X2Go review
A free, self-hosted option for reconnectable Linux desktop sessions over SSH.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
X2Go is open-source, self-hosted remote desktop software for accessing graphical Linux desktops and applications. It uses a client/server architecture: X2Go Server runs on the remote machine, while X2Go Client or PyHoca-GUI runs on the client. The platform is suited to Linux users who need persistent graphical sessions, remote assistance, or access to published applications across Windows, macOS, and Linux clients.
Pricing is straightforward: X2Go is free and open source rather than a hosted subscription service. The published product details describe self-hosted client/server software, so its value comes from running and managing the remote environment yourself instead of selecting between paid service tiers. Features include session disconnect and reconnect, SSH-secured traffic, client-to-server file sharing, printer sharing, sound redirection, and desktop sharing for remote assistance. That makes the feature set practical for users who want more than basic screen access while retaining control of the server environment.
Its strongest fit is a Linux-centered setup that benefits from persistent sessions and centralized administration. The session broker supports centralized configuration and load balancing, while the Linux client can access RDP systems. Windows, macOS, and Linux are supported platforms, but mobile apps are not part of the standard offering. Android support is described as a proposed or experimental direction rather than a standard mobile app. Choose X2Go when free, open-source, self-hosted Linux access is the priority; choose another remote desktop product when mobile access or a hosted service model is essential.
X2Go pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source with self-hosted deployment
- Reconnectable graphical sessions with file and printer sharing
- Centralized brokering, published applications, and load balancing
- Where it doesn't
- No standard mobile apps
- Requires a client/server self-hosted setup
- Desktop focus is narrower than broader remote-access suites
X2Go fact sheet, pricing and score →
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