MeshCentral
MeshCentral: A capable free option for teams prepared to run and manage their own remote-access server. Ranked #17 of 134 in Remote Desktop Software by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for technical teams wanting a self-hosted open-source tool.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTechnical teams wanting a self-hosted open-source tool
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Access modeBoth
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Web remote desktop, terminal, and file access in one tool
- Multitenancy, permissions, logs, and session recording
- Intel AMT management, Wake-on-LAN, and port forwarding
Where it doesn't
- Requires teams to install and operate their own server
- Endpoint agents must be deployed to managed devices
- Self-hosting places administration and availability responsibilities on the team
Our verdict on MeshCentral
MeshCentral is an open-source, self-hosted web application for remotely managing computers on local networks or over the internet. It is designed for technical teams that want control over their remote-access environment rather than a hosted service. Administrators install a server, create device groups, and deploy agents to endpoints. The software supports Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Android, and web access, with a separate Android agent for device monitoring and support.
Its strongest area is the breadth of remote-management functions included in a free, open-source package. Teams can provide browser-based remote desktop, terminal access, file management and transfer, text and video chat during support sessions, activity logs, and recording for remote desktop, terminal, and AMT KVM sessions. Power-state monitoring, Wake-on-LAN, TCP and UDP port forwarding, multi-user permissions, and multitenancy extend it beyond basic screen sharing. Intel AMT support adds remote power and BIOS management for compatible managed environments.
The trade-off is operational ownership. MeshCentral requires a team to install and run the server, organize device groups, deploy endpoint agents, and manage the resulting environment. That model suits organizations with technical staff and requirements for self-hosted control, especially where session records, permissions, and remote device administration matter. Teams seeking a provider-managed remote desktop service should choose a different approach. MeshCentral is a strong fit when platform coverage and administrative depth matter more than avoiding server and agent management.
Your product? Our editors can test MeshCentral in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
MeshCentral pricing
MeshCentral fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Access mode | Both |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Android, web browser |
| File transfer | Yes |
| Session recording | Yes |
| Managed devices | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Compliance & security | SSO/SAML, 2FA |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | meshcentral.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to MeshCentral
- StarDeskA remote desktop app: reach your own Windows PC or Mac from Windows, macOS, Android or iOS.9.7
- TeamViewer RemoteA mature remote support platform with broad coverage, integrations, and AI features.9.4
- SplashtopA paid remote-access suite with low entry pricing, broad platforms, and deep integrations.9.2
See all MeshCentral alternatives →
Also Ranked In
MeshCentral is ranked in 5 of our directories.
Used MeshCentral? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used MeshCentral for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
MeshCentral is listed in our Remote Desktop Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/meshcentral/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/meshcentral.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update