Chrome Remote Desktop for iOS

Chrome Remote Desktop enables you to remotely control your computer from your iPhone or iPad.

Pros

Comprehensive Help section: When you enter Chrome Remote Desktop for the first time, we highly recommend checking the Help section for instructions on setting up the app, adding and switching Google accounts, and controlling your computer through quick gestures.

Minimal interface: Since Chrome Remote Desktop mirrors your computer screen, developers were wise to keep the app's interface minimal, so as not to overwhelm your smaller iOS screen. The bare-bones options: icons for mouse, keyboard, and full-screen sit out of the way, at the top of your screen, to maximize space.

Responsive: Controlling a MacBook Pro from an iPhone 5S was a breeze with this app. Every scroll and click immediately registered on our test computer.

Secure: You must enter your password on both your computer and your iOS device to enable remote connection. A notification at the bottom of the computer screen, stating that it is currently being shared with a remote sharing account, is very helpful, especially if an unauthorized person tries to access your system.

Cons

Lengthy installation: First you have to download Chrome Remote Desktop to your computer from the Chrome Web Store. After an extensive installation process, including downloading and installing a System Preferences panel and accepting numerous permissions, you must enable remote connections on the computer -- and wait for it to take.

Too many password re-entries: You must re-enter your password after each Help page visit and every time your phone goes to sleep.

Two steps to click: Before clicking on any big-screen item using your phone, you must first move your computer cursor to the clicking spot by dragging it across your phone screen. That seems to defeat the purpose of touchscreen functionality.

Bottom Line

Chrome Remote Desktop does what its title promises. You can control your work computer from home, or vice versa, from your iOS phone.