Open Source RustDesk AlternativesTop Remote Desktop Tools and other similar apps like RustDesk

The best open source alternative to RustDesk is Remmina. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to RustDesk and many of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to RustDesk are mRemoteNG, TightVNC, DWService and UltraVNC.

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RustDesk alternatives are mainly Remote Desktop Tools, but if you're looking for SSH Clients or Terminal Emulators you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Windows + Open Source and Open Source + Remote Desktop. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to RustDesk.
RustDesk iconRustDesk
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Open source tool for secure remote access and screen sharing, supporting cross-platform use and self-hosting for complete data control.

More about RustDesk
More about RustDesk
RustDesk alternatives page was last updated Apr 23, 2025
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  1. Remmina icon

    Remmina

     221 likes
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    Open source remote desktop client for Linux and BSD supporting RDP, VNC, SPICE, and more, aimed at sysadmins and travelers needing remote access with features like scrollable high-res desktops and organized connection management.

    140 Remmina alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • IT flagItaly
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Snapcraft
    Remmina screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Scalable

    Features

    1.  RDP
    2.  SSH
    3.  VNC Support
    4.  Support for Multiple protocols
    5.  Fullscreen support
    6.  RDP Functionality
    7.  Tabbed interface
    8.  Multiple Servers
    9.  User Session Recording
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Desktop Sharing
    12.  Native translations

    Remmina VS RustDesk

     
    Comments about Remmina as an Alternative to RustDesk
    cloudmist
    Negative Jan 13, 2023
    3

    Remmina is a remote desktop client that only give access if VNC, RDP protocols is installed on a target server. While Rustdesk is a server solution providing remote access to computers.

    RustDesk Icon
    Remmina icon

    • Most users think Remmina is a great RustDesk alternative.

    • Remmina is the most popular Open Source alternative to RustDesk.

    • Remmina is Free and Open SourceRustDesk is Freemium and Open Source
  2. mRemoteNG icon

    mRemoteNG

     222 likes
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    Manage remote connections efficiently with this open-source tool, featuring a tabbed interface supporting RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, HTTP, and more protocols, without any ads.

    81 mRemoteNG alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Config Connections

    Top mRemoteNG Features

    1.  RDP
    2.  SSH
    3.  RDP Functionality
    4.  Tabbed interface
    5.  Tree view
    6.  Support for Multiple protocols
    7.  Built-in SSH client
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Connect via RDP
    10.  Secure Copy (SCP)
    11.  Supports SSL Certificates
    12.  VNC Support

    mRemoteNG VS RustDesk

     
    Comments about mRemoteNG as an Alternative to RustDesk
    Guest
    Negative Aug 14, 2024
    0

    mRemoteNG is an RDP client. RustDesk allows for unattended remote access.

    RustDesk Icon
    mRemoteNG icon
    • mRemoteNG is Free and Open SourceRustDesk is Freemium and Open Source
  4. TightVNC icon

    TightVNC

     260 likes
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    TightVNC is a free remote desktop application. With TightVNC, you can see the desktop of a remote machine and control it with your local mouse and keyboard, just like you would do it sitting in the front of that computer.

    105 TightVNC alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • RU flagRussia

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Access Control

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  VNC Viewer
    2.  Local Network Connection
    3.  Screen Sharing
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  VNC Support
    7.  Portable
    8.  Desktop Sharing
    9.  Two-factor Authentication
    10.  Integrated File Sharing

    TightVNC VS RustDesk

     
  5. DWService icon

    DWService

     96 likes
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    DWService is a half (only the client/agent) open source project which offers a service that allows access to remote systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry...) using a standard web browser - without any component required on the client side.

    112 DWService alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • EE flagEstonia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Raspberry Pi
    It allows you to fully control the remote system by displaying its screen and allowing cursor control and keyboard input

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Runs in browser
    2.  Multiplatform
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Remote terminal
    5.  Remote File Access
    6.  Remote shell
    7.  Unattended Access
    8.  Two-factor Authentication
    9.  Support for Multiple Monitors
    10.  Remote Management
    11.  Remote Support
    12.  Port Forwarding

    DWService VS RustDesk

     
    Comments about DWService as an Alternative to RustDesk
    lgwhitlock
    Positive Apr 23, 2025
    0

    While it is a bit different it works well and gets the job done. I prefer native programs, but it is a good system working with your web browser.

    thomasfrankenbach
    Positive Jun 7, 2022
    0

    All in one rd solution with great management tools and shell extension, gui, whatever you might need. for free. no ads. you CAN donate but its 100% free and really reliable.

    RustDesk Icon
    DWService icon
    • DWService is Freemium and Open SourceRustDesk is also Freemium and Open Source
    • DWService is LightweightRustDesk is not according to our users
  6. UltraVNC icon

    UltraVNC

     276 likes
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    UltraVNC is easy to use and free software that can display the screen of another computer (via the Internet or a local network) on your own screen. The program allows you to use your mouse and keyboard to control the other computer remotely.

    100 UltraVNC alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • BE flagBelgium
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Server Property Page

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Portable
    2.  Freedom
    3.  VNC Server
    4.  Stores connection configs per PC
    5.  Integrated Chat
    6.  VNC Support
    7.  Integrated File Sharing
    8.  Remote Work
    9.  VNC Viewer

    UltraVNC VS RustDesk

     
  7. MeshCentral icon

    MeshCentral

     44 likes
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    This is a full computer management web site. With MeshCentral, you can run your own web server to remotely manage and control computers on a local network or anywhere on the internet.

    48 MeshCentral alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Node.JS
    • npm
    MeshCentral Login Page

    Top MeshCentral Features

    1.  No port forwarding required
    2.  Remote File Access
    3.  Remote Reboot
    4.  Unattended Access
    5.  Two-factor Authentication
    6.  Support for Multiple Monitors
    7.  Remote Desktop Server
    8.  Self-hosted
    9.  Remote Management
    10.  Screen Sharing
    11.  Desktop Sharing
    12.  Wake on LAN

    MeshCentral VS RustDesk

     
    Comments about MeshCentral as an Alternative to RustDesk
    Guest
    Positive Sep 23, 2024
    0

    It's free, self-hosted, open source, multiplatform, etc.

    RustDesk Icon
    MeshCentral icon

    • MeshCentral is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to RustDesk.

    • MeshCentral is Free and Open SourceRustDesk is Freemium and Open Source
  9. Remotely icon

    Remotely

     27 likes
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    Remotely is a free and open-source remote desktop, remote scripting, and rich auto-complete to maximize your IT support efficiency.

    121 Remotely alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    List of remote hosts that can be controlled (unattended or attended).

    Remotely Features

    1.  Remote Support
    2.  Unattended Access
    3.  Runs in browser
    4.  Low Latency

    Remotely VS RustDesk

     
  10. X2Go icon

    X2Go

     72 likes
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    X2Go is an open source remote desktop software for Linux that uses the NX technology protocol.

    45 X2Go alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    X2Go screenshot 1

    Top X2Go Features

    1.  Multi Platform
    2.  Low bandwidth usage
    3.  Desktop Sharing
    4.  SSH
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Selective folder sharing
    7.  X server
    8.  XFCE support
    9.  Kde support
    10.  Support all desktops
    11.  Printer sharing

    X2Go VS RustDesk

     
  11. HopToDesk icon

    HopToDesk

     23 likes
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    HopToDesk is a Remote Desktop Software that focuses on privacy and security. Allowing users to connect and control any device from anywhere. HopToDesk with its frictionless application is perfect for enterprises with work-from-home employees or the personal user who wants to...

    21 HopToDesk alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    HopToDesk screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Unattended Access
    3.  No registration required
    4.  No installation required
    5.  Screen Sharing
    6.  Desktop Sharing
    7.  End-to-End Encryption
    8.  User Session Recording
    9.  Two-factor Authentication
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Real time collaboration
    12.  Wake on LAN

    HopToDesk VS RustDesk

     
  12. Apache Guacamole icon

    Apache Guacamole

     43 likes
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    Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway. It supports standard protocols like VNC and RDP. We call it clientless because no plugins or client software are required.

    68 Apache Guacamole alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Cloudron
    Apache Guacamole screenshot 1

    Top Apache Guacamole Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Two-factor Authentication
    3.  Clientless Remote Connection
    4.  Browser-based
    5.  User Management
    6.  Dockerized
    7.  Web-Based
    8.  Role-based security access
    9.  RDP
    10.  VNC Viewer
    11.  VNC Support

    Apache Guacamole VS RustDesk

     
10 of 28 RustDesk alternatives