a corporate firewall

1. Permit outbound TCP 443 from both the Streamer and the Business app to Splashtop’s cloud domains listed in the vendor’s support article.
2. Optionally allow TCP 6783 inside the LAN so computers on the same network can connect point to point.
3. If a proxy or SSL inspection breaks sessions, exclude the Splashtop domains from inspection.

Install and first run

Business app (viewer): Windows builds come as EXE, MSI and a portable version; there are apps for macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS and Android. Sign in with your Splashtop account.

Streamer (agent): available for Windows 7 and later including Windows Server, macOS 10.13 and later, Linux, ChromeOS and Android. Download requires signing in to your account. On macOS grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions, or the remote screen stays black and input does not work.

SOS app: no installation and no admin rights needed; the end user downloads and runs it, and the session code appears on screen.

Network: all Splashtop cloud traffic is outbound on TCP 443; there are no inbound ports to open. A separate on-premises edition exists for organisations that cannot use the cloud.

Limitations

• There is no permanently free edition for work use. After the trial a paid plan is required.
• Splashtop Personal works only on the local home network, for up to two non-business computers; access from outside needs a paid add-on.
• Features differ sharply between editions; check the edition comparison before promising session recording or USB redirection to users.
• Connections depend on Splashtop’s cloud unless you buy the on-premises product.
• No self-hosted open-source option or source code.

Splashtop vs alternatives

AnyDesk and TeamViewer compete directly on attended and unattended support and are also shareware with personal-use limits. RustDesk is free and open source with a self-hosted server option, at the cost of running it yourself. Parsec is the closer match for low-latency creative and graphics work.

FAQ

What is Splashtop Streamer?

The Streamer is the agent installed on the computer you want to reach. It keeps an outbound connection to Splashtop’s cloud and accepts sessions from authorised Business app users.

Where do I get the Splashtop Business download?

The Business app and Streamer installers are on the official Splashtop downloads page; the Streamer requires signing in to your account.

What is Splashtop SOS?

SOS is the on-demand support tool: the user runs the SOS app, gets a 9-digit code and you connect with it, without installing anything in advance.

Is Splashtop free?

Not for business use. Business products are shareware with a free trial; Splashtop Personal is free only for non-commercial use on a home network.

What is Splashtop Wired XDisplay?

A separate Splashtop product that turns a tablet or phone into an extra monitor over a USB cable. It is not a remote access tool.

Which ports does Splashtop use?

Outbound TCP 443 to Splashtop’s cloud, with optional TCP 6783 for direct connections on the same LAN.

Last checked against official sources: 8 October 2026 (developer website: splashtop.com). Versions and licence terms change — confirm on the developer's site before deploying in production.