Screen sharing is a great way to collaborate with colleagues, clients, friends, and family. And thanks to some of the best screen sharing Mac apps, you can do a whole lot of things. You can help them fix a problem, teach/learn something new, open, move, and close files and apps, create projects, and much much more. So, let’s go ahead and find the best screen sharing apps that make collaboration easy.
Messages on the Mac has a built-in screen-sharing feature that is handy as heck for helping out friends and family with tech troubles, and in my experience, recent versions of this work pretty. MacOS users can use iMessage to send and receive messages from other Apple users. But the Messages app allows for greater functionality than you might know. One of the features is the ability to share your screen with another user. This will save you the effort of having to install third-party apps to remotely access another Mac.
#1. Mac to Mac Screen Sharing
You might not need a third-party app when you want to screen share between two Macs. Thanks to built-in screen-sharing, you can share a screen over the local network or the internet.
To avail of the feature, your Screen Sharing setting should be enabled. You can also set screen sharing preferences, set viewing options, send files, and even share contents of the Clipboard.
#2. Teamviewer
A viral screen-sharing app for Mac and Windows, and rightly so. TeamViewer offers a full remote access suite that packs various enterprise features.
The app lets you connect and control another computer, its keyboard, and mouse. Making it an excellent asset for support and training business.
Moreover, you can also record screen sharing sessions and refer them back when in need. However, it might be slightly complicated for casual users and basic screen sharing needs.
Price: Free
Download TeamViewer
#3. Skype
While Skype is a widely popular video-calling app, it is also a reliable screen sharing solution. Though it’s not as feature-full as others in the list.
For instance, it only shows your screen to others; they can’t control it. Moreover, it does not support PowerPoint integration or screen sharing from mobile apps
In saying so, it manages to a pretty decent job for basic screen sharing needs. Another added advantage is that the feature is free to use.
Price: Free
Download Skype
#4. Screenleap
Screenleap offers an effective screen sharing service without being too complicated or heavy-duty. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to install a full-fledged application on their computer.
With just a Chrome extension, you can quickly share your screen with anyone over the internet. Screenleap lends you a permanent URL that can be used to join the session when you’re sharing.
This makes the app great for recurring meetings, and quick access sharing, such as webinar-style sessions and sales demos.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $15/Month)
Download Screenleap
#5. Screens 4
Screen 4 amalgamates the goodness of screen sharing and remote desktop apps. You can connect and control your Mac, Windows, Linux PC, or Raspberry Pi from anywhere in the world.
From accessing a forgotten file, performing software updates remotely to configuring a remote computer, Screen 4 can manage it all.
And that’s not all; the app also sports multiple display support, clipboard sharing, drag, and drop file sharing, Touchbar and Hot Corners support, amongst many more features.
Price: $29.99
Download Screen 4
#6. USE Together
As the name suggests, the app allows multiple users to simultaneously work over the host’s screen while on a voice call.
All participants have their own mouse cursors that they can use to control the screen. Basically, you can interact with the display and apps as if all are at the same desk.
Whether you want to work together on code, write, design, or just play something together, all is possible. This feature is particularly helpful for activities like pair programming and designing.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $10/Month)
Download USE Together
#7. Slack
An efficient team management app that lets you manage your teammate’s screen as well. The sharing includes features such as host switching, collaborative annotation, and participants can use their cursor on the host’s screen.
For the last part, the host needs to allow access by clicking on the cursor icon. Moreover, the sessions are private, between members of the channel.
Each session is recorded and saved like other communication logs. So, if you are already using Slack, you don’t need another screen sharing tool.
Price: Free (Standard plan – $8 Per Month)
Download Slack
#8. Zoom
Zoom is a feature-full video-calling app. And along with changing the background at your will, it also allows screen sharing between participants.
The app auto-adjusts the video quality depending on bandwidth. It is this feature that makes screen sharing on zoom quite seamless even under bad network conditions.
This is great for webinars as well; wherein multiple hosts can access the same presentation screen to annotate. Users can host screen sharing from a laptop or mobile apps.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $14.99/Month)
Download Zoom
#9. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting by LogMeIn offers a wide range of solutions that help you in remote working. From one-click video meetings, webinar support, cloud recording, many drawing tools, and of course, screen sharing.
But what makes GoToMeeting stand apart is its stable mobile screen sharing. Oh, yes! The iPhone, iPad, and Android app support screen sharing, document sharing, and whiteboard collaboration.
So, in a way, the app converts your smartphone and tablets into a remote for your Mac.
Price: $12/user/month
Download Goto Meeting
#10. Jump Desktop
The name says it all; you can seamlessly switch between computers. We particularly enjoy the productivity features.
For instance, even when you connect a Mac with Windows PC, you can still use Mac/Windows keyboard shortcuts. You can also configure your own shortcuts.
Jump Desktop also supports collaborative screen sharing, i.e., each user gets their own mouse cursor.
Price: $14.99
Download Jump Desktop
Bonus
#11. CrankWheel
CrankWheel uses screen sharing as a way of lead generation. Instead of co-browsing, your exact screen is broadcasted for the client’s perusal.
It is basically designed for the sales teams to connect and convert hard-to-reach prospects. A plus point is that your client can view your screen via any browser, whether from desktop or mobile.
Moreover, it offers an easy-to-use interface, so the sales rep can concentrate on the pitch rather than setting the app.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from 75$/Month)
Download Crankwheel
After All, Sharing Is Caring!
The right or shall I say that the best screen sharing Mac app for you will depend entirely on need, usage, participants, and of course, budget. What is your favorite screen-sharing app?
If you want something basic, Skype or Zoom might suffice. Though, if you want something extremely collaborative, then Teamviewer, USE Together or Jump Desktop are also great.
Links that you might like:
A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.
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Remote access to Mac, anywhere
If you’ve ever tried to walk your parents through fixing a computer problem over the phone, you know how hard it can be to communicate something without being there in person. Distance turns an easy demonstration into a frustrating nightmare of misunderstandings. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, sharing data remotely is the only way to collaborate. So we have to figure out a way to do this productively.
Fortunately, screen sharing has emerged as a new technology that helps bridge the distance. By giving someone a glimpse at what you’re doing on your screen you can walk them through complex technical processes as easily as if you were there yourself. Even better, if you get access to their computer remotely you can solve the problem right away.
As remote work and other teleconferencing solutions become more common, figuring out the right screen sharing software is all the more important. This guide will help you find the best screen sharing app to solve your exact problem.
Screen Sharing Messages App Mac Os
One toolkit for all screen sharing jobs
Install Setapp and receive a variety of tools to choose from. Best apps for capturing screen, editing your screenshots, and accessing Mac remotely.
Find The Best Screen Sharing Software For Your Needs
So what are a few things to keep in mind when picking screen sharing software that’s right for you?
Ease of use: If you need to use screen sharing software to instruct someone on how to install screen sharing software then its whole purpose is defeated. The ideal screen sharing app is rather effortless and doesn’t require you to spend hours tweaking settings.
Support: Even the best screen sharing software occasionally runs into problems. With that in mind, having quick support options might help a lot and save you time in the long run.
Software integrations: Your screen sharing app should fit into the software you already use. If you depend on a certain calendar and productivity apps, for example, choosing a compatible app (e.g. Skype screen sharing or Zoom screen sharing) is crucial for preserving your workflow.
Skype screen sharing
Most of us use Skype for phone calls or video conferencing. But few people know that for years Skype screen sharing was a paid option for the platform. And by today that feature has become completely free.
The best part of using Skype is that most of us already know how. The worst part is that it’s still Skype you have to deal with. In any case, knowing that Skype screen sharing is available before you set out to explore other apps can’t hurt.
If you’re wondering where to find screen sharing on Skype, it only shows up when you’re already in a call — just look for the icon resembling two overlapping rectangles in the right-hand corner of the window.
Verdict: The default screen sharing app you already have installed.
Zoom screen sharing
When it comes to video conferencing, Zoom has taken the crown that Skype left on the table. Easy to use, stable, and free for most users, Zoom is everything Skype is not. To top things off, it also has powerful screen sharing software functionality built right in.
Need to walk someone through using an app? Zoom is a great option. However, once you start giving demonstrations to larger groups, it’s going to cost you $14.99 a month, which might be too steep for most users.
If you’re not already using Zoom as a replacement for Skype, do that now — and depending on how you want to share screen on Mac, Zoom can be a good option.
Verdict: The best video conferencing and occasional screen sharing app you need to try.
Mac to Mac screen sharing
If both computers used for a screen share session are Macs, then all you need is an iChat ID. iChat features share screen using Messages, letting one party share what they are doing while on a voice call.
iChat ID isn’t a very robust share screen on Mac solution, but if all you need to do is help someone else once in a while, the app is free and readily available.
Verdict: A simple option for Mac to Mac screen sharing.
TeamViewer
One of the most popular screen sharing software solutions is TeamViewer. What draws people to screen sharing between devices with TeamViewer? An impressive list of features. TeamViewer is an enterprise-class software that solves lots of problems for small to medium-sized companies.
Screen Sharing Messages App Mac
Designed around connecting to remote computers, TeamViewer is a customer support heavyweight, letting you get into customers’ computers remotely (with their permission, of course) and directly fix any issues. The app also lets you set up your home computer in such a way that you can access it remotely yourself.
All in all, TeamViewer is extremely powerful; but that makes it slightly more complicated to set up. If you’re a casual user this app might not be the answer. For those comfortable with networking options, though, this is a fantastic product.
A list of integrated applications supported by TeamViewer is one of the largest in the business and constantly growing. If you use Salesforce, Zendesk, Microsoft Intune, or any other popular customer support solution, then TeamViewer is a good choice.
Verdict: A decent screen sharing app for customer support and power users.
Screenleap
Those looking for intuitive cross-platform screen sharing software might stumble upon Screenleap, which definitely has a supportive fanbase for its one-click to share your screen remotely feature.
However, Mac users should take note: Screenleap’s primary development environment is Java, which is disabled on Macs by default. The company does have a separate Mac-based app, but instead of screen sharing using Screenleap on Mac, you’re better off finding a native macOS app for the ideal share screen on Mac solution.
Verdict: A better pick for non-Apple computers.
USE Together
While still in beta, USE Together is screen sharing with a difference. It’s designed around the idea of letting a few people control several mouse cursors at the same time.
Want to work together on code? Open up Notepad++ and invite a friend to USE Together and collaborate like if you’re in Google Docs. Want to finalize a design? Boot Illustrator and create at the same time, on the same project.
USE Together isn’t the perfect free screen sharing software by any means, but it’s still packs a lot of potential.
Verdict: Explore further in case of frequent collaborations.
Get a remote access to your screen
Best screen sharing tool for Mac a click away. Have access to your files, no matter where you left them. Give it a try!
Screens
A robust screen sharing software for Mac, Screens delivers a lot of features you’ll love.
Install Screens on all your computers and you’ll be able to access files in any one of them. Forgot an important file at home? Pop onto Screens and access your computer just before your big presentation. Need to edit an image in Photoshop but your laptop doesn’t have the horsepower? Use your desktop remotely to get it done.
File transfers from computer to computer are a simple drag and drop, and you can remote access other Macs to fix problems for friends and relatives with ease.
Verdict: The best all-around screen sharing app for Mac.
Jump Desktop
Designed around simplicity and battery efficiency, Jump Desktop is a brilliant Mac to Mac screen sharing app.
A lot of thought and care has gone into making Jump Desktop intuitive. As a result, drag and drop and remote access are readily available, without having to tweak your network settings.
Verdict: Simple and beautiful screen sharing Mac solution.
Not sure which screen share software is right for you?
Best course of actions — try both Screens and Jump Desktop with a free 7-day trial on Setapp, a subscription platform with over 200 Mac apps for every productivity category out there. Now is the best time to hop on a call!
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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