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The best remote desktop clients for Ubuntu and other Linux depend on the remote server and session: Remmina is the best default GUI for mixed RDP, VNC, SSH, and more; FreeRDP is best for direct or scripted RDP; NoMachine, RustDesk, TeamViewer, and AnyDesk are broader remote-access systems, not merely protocol viewers.
Current Ubuntu releases make the server-side setup as important as the client. Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS and later use built-in GNOME RDP features, while older systems and macOS connections may still use VNC. The right recommendation therefore depends on the protocol, desktop environment, display server, session state, and whether the host is already configured.
Key takeaways
- Remmina is the best default Ubuntu GUI client because it supports RDP, VNC, SSH, SFTP, SPICE, and several other connection types.
- Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS and later use built-in GNOME RDP features, so RDP is usually the right protocol for connecting to a current Ubuntu desktop.
- GNOME Connections and KRDC are simpler desktop-native choices, while FreeRDP is better for direct command-line control and scripting.
- NoMachine, RustDesk, TeamViewer, and AnyDesk are broader remote-access systems that normally require software on both ends and are not merely RDP or VNC viewers.
- Ubuntu documents TCP port 3389 for Remote Login and port 3390 for Desktop Sharing when both built-in services are enabled, but recommends a VPN instead of exposing RDP through router port forwarding.
- Wayland support varies: RustDesk describes Wayland support as experimental and requires X11 for login-screen access, while AnyDesk requires Xorg for incoming Linux sessions.
Which are the best remote desktop clients for Ubuntu and other Linux?
Remmina is the best default choice for most Ubuntu users, especially when one computer must connect to Windows RDP, Ubuntu RDP, VNC, SSH, or mixed infrastructure. GNOME Connections and KRDC suit simpler desktop-native workflows, FreeRDP suits direct or scripted RDP, and NoMachine, RustDesk, TeamViewer, and AnyDesk suit broader remote-access needs.
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The most important distinction is whether the remote computer already provides a standard protocol or whether you want a complete remote-access platform. Remmina, GNOME Connections, KRDC, and FreeRDP primarily connect to an existing RDP, VNC, SPICE, or SSH service. NoMachine, RustDesk, TeamViewer, and AnyDesk generally add their own host software, relay or rendezvous options, unattended access, file transfer, account management, or support workflows.
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These recommendations are based on protocol coverage, Linux integration, administration features, and documented compatibility—not an independent speed or image-quality benchmark. The fastest-feeling option depends on the host hardware, network path, desktop session, codec, server configuration, and security settings.
Quick comparison of the leading Linux remote desktop clients
| Client or platform | Best for | Primary connection model | Important Linux limitation or distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remmina | Most Ubuntu desktop users and mixed protocols | RDP, VNC, SSH, SFTP, SPICE, EXEC, WWW, NX, XDMCP, and terminal plugins | Needs a configured service on the remote computer; Snap confinement can restrict access to a personal ~/.ssh directory |
| GNOME Connections | Simple GNOME-native connections | RDP, VNC, and SPICE through rdp://, vnc://, and spice:// URLs |
Has a smaller configuration surface than Remmina for gateways, redirection, and complex connection profiles |
| KRDC | KDE Plasma users | RDP and VNC | Officially focused on RDP and VNC rather than a broad multi-protocol administration tool |
| FreeRDP / xfreerdp | Direct RDP control, troubleshooting, and scripting | Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol through the xfreerdp client |
RDP-specific; it is not a general VNC viewer or unattended-access platform |
| NoMachine | High-quality access to a physical Linux desktop | NoMachine’s own remote-access system | The free product and enterprise virtual-desktop or terminal-server products are separate offerings |
| RustDesk | Open-source remote support and self-hosting | RustDesk clients with either a free open-source server or paid Professional Server | Wayland support is experimental, and login-screen access still requires X11 |
| TeamViewer | Help desks, family support, and unattended access | Account-based remote support and access platform | Commercial licensing and Linux display-server behavior should be checked for the exact workflow |
| AnyDesk | Lightweight commercial remote control | AnyDesk host and client software | Ubuntu 18.04 and later are listed as supported; outgoing Wayland is supported, but incoming Linux sessions require Xorg |
Why is Remmina the best overall choice for Ubuntu?
Remmina is the best overall Ubuntu client because it combines a graphical interface with unusually broad protocol support. Remmina can manage RDP, VNC, SSH, SFTP, SPICE, EXEC, WWW, NX, XDMCP, and terminal connections from saved profiles, so a user does not need a different application for every remote-management task.
Remmina’s feature set also includes scaling, fullscreen mode, SSH tunneling, clipboard controls, audio, printer and device redirection, gateways, and certificate-related settings. Those controls make Remmina more suitable than a minimal viewer when a Windows RDP gateway, redirected device, SSH tunnel, or carefully restricted clipboard is part of the connection. The Remmina feature documentation lists the project’s supported plugins and connection controls.
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Package format matters. Remmina’s official installation documentation covers Ubuntu packages and Snap. The Ubuntu package route installs Remmina and its protocol plugins through APT, while Snap confinement can limit access to files in a user’s personal ~/.ssh directory. Choose the package format with those filesystem and SSH-key implications in mind; do not assume that two installations have identical permissions. See the official Remmina installation instructions for the supported installation routes.
When should you choose GNOME Connections?
Choose GNOME Connections when a GNOME user wants a minimal, integrated client for straightforward RDP, VNC, or SPICE connections. GNOME’s documentation supports the rdp://, vnc://, and spice:// connection URL schemes, which are useful when opening a connection directly from a link or another application.
GNOME Connections is a good fit when the remote host is already configured and the user does not need Remmina’s larger set of gateway, redirection, certificate, tunnel, and profile-management controls. GNOME Connections is less suitable when one workstation must manage a large collection of heterogeneous systems with protocol-specific tuning. The GNOME connection instructions describe its basic connection flow and supported URL formats.
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Is KRDC the best remote desktop client for KDE Plasma?
KRDC is the best desktop-native option for KDE Plasma users who want a simple RDP or VNC viewer. KDE officially lists KRDC as its remote desktop client and distributes it through normal Linux package managers and AppStream or Discover, making it a natural fit for a Plasma workstation.
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KRDC is preferable to Remmina when KDE integration and a focused interface matter more than broad protocol coverage. Remmina is the stronger choice when the same workstation also needs SSH, SFTP, SPICE, gateways, or advanced redirection. KDE’s official KRDC application page documents its RDP and VNC focus and current project status.
When is FreeRDP or xfreerdp better than a graphical client?
FreeRDP is better than a graphical client when an administrator needs direct RDP controls, repeatable troubleshooting, automation, or scripting. FreeRDP is an open-source implementation of Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol and provides the xfreerdp Linux client.
FreeRDP is especially appropriate for Windows hosts and Ubuntu systems using the built-in RDP service. It exposes the RDP connection directly rather than hiding every decision behind a profile editor, which can make authentication, display, device-redirection, and negotiation problems easier to isolate. The trade-off is scope: FreeRDP is an RDP client, not a universal VNC application and not an internet relay or unattended-support suite.
The FreeRDP project documents continuing client development and security work on its official project site. Use the version packaged by the Linux distribution or a project-supported build, and keep both the client and the remote RDP server updated.
Which broader remote-access platforms are worth considering?
NoMachine, RustDesk, TeamViewer, and AnyDesk should be evaluated as remote-access systems rather than as interchangeable RDP viewers. These products generally require software on both ends and can provide workflows that a protocol client cannot provide by itself, such as access through a vendor or self-hosted service, unattended access, file transfer, or support-oriented account management.
What is NoMachine best at?
NoMachine is best for a polished full-desktop experience, multimedia-oriented use, file transfer, and access to the physical desktop of a remote Linux computer. NoMachine uses its own remote-access system rather than simply opening an RDP or VNC session.
The free NoMachine product is intended to access the physical desktop of a remote computer on Linux, Windows, or macOS. NoMachine separately offers enterprise products for virtual Linux desktops, terminal servers, and centralized environments, so enterprise virtual-desktop features should not be attributed to the free edition. The NoMachine supported-operating-systems documentation distinguishes the supported products and environments.
The official Linux download page lists DEB, RPM, and TAR.GZ packages, with support listings extending through Ubuntu 26.04 and covering multiple Debian, Fedora, RHEL, SUSE, and ARM platforms. Readers comparing deployment options can review NoMachine for Linux before choosing a package.
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For readers who need a physical Linux desktop rather than a standard RDP endpoint, NoMachine for Linux is the relevant product to investigate. NoMachine Terminal Server and other enterprise products should be evaluated separately when the requirement is centralized virtual desktops or multi-user infrastructure.
Why choose RustDesk for self-hosting?
RustDesk is the strongest choice for users who want an open-source remote-control alternative and control over relay and rendezvous infrastructure. RustDesk provides clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web, and offers a choice between a free open-source server and a paid Professional Server.
RustDesk supports peer-to-peer connections, self-hosting, end-to-end encryption based on NaCl, and multiple video codecs according to its own documentation. Those are documented product capabilities, not independent performance measurements. The RustDesk documentation explains the client, server, encryption, and deployment model.
RustDesk’s Linux documentation covers native packages for Ubuntu and Debian, Fedora and CentOS, Arch and Manjaro, openSUSE, AppImage, and Flatpak. Wayland support is described as experimental, and remote access to the Linux login screen still requires X11. The RustDesk Linux documentation should be checked before deploying RustDesk on a Wayland-only workstation.
For readers evaluating RustDesk self-hosted remote desktop, the key decision is whether the free open-source server meets the organization’s control, support, and administration requirements or whether a Professional Server deployment is more appropriate. Program availability and commercial terms should be verified directly before purchase.
When does TeamViewer make more sense?
TeamViewer makes more sense for help desks, family support, mixed-device fleets, unattended access, file transfer, monitoring, and headless Linux management. TeamViewer’s Linux offering is designed around a broader account-based support and access workflow rather than manually configuring an RDP or VNC server on every host.
TeamViewer’s Linux product pages describe cross-platform connections, remote support, unattended access, file transfer, monitoring, and headless Linux use. TeamViewer also states that its connections are encrypted. Those security and capability statements are vendor claims, not independent test results; verify the current plan, licensing, supported Linux distribution, and session requirements before deployment. The TeamViewer Linux and Ubuntu product information and TeamViewer Linux download page provide the vendor’s current details.
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What should you know before choosing AnyDesk for Linux?
AnyDesk is a lightweight commercial alternative for cross-platform support and remote control, but the Linux display-server caveat is decisive. AnyDesk lists Ubuntu 18.04 and later as supported, permits outgoing sessions under Wayland, and requires Xorg for incoming Linux sessions.
That means a Linux computer running Wayland may be able to connect outward with AnyDesk while still being unable to accept an incoming AnyDesk session in the expected way. Check whether the host uses Xorg before selecting AnyDesk for unattended access or support. The AnyDesk for Linux support documentation contains the Wayland and Xorg conditions.
AnyDesk for Linux is worth considering when a small commercial client and cross-platform support workflow are more important than native RDP/VNC configuration. AnyDesk should not be recommended for an incoming Linux workflow without disclosing the Xorg requirement.
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A Linux remote desktop client connects to a service that already speaks a protocol, while a remote-access platform usually installs a host and client system designed to establish and manage the connection itself.
| Requirement | First choice | Alternatives | What must already be true |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Ubuntu GUI client | Remmina | GNOME Connections or KRDC | The remote computer must provide a configured RDP, VNC, SPICE, or other supported service |
| Windows-to-Linux or Linux-to-Windows RDP | Remmina or FreeRDP | GNOME Connections or KRDC | The remote host must expose and permit RDP |
| GNOME-native simplicity | GNOME Connections | Remmina | The connection should be a straightforward RDP, VNC, or SPICE session |
| KDE Plasma-native workflow | KRDC | Remmina | The remote service should speak RDP or VNC |
| Command line or scripting | FreeRDP and xfreerdp |
OpenSSH for non-GUI administration | The task must use RDP, or SSH must be sufficient for shell administration |
| SSH administration without a GUI | Remmina’s SSH plugin or OpenSSH | Terminal clients | SSH provides shell access, not a complete graphical desktop |
| Self-hosted remote support | RustDesk | NoMachine or Remmina over a VPN | RustDesk’s Wayland and login-screen limitations must fit the host configuration |
| High-quality physical-desktop access | NoMachine | TeamViewer | The requirement is access to the physical desktop, not only a standard RDP session |
| Help desk and unattended support | TeamViewer or AnyDesk | RustDesk | Commercial account, licensing, host software, and Linux display-server constraints must be acceptable |
How does Ubuntu’s built-in remote desktop affect the client choice?
Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS and later provide GNOME’s built-in RDP-based remote-desktop features, so an RDP client is usually the most coherent way to connect to a current Ubuntu desktop. The server-side session type determines whether the remote user sees an existing desktop or logs into an account separately.
What is the difference between Desktop Sharing and Remote Login?
Desktop Sharing lets another user view or control an already logged-in Ubuntu session. Remote Login lets a user log into the account remotely when the local session is logged out or has been terminated. These modes solve different problems and should not be confused when configuring the Ubuntu host.
According to Canonical’s 2026 Ubuntu remote-desktop documentation, Remote Login uses TCP port 3389 and Desktop Sharing uses TCP port 3390 when both services are enabled. The port number alone does not make a connection secure: firewall scope, credentials, encryption negotiation, and network exposure still matter.
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For a current Ubuntu host, connect with Remmina, GNOME Connections, KRDC, or FreeRDP using RDP. Earlier Ubuntu releases may still use VNC or an xrdp-based configuration, but compatibility depends on the Ubuntu release, desktop environment, display server, and server setup. The Ubuntu community xrdp documentation is relevant when the host is using xrdp rather than the newer GNOME remote-desktop service.
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Which remote desktop protocol should you use?
Use RDP for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or later and Windows when the host has RDP enabled, use VNC for an older Ubuntu or macOS configuration that already provides VNC, and use SSH when a shell is enough. A client cannot create a working session unless the remote computer has a compatible server enabled.
- RDP: The preferred documented path for Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS or later and Windows. Remmina, GNOME Connections, KRDC, and FreeRDP can act as the client.
- VNC: Still relevant for earlier Ubuntu versions, macOS, and existing VNC deployments. Remmina, GNOME Connections, and KRDC can connect to VNC services.
- SPICE: Useful for supported virtual-machine environments. GNOME Connections accepts
spice://connections, and Remmina includes a SPICE plugin. - SSH: Best for terminal administration, file movement, and tunneling when a full graphical session is unnecessary. SSH does not provide a desktop by itself.
- Vendor or self-hosted remote access: Use NoMachine, RustDesk, TeamViewer, or AnyDesk when the workflow needs a host agent, relay or rendezvous infrastructure, unattended access, or support management.
Can you use these clients over the public internet safely?
Do not expose RDP or VNC directly to the public internet merely to make a connection work; use a VPN or restricted private overlay network whenever possible. Canonical warns that router port forwarding exposes the system to attackers and recommends a VPN for private-group access.
According to Canonical’s 2026 guidance, port forwarding for RDP creates security risk, while a VPN can keep the remote-desktop service inside a restricted private network. A VPN does not replace strong authentication or host hardening, but it reduces unnecessary internet exposure.
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- Verify the remote hostname, address, and host identity before accepting a session.
- Use strong, unique credentials and limit remote access to the accounts that need it.
- Restrict firewall rules to the VPN or trusted private network instead of allowing RDP or VNC from every internet address.
- Keep the Linux client, remote-desktop server, operating system, and vendor host software updated.
- Do not disable certificate or encryption checks simply to bypass a connection warning.
- Review clipboard, audio, printer, drive, device-redirection, gateway, and password-storage settings before enabling them.
- Use unattended access only where it is needed, and remove or disable the host component when the support relationship ends.
Remmina exposes certificate, password-storage, clipboard, gateway, and redirection controls, so those settings are security decisions rather than mere convenience options. The Remmina feature documentation identifies the controls that should be reviewed during deployment.
What changes when the Linux host uses Wayland?
Wayland changes which remote-access workflows work reliably, especially for incoming control sessions and login-screen access. Do not treat a product’s general Linux support statement as proof that every Wayland session type is supported.
| Product | Wayland or display-server position | Practical consequence |
|---|---|---|
| RustDesk | Wayland support is experimental; login-screen access requires X11 | Suitable only after testing the specific desktop session and login-screen requirement |
| AnyDesk | Wayland can be used for outgoing sessions; incoming Linux sessions require Xorg | An AnyDesk host intended to receive connections should run an Xorg session |
| Ubuntu built-in remote desktop | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and later use GNOME’s RDP-based features | Prefer an RDP client, but validate the selected Desktop Sharing or Remote Login mode |
| Remmina, GNOME Connections, KRDC, and FreeRDP | Primarily protocol clients | The behavior depends mainly on the RDP, VNC, SPICE, or SSH server and its session configuration |
If a remote-access product fails only when the host is logged out, the problem may be the display server or session type rather than the client application’s network connection. Test an already logged-in session separately from login-screen access, and check whether the host is using Wayland or Xorg before changing credentials or firewall rules.
Can a hosted Ubuntu desktop replace a local remote desktop client?
A hosted Ubuntu desktop can replace a local client only when the real requirement is a remote Linux workstation, not simply a program that connects to an existing computer. In that situation, an AWS Marketplace Ubuntu desktop image may provide a cloud-hosted desktop reachable through RDP or a browser, depending on the specific listing.
The AWS Marketplace Ubuntu desktop listing, Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS RDP and web-access listing, and Ubuntu 26.04 LTS cloud-desktop listing are service alternatives rather than Linux client applications. Check the current listing, image version, access method, and billing details before deployment.
For developers or teams that need a persistent hosted workstation, AWS Marketplace Ubuntu desktop is a separate option from installing Remmina on a local Ubuntu computer. A cloud desktop adds infrastructure, storage, network, and billing considerations, so it is not automatically simpler than connecting to a desktop already on the private network.
Which client should you install?
- Start with Remmina if you use Ubuntu Desktop and need a general graphical client for RDP, VNC, SSH, or mixed environments.
- Choose GNOME Connections if you use GNOME and want the smallest straightforward RDP, VNC, or SPICE interface.
- Choose KRDC if you use KDE Plasma and want a native KDE application focused on RDP and VNC.
- Choose FreeRDP if you need command-line access, scripting, direct RDP controls, or troubleshooting visibility.
- Choose NoMachine if the priority is a polished physical Linux desktop, multimedia, or file-transfer experience.
- Choose RustDesk if open-source self-hosting and control over remote-support infrastructure matter most, after checking the Wayland and X11 limitations.
- Choose TeamViewer if a help desk needs established cross-platform support, unattended access, monitoring, or headless Linux management.
- Choose AnyDesk if a lightweight commercial workflow fits the host and the incoming Linux session can use Xorg.
The final choice should match four things: the server protocol, the Ubuntu or Linux version, the display server and session state, and the network-security design. Choosing an application only because it advertises more features can produce a worse result than selecting a smaller client that exactly matches the remote host.
The Bottom Line
For most Ubuntu desktops, install Remmina first. Use GNOME Connections or KRDC for a simpler native interface, FreeRDP for direct or scripted RDP, NoMachine for a polished physical desktop, RustDesk for self-hosting, TeamViewer for support operations, and AnyDesk only after confirming the Linux host’s Xorg requirement for incoming sessions. Keep RDP and VNC behind a VPN or restricted private network.
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