HelpWire vs HopToDesk
HelpWire is a remote support tool from Electronic Team for Windows, Mac and Linux. Technicians start sessions from a web portal, and each client gets a personal download link instead of an ID and password.
Where HopToDesk fits
HelpWire sells plans by technician seat and unattended device, from 1 technician and 5 devices on Free to 10 technicians and 800 devices on Business. HopToDesk charges by device only. Pro and Business include unlimited technicians, so adding staff never changes the bill. HopToDesk also ships what HelpWire lists as future work, such as mobile apps, audio, custom branding, SSO and self-hosting.
HelpWire and HopToDesk side by side
| Feature | HopToDesk | HelpWire |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free for 1 technician and 5 unattended devices. Paid plans from US$10/month. |
| Technicians Included | Unlimited on Pro and Business | 1 to 10, depending on plan |
| Use Without an Account | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms and setup | ||
| Platform Support | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Mobile Technician App | Yes | Not offeredOn their roadmap for 2027 |
| Web Browser Access | Yes | Not offered |
| Single App for Control/Share | Yes | Not offeredSeparate operator and client apps |
| Language Support | About 44 | 6 |
| Mass Deployment (MSI, GPO, Intune) | YesBusiness plan | Not offered |
| Self-Hosting / On-Premise | Yes | Not offered |
| Connecting | ||
| Connect with an ID and Password | Yes | Not offeredA personal link for each client |
| Unattended Access | Yes | Yes |
| Access Without Port Forwarding | YesIncluded free | Yes |
| Direct Access | Yes | YesPeer-to-peer by default |
| Remote Wakeup (WOL) | Yes | Not offered |
| Multi-Session Support | Yes | YesPaid plans |
| In a session | ||
| Screen Share | Yes | Not offered |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Yes | Yes |
| File Transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Clipboard Sync | Yes | Yes |
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Support | Yes | Not offered |
| Remote Printing | Yes | Not offered |
| Remote Terminal | Yes | Not offered |
| Remote Restart | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy Mode | Yes | Not offered |
| Session Recording | Yes | Not offered |
| Security | ||
| Traffic Security | End-to-End Encryption | End-to-End Encryption |
| Secure Session Verification | Yes | YesClient must approve each session |
| 2FA Login | Yes | Yes |
| SSO Login | Yes | Not offered |
| Business tools | ||
| Custom-Branded Clients | Yes | Not offered |
| Built-in Help Desk & Ticketing | YesIncluded on all plans, with a customer portal, email intake and assignment | Not offered |
| Device Monitoring & Alerts | Yes | Not offered |
| Session Reports & Audit Trail | YesSession history, connection durations, audit trail, CSV export | Not offeredSession timeline |
| Session Notes & Billable Flag | Yes | Not offeredClient profile notes only |
| AI Agent Support (MCP) | Yes | Not offered |
HelpWire plan details verified 23 October 2026 against HelpWire pricing. Vendors change packaging, so check current terms before deciding.
What the Dashboard adds
The HopToDesk client is free. The Dashboard is the paid tier, and it turns remote access into a managed platform, from your first three devices free to 500 and beyond on the Business plan.
Switching from HelpWire
- Install the free client on the machines you support. Portable mode means no commitment to test it.
- Start a free Dashboard account, add three devices, and check the monitoring and ticket views against your own machines.
- Deploy at scale with GPO, Intune, SCCM, Jamf or Ansible, or with a branded client.
- Add your team, set roles, and connect SSO from the Dashboard.
Common questions
Do you charge per technician?
No. Every plan is priced by device, not by seat. Pro and Business both include unlimited team members at no extra cost, so adding staff never changes your bill.
Is there a free tier?
Yes. The client is free for personal and business use, and the Dashboard free plan covers three devices with no time limit.
Does HopToDesk do unattended access?
Yes. Unattended access is available for devices you manage, and the Dashboard adds live status and monitoring on top.
Can I brand it for my customers?
Yes. Custom-branded clients with your own name, logo and colours are generated from the Dashboard.
Try it on your own devices
Install the client, add a few devices and see how it handles your estate before you move anything across.
Managing devices for clients? HopToDesk for MSPs covers multi-tenant separation, per-tenant branding and volume pricing.