ConnectWise ScreenConnect review (2026)
A powerful, highly customisable remote-support tool (formerly ConnectWise Control) favoured by MSPs for its self-hosting option and automation.
ScreenConnect — previously ConnectWise Control, and still often called that — is a remote-support and access platform built with MSPs and serious IT teams in mind. Its draw is flexibility: granular session management, deep customisation and branding, an extension marketplace, and the option to self-host on your own server, which most cloud-only rivals don't offer.
Verdict
ScreenConnect is a heavyweight remote-support tool that rewards teams willing to invest in it: the customisation, granular control and rare self-hosting option make it a favourite among MSPs. The interface shows its age and there's no free tier, so it's overkill for solo technicians — but for its target audience it's one of the most capable choices around.
Key facts
👍 Pros
- Self-hosted (on-premise) option for full data control
- Highly customisable, with branding and an extension marketplace
- Fast, reliable sessions and strong unattended access
- Integrates tightly with the wider ConnectWise MSP stack
- Granular roles and session permissions
👎 Cons
- No free tier beyond a trial
- Interface feels dated and can overwhelm newcomers
- Best value only if you're in the ConnectWise ecosystem
- Self-hosting adds maintenance overhead
Features & capability
ScreenConnect delivers attended and unattended access, file transfer, multi-monitor, session recording, and some of the most granular session and role management in the category. The extension marketplace lets you bolt on extra capability, and heavy branding options make it popular with MSPs who want a white-labelled support experience. If you also run ConnectWise's PSA and RMM, it slots neatly into that stack.
Security
Encryption, MFA and role-based permissions are all present, and the self-hosted option appeals to organisations with strict data-residency or compliance needs — your session data never has to leave your infrastructure. That control comes with responsibility: self-hosting means you patch and secure the server yourself. See our security guide.
Pricing & value
ScreenConnect is licensed per technician/seat with cloud and on-premise options; there's a trial but no permanent free tier. Pricing is competitive for its capability, especially for MSPs already invested in ConnectWise. For a single technician who just wants fast remote access, AnyDesk is simpler and cheaper.
Who should use ConnectWise ScreenConnect?
Best for
MSPs and IT teams that want deep customisation, granular control and especially a self-hosted option — plus anyone already using the ConnectWise ecosystem.
Not ideal for
Solo users or small teams wanting a simple, cheap, cloud-only tool — the power and setup overhead are more than they need.
Frequently asked questions
Is ScreenConnect the same as ConnectWise Control?
Yes. ConnectWise Control was renamed ScreenConnect (its original name before ConnectWise acquired it). You'll see both names used interchangeably.
Can I self-host ScreenConnect?
Yes. Unlike most cloud-only rivals, ScreenConnect offers an on-premise option so you can host it on your own server and keep session data in-house.
Is there a free version of ScreenConnect?
There's a free trial but no permanent free tier. It's licensed per technician seat, with cloud and on-premise options.
Who is ScreenConnect best for?
MSPs and IT teams that value customisation, branding, granular control and self-hosting — particularly those already using other ConnectWise products.