DetachDev vs Claude Remote Control
Claude Remote Control is a useful research preview. DetachDev is production infrastructure. Here's what that difference looks like in practice.
Remote Control sessions are initiated from a local terminal, which means you need to be at your machine to start them. DetachDev lets you connect to Claude Code from anywhere without opening a terminal or logging into your dev box.
Why DetachDev
Remote access designed for modern workflows
Use any AI client, not just Claude
DetachDev speaks the open MCP/HTTP protocol. Connect via Claude.ai, ChatGPT or any compatible assistant. Remote Control only works within the Claude ecosystem.
Always on. No terminal needed.
DetachDev runs as a system service on your dev machine. Sessions persist through reboots and network drops. Remote Control requires a running terminal session.
Multi‑device and multi‑user
Register multiple machines and manage sessions across them with roles and permissions. Remote Control supports one user and one machine per session.
Side by side
Key differences at a glance
Sessions persist
Runs as a daemon on your dev machine. Sessions survive logouts, reboots and network drops. Interact entirely via your AI client.
Sessions depend on a terminal
The remote session runs within a terminal process. Closing the terminal or losing connectivity can end the session.
Use your preferred AI client
Works with Claude.ai, ChatGPT, or any MCP/HTTP client. Voice or text. Not locked to one vendor.
Claude clients only
Supports claude.ai/code and the Claude mobile app. Other assistants are not supported.
Full remote management
List devices, list sessions, start new ones, resume or stop existing sessions — all via the MCP API. No SSH required.
Limited control
You start a session from the CLI and connect to it in the browser. You cannot start or manage sessions remotely.
Works across machines
Register multiple devices and control sessions on any of them through one interface.
One machine at a time
Each session is tied to the machine where it was started. No central management across multiple boxes.
Full comparison
Feature by feature
| Feature | DetachDev | Claude Remote Control |
|---|---|---|
| AI clients supported | Any — Claude.ai, ChatGPT, any MCP/HTTP client | Claude.ai/code and Claude mobile app only |
| Voice interaction | Conversational voice via any voice‑capable AI client | Dictation only via mobile app |
| Session persistence | Always on — survives logout, reboot, network drops | Terminal must stay open — closing kills session |
| Setup required | Install client daemon, configure environment | None — run a command |
| Terminal / SSH required | No — interact entirely through your AI client | Yes — must open terminal to start |
| Multi‑device management | Centralised — register and control multiple VMs | Run separate instances manually per machine |
| Multi‑user / RBAC | Yes — roles, permissions, per-user access | Single user only |
| Concurrent sessions | Managed — configurable limit per device | One per CLI instance; multiple unmanaged |
| Remote session management | Full — list, resume, start, stop, history via API | Start locally, connect via URL/QR |
| Project directory management | List and switch between projects remotely | Fixed to directory where you started |
| Protocol | Open standard — MCP 2024-11-05 | Proprietary |
| Vendor lock‑in | None — AI client is interchangeable | Claude ecosystem only |
| Team / Enterprise plans | Yes | Not available |
| Network model | Outbound WebSocket, no inbound ports | Outbound HTTPS, no inbound ports |
| Mobile access | Any browser or AI app | Claude iOS/Android app + claude.ai/code |
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DetachDev work with ChatGPT?
Yes. DetachDev exposes a standard MCP endpoint. Any client that supports MCP over HTTP — including ChatGPT via Actions — can connect. Claude Remote Control uses a proprietary protocol and works only within Anthropic's own apps.
Do I need to leave a terminal open to use DetachDev?
No. The DetachDev daemon runs as a system service. Sessions persist through terminal closes, reboots, and network drops. Claude Remote Control requires an active terminal session to remain open.
Can DetachDev handle multiple developers on the same codebase?
Yes — multi-user RBAC is available on Team and Business plans. Each team member has their own access level and all actions are logged. Claude Remote Control is single-user only.
Is Claude Remote Control free?
Claude Remote Control is available as part of the Claude Code® research preview. DetachDev has a free Starter tier with paid plans from £10/month — see pricing.
Is DetachDev production-ready?
Yes. DetachDev uses outbound-only WebSocket connections, per-action audit logging, device tokens, and optional enterprise controls including SCIM provisioning and data residency. See the security page for details.
Your AI client. Your sessions. Your way.
DetachDev gives you remote access to Claude Code without vendor lock‑in or terminal dependencies.