RustDesk review
A flexible self-hosted remote desktop option for open-source users and IT teams.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
RustDesk is open-source remote desktop software for individuals, IT support teams, administrators, and organizations that need remote access through public or self-hosted servers. It supports connections to and from desktop, mobile, and web clients, with file transfer, session recording, unattended access, remote terminal access, remote restart, configurable permissions, and peer-to-peer encryption based on NaCl. Its self-hosting focus makes it a strong fit for teams that want control over deployment and administration.
The plan structure starts with Free at $0 per month, including open source, online status, and community support. Individual costs $11.88 per month billed annually and adds 1 login user, 20 managed devices, unlimited concurrent connections, 2FA, a web console, and an address book. Basic costs $23.88 per month billed annually and expands access to 10 login users and 100 managed devices, while adding OIDC (SSO), LDAP integration, cross-group access, and a custom client generator. Customized and Customized V2 are also listed at $23.88 per month billed annually; the former adds users and devices at separate prices, while the latter includes limited concurrent connections with additional capacity priced separately.
Platform coverage is a major strength: RustDesk offers clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web, plus web client hosting on a self-managed server. The feature set also reaches beyond basic screen sharing through automatic incoming and outgoing recording, permanent-password unattended access, access modes, and terminal control. Choose RustDesk if open-source deployment, self-hosting, and broad platform support matter more than a hosted SaaS model. Teams seeking a fully vendor-hosted remote desktop service should consider an alternative.
RustDesk pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free open-source option with self-hosted Server OSS deployment
- Encrypted peer-to-peer sessions, recording, file transfer, and unattended access
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web clients
- Where it doesn't
- Paid plans are for self-hosted Server Pro, not SaaS hosting
- Higher tiers add annual billing and separate pricing for extra capacity
- Administration features require paid tiers or Server Pro
RustDesk fact sheet, pricing and score →
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