RustDesk is open-source remote desktop software for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and the web. The client and the self-hosted Server OSS are free; Server Pro, a paid self-hosted licence with a web console, SSO and audit log, starts at $11.88 a month billed annually.
The bottom line
The strongest free option for self-hosted remote access, if you can run a server.
6.8
Our score
6.8 / 10
Conversion Gems editorial verdict
Free self-hosted; Pro from $11.88/mo (annual)
Features7/10
7 - file transfer, TCP tunneling, chat, recording and unattended access in the client, with SSO, LDAP and audit log on Server Pro, per rustdesk.com docs and pricing.
Value9/10
9 - client and Server OSS are free and open source; Server Pro starts at $11.88 a month billed annually.
Ease of use5/10
5 - the client is quick to install, but self-hosting needs you to deploy and maintain hbbs and hbbr, per the Server OSS docs.
Ecosystem6/10
6 - runs on six client platforms, Server Pro adds API access, OIDC and LDAP; few named third-party integrations.
Support5/10
5 - documentation and community Discord on the free tier; the pricing page lists community support only for free users.
What it really is
Open-source remote desktop client plus a free self-hosted server, with a paid self-hosted Pro server.
Our take
RustDesk is the rare remote desktop tool where the free option is complete: client, server and encryption, all open source. You pay with your time instead, because someone has to run and patch the server. Server Pro is priced for small IT teams and adds the admin layer the free server lacks. Pick it if you want control of where sessions route; skip it if you want a vendor to handle uptime and support.
Why we rate it
Free self-hosting with end-to-end encryption, broad platform support and a low-cost path to central admin.
The catch
You run the server, support is community-only on the free tier, and admin features need an annual Server Pro licence.
Best for
IT teams that must keep remote sessions on their own servers
MSPs supporting many devices on a budget
Technical home users who want a free remote desktop
Not good for
Teams with no one to maintain a server
Buyers who need vendor phone support
Controlling iPhones or iPads remotely
Friction report
Time to value
Minutes with the client on public servers; longer to set up Server OSS on your own host.
Scale breakpoint
A second admin login, more than 20 devices with central management, or SSO pushes you to Server Pro Basic.
Walled garden
Low: AGPL-3.0 code and a self-hosted server you control.
RustDesk plans and pricing
Plan
Price
Login users
Managed devices
Adds
Free self-hosting (Server OSS)
$0
1
Unlimited
Open-source client and server, online status, community support
Individual plus OIDC SSO, LDAP, cross group access, custom client generator
Server Pro Customized
From $23.88/mo, billed annually
Custom (+$1.20 each)
Custom (+$0.12 each)
Basic features sized to your team
Server Pro Customized V2
From $23.88/mo, billed annually
Custom (+$1.20 each)
Custom (+$0.12 each)
Also caps concurrent connections (+$24 each)
From RustDesk's pricing page, checked 4 October 2026. All plans are self-hosted; RustDesk states Server Pro is not a SaaS subscription. Annual payment only, no auto-renewal.
Free Server OSS vs Server Pro
Capability
Server OSS (free)
Server Pro (paid)
ID and relay server on your own host
Yes (hbbs and hbbr)
Yes
Web console
No
Yes
OIDC SSO and LDAP
No
Yes (Basic and above)
Audit log and access control
No
Yes
Support
Community (docs, Discord)
Paid licence
From RustDesk's Server OSS documentation and pricing page, checked 4 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The client and the self-hosted Server OSS are open source and free. RustDesk's pricing page lists the free self-hosting plan with 1 login user, unlimited managed devices and community support. Paid Server Pro licences start at $11.88 a month billed annually (checked 4 October 2026).
Individual is $11.88 a month billed annually for 1 login user and 20 devices. Basic is $23.88 a month billed annually for 10 users and 100 devices. Customized plans start at $23.88 a month plus $1.20 per extra user and $0.12 per extra device (checked 4 October 2026).
RustDesk's documentation says connections are peer-to-peer with end-to-end encryption based on NaCl, and the code is public on GitHub. Self-hosting lets you keep the ID and relay servers on your own machines. As with any remote access tool, only accept connections from people you know.
No. RustDesk's client docs say you can start or receive sessions through RustDesk's public servers or through your own self-hosted server. Self-hosting is optional and free with Server OSS.
No. RustDesk's pricing page says Server Pro pricing is for a self-hosting solution and is not a SaaS subscription. Plans are paid annually and do not auto-renew; RustDesk emails a reminder 14 days before expiry.
No. RustDesk's client documentation says the iOS app can control other devices but iOS devices cannot be controlled remotely. Android devices can be controlled.
RustDesk alternatives
Other remote desktop tools to compare:
Splashtop: Hosted remote access and remote support with plans for individuals, teams and IT help desks.
Chrome Remote Desktop: Google's browser-based remote access for reaching your own computers.
Zoho Assist: Cloud remote support and unattended access, with a free plan for basic support.
ScreenConnect: Remote support and access software built for IT and help desk teams.
