We love our smartphones and our tablets, but right now we still need our regular computers. While smartphones and tablets have become much more powerful in recent years, there are still things that we need a PC to accomplish. But when we’re on our road we might not have a PC. Many people have replaced their laptops with tablets, and are even relying on smartphones for portable computing. But they’re not always enough.

If you’re carrying around a tablet or smartphone instead of a laptop, there is one bit of software you must install: a remote desktop app. These apps connect to your home computer and allow you to access them remotely. Best of all, there are remote desktop apps available for both smartphones and for tablets. Both versions will benefit you greatly.

Here are some of the best that Android has to offer.

1. Splashtop Remote Desktop

Splashtop is the big name in remote desktop apps for Android. They’ve continually updated the app to create the way to access your computer from wherever you are. It has won many awards, including multiple Best Of CES honors. It also frequently shows up near the top of the Google Play rankings, so you might have seen this app before.

Splashtop’s big feature is seamless streaming technology. Whether you have a video on your computer that you want to stream to your tablet, or you want to stream a Flash-based video (because Flash on Android is terrible), you can do it right from Splashtop.

It might be on the expensive side, but it’s worth the investment. You can for your Android tablet for just nine bucks. This is the one I’ve installed on my Lenovo Tablet PC, and I have to say that the combination is stunning.

2. GoToMyPC

While Splashtop leads the market, that doesn’t mean they’re the only player in the game. Citrix, the developer behind the invaluable GoTo line of business apps, has created its own remote desktop app. The title goes right in line with their other offerings: GoToMyPC. It’s a tablet-based remote desktop app that holds its own in a competitive niche.

In nearly every way, Splashtop is superior. It provides faster and more responsive access to your PC. It has better streaming capabilities. Even the zoom is a bit better on Splashtop. Then why would you choose GoToMyPC? Because it’s free. If you’re looking for a cheap, easy way to access your home computer every once in a while, this is the way to go.

You can if you want to.

3. RDP

Not everyone has a tablet, and those who do have tablets don’t carry them around everywhere. I know I don’t carry mine to many places, especially if there won’t be WiFi available. But I always have my smartphone, and I’m sure you do too. If you’re looking for a quality remote desktop app for your Android smartphone, RDP might be your answer.

In terms of functionality, RDP ranks up there with Splashtop. The streaming video capability isn’t quite as smooth, but it’s still watchable. The ability to connect to any PC at any time, and get excellent response speeds with any computer, make this a worthwhile app. The only problem: it’s very limited. You can only connect to Windows PCs, but you can’t connect to any Windows Home Edition versions.

If you’re inside the limits and need a quick and free remote desktop app (you’ll see two ads per day), you can .

4. PocketCloud Remote RDP/VNC

The remote desktop app market is competitive, because there is a great demand for remote desktop apps. But it’s even more competitive because there are different ways to connect to your PC from your Android device. That can be over a Remote Desktop Protocol (the most common method), via Virtual Network Computing, or through Auto Discovery. PocketCloud can connect on any of those three levels, meaning you can take advantage of the fastest, most responsive connection.

Not only that, but the less technically inclined can use the plug-and-play Auto Discovery connection method. It gives them all they need for a clean connection to a remote PC or Mac. More advanced users can use VNC and RDP, which gives them more options and a sturdier connection.

Smartphone users can get . There’s a more advanced version, for $15, that includes Enterprise support and multiple connection options. The free version can connect to only one computer.

5. Remote Web Desktop

This is actually the opposite of the above-reviewed apps. Instead of connecting you to your desktop via your Android device, Remote Web Desktop connects you to your Android device via your desktop computer. It works right through your web browser, too, so you don’t need any special PC software. Just install it on your Android and take control from anywhere.

Remote Web Desktop lets you perform basic phone functions, such as SMS and phone calls, from your computer. That’s convenient for those who don’t have a Skype Out account. It also lets you explore basically any element of the Android device, managing files and the whole nine. Most impressively, you can use the app to act as a spy cam. Mount your Android anywhere and you can check the video feed from your desktop. The app is worth it for that feature alone.

The app is also worth it, because it’s free. You can . It works with Mac, PC, and Linux machines.

Author Bio: Joe Pawlikowski writes, edits, and consults for several technology blogs across the web. When he’s not working on those, he’s keeping personal thoughts at A New Level.