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Head-to-head · Unattended Remote Access Software

ConnectWise ScreenConnect vs RustDesk

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score ConnectWise ScreenConnect #3 in Unattended Remote Access Software 8.9/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 6 features Visit ScreenConnect
RustDesk #8 in Unattended Remote Access Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 6 features Visit RustDesk

ConnectWise ScreenConnect leads on 0 checks, RustDesk on 2, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreConnectWise ScreenConnect · 8.9/10
  • Lowest starting priceRustDesk · $11.88/mo
  • Free planonly RustDesk
  • Free trialonly ConnectWise ScreenConnect

ConnectWise ScreenConnect scores higher on our rubric for unattended remote access software: 8.9 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

RustDesk offers free plan; ConnectWise ScreenConnect doesn't. RustDesk is cheaper to start at $11.88/user/mo against $30/user/mo.

ConnectWise ScreenConnect is the better fit for IT teams needing deep technician tooling. RustDesk is the better fit for open-source teams needing self-hosting.

  • ConnectWise ScreenConnect fits best

    IT teams needing deep technician tooling

  • RustDesk fits best

    Open-source teams needing self-hosting

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature ConnectWise ScreenConnect 8.9/10 Visit ↗ RustDesk 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.4
Ranking #3 in Unattended Remote Access Software #8 in Unattended Remote Access Software
Best for IT teams needing deep technician tooling Open-source teams needing self-hosting
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $30/mo $11.88/mo (best)
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Self-hosted, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Community, Docs · 24/7 Community, Docs
Compliance SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SSO/SAML, 2FA 2FA, SSO/SAML
Integrations 100+ integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ConnectWise ScreenConnect 2/6 · RustDesk 2/6
Mobile access Not checked yet Not checked yet
File transfer ✓ ✓
Wake on LAN Not checked yet Not checked yet
Session recording ✓ ✓
Remote reboot Not checked yet Not checked yet
Multi-monitor support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Device limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Remote command line and Backstage troubleshooting
  • Session recording, video auditing, and custom audit trails
  • Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android support
  • Open-source free plan with unattended access and file transfer
  • Self-hosted deployment with end-to-end encrypted peer-to-peer connections
  • Web console, access controls, audit logs, OIDC, and LDAP integrations
Cons
  • No free plan is available
  • Advanced tools require higher paid tiers
  • Pricing is shown in USD and may vary by licensing arrangement
  • Paid plans use annual billing and are priced as monthly equivalents
  • Some advanced administration features begin on paid plans
  • Customized V2 uses limited concurrent connections
Our verdict

ConnectWise ScreenConnect is remote support and access software for IT teams, managed service providers, help desks, and internal technology departments. It supports attended remote support sessions, unattended remote access, remote…

Read the review →

RustDesk is open-source remote desktop software for attended support and unattended access across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web. Unattended connections use an installed service and permanent password, while file…

Read the review →
  1. ConnectWise ScreenConnectUnattended Remote Access Software 8.914-day trial
  2. RustDeskUnattended Remote Access Software 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ConnectWise ScreenConnect — where it wins

    • Remote command line and Backstage troubleshooting
    • Session recording, video auditing, and custom audit trails
    • Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android support

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Advanced tools require higher paid tiers
    • Pricing is shown in USD and may vary by licensing arrangement

  • RustDesk — where it wins

    • Open-source free plan with unattended access and file transfer
    • Self-hosted deployment with end-to-end encrypted peer-to-peer connections
    • Web console, access controls, audit logs, OIDC, and LDAP integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid plans use annual billing and are priced as monthly equivalents
    • Some advanced administration features begin on paid plans
    • Customized V2 uses limited concurrent connections

More comparisons

All unattended remote access software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update