Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Guacamole VS Microsoft Remote Desktop

Compare Guacamole VS Microsoft Remote Desktop and see what are their differences

Guacamole logo Guacamole

Access your computers from anywhere. Because the Guacamole client is an HTML5 web application, use of your computers is not tied to any one device or location. As long as you have access to a web browser, you have access to your machines.

Microsoft Remote Desktop logo Microsoft Remote Desktop

Once that's done, another computer or device with the right credentials, called the client, can connect to the host and control it. Don't let the technical aspects of remote desktop software scare you away.
  • Guacamole Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29
  • Microsoft Remote Desktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09

Guacamole features and specs

  • Clientless
    Guacamole is clientless, meaning users don't need to install any specialized software on their local machines; access is purely web-based via an HTML5 browser.
  • Multi-Protocol Support
    Supports multiple protocols including RDP, VNC and SSH, providing flexibility to connect to various types of remote machines.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project under the Apache License, it allows for customization, transparency, and community-driven support.
  • Security
    By using a central gateway for remote access, Guacamole reduces the direct exposure of remote machines to the internet, enhancing security.
  • Scalability
    Can be scaled to handle large numbers of simultaneous connections, making it suitable for both small installations and large enterprise environments.
  • Cross-Platform
    As long as you have a modern web browser, you can access Guacamole from any operating system including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.

Possible disadvantages of Guacamole

  • Setup Complexity
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-consuming, requiring familiarity with server environments and networking.
  • Performance Overhead
    Additional latency and potential performance overhead can occur due to the intermediary nature of the Guacamole server.
  • Limited Native Features
    While it supports multiple protocols, it may not offer all the native features available in dedicated client software for those protocols.
  • Third-Party Dependencies
    Relies on third-party libraries and software components, which might require additional monitoring and updates.
  • Resource Consumption
    Running a Guacamole server requires substantial system resources, especially for larger-scale deployments.
  • Community Support
    While being open-source is an advantage, support can be limited to community forums and documentation, which might not suffice for critical enterprise needs.

Microsoft Remote Desktop features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Microsoft Remote Desktop provides a user-friendly interface that is simple to set up and navigate, making it accessible for users of varying technical expertise.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing for versatile usage across different devices.
  • Performance
    Offers reliable and relatively fast performance with the ability to handle complex applications and operations through remote connections.
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft services and products, such as Azure and Office 365, enhancing productivity for users within the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Security
    Includes robust security features like network-level authentication, data encryption, and multi-factor authentication, ensuring secure remote connections.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Initial Setup Complexity
    For non-technical users, the initial setup can be challenging and may require additional resources or support to configure properly.
  • Internet Dependency
    Performance and usability heavily depend on a stable and high-speed Internet connection, which might be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Licensing Costs
    Some advanced features and integrations require specific Windows licenses or Azure subscriptions, which may incur additional costs for businesses and individual users.
  • Resource Consumption
    Running remote desktop sessions can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting the performance of both the client and the host machine, especially on older hardware.
  • Limited Customization
    The application may lack some customization options found in other remote desktop solutions, making it less flexible for users with specific needs and preferences.

Analysis of Microsoft Remote Desktop

Overall verdict

  • Microsoft Remote Desktop is generally considered a reliable and effective tool for remote access to Windows machines, particularly for those already using Microsoft services or within a Windows-centric IT environment. Its full compatibility with Windows devices makes it a strong choice for personal and professional use.

Why this product is good

  • Microsoft Remote Desktop is widely regarded as a solid solution for those needing to access and manage their Windows environments remotely. It benefits from integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, offering good performance, security features, and ease of access. Users appreciate its seamless connection to Windows PCs and servers, efficient resource management, and straightforward setup.

Recommended for

  • IT professionals needing to manage Windows servers and workstations remotely.
  • Employees who require access to their office desktops from home or during travel.
  • Organizations using cloud-based environments such as Microsoft Azure.
  • Users already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem seeking integration with other Microsoft products and services.

Guacamole videos

access EVERYTHING from your web browser!! (Linux and Windows Desktop, SSH) // Guacamole Install

More videos:

  • Review - Chipotle Guacamole Vs. Homemadeย Chipotle Guacamole

Microsoft Remote Desktop videos

How to use Chrome Remote Desktop

More videos:

  • Demo - Windows 11 Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) | 2023

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Guacamole and Microsoft Remote Desktop)
Remote Desktop
49 49%
51% 51
Remote PC Access
45 45%
55% 55
Remote Control
40 40%
60% 60
Monitoring Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Guacamole and Microsoft Remote Desktop

Guacamole Reviews

We have no reviews of Guacamole yet.
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Microsoft Remote Desktop Reviews

Top 10 Android Remote Access Tools
Microsoft Remote Desktop is very similar to Chrome Remote Desktop and provides the functionality necessary to access remote Windows computers. Since this software was developed by Microsoft, it is compatible with all of the companyโ€™s applications and versions of the Windows OS. Users who need to simply connect to distant Windows systems may find this to be the best free...
25 Best TeamViewer Alternative Software (Free/Paid) in 2021
Remote desktop software needs to be installed on both the client as well as server-side. It uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to Windows systems. Once installed, it captures inputs like mouse and keyboard from the clientโ€™s computer and sends them to the server computer. This way, the client can use and manage the server-side computer from a remote location. It...
Source: www.guru99.com
Best remote desktop software of 2021: Paid and free choices for businesses
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access program thatโ€™s available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It's extremely limited when compared to some of the paid options on this list, but itโ€™s the best free software weโ€™ve come across and is a great option for personal use.
10 Best Free Remote Desktop Tools You Should Know
Remote desktop tools and features have been around for years. Most such tools and features were built with IT administrators and managers in mind โ€“ they make it easy for IT support personnel to access connected computers via a โ€˜masterโ€™ computer. But with the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets, the average user also feels the need to access their home or work PC...
13 Best TeamViewer Alternatives Of 2019
If you are looking for a free desktop sharing tool for your Windows platform, then you might not need to look any further than the built-in tool known as Remote Desktop Connection. It enables Windows users to connect their desktop to another Windows based computer securely over LAN or via the internet.
Source: www.rankred.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Guacamole seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 138 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Guacamole mentions (138)

View more

Microsoft Remote Desktop mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Microsoft Remote Desktop yet. Tracking of Microsoft Remote Desktop recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Guacamole and Microsoft Remote Desktop, you can also consider the following products

TeamViewer - TeamViewer lets you establish a connection to any PC or server within just a few seconds.

Remmina - Remmina is a remote desktop client written in GTK+, aiming to be useful for system administrators and travellers, who need to work with lots of remote computers in front of either large monitors or tiny netbooks.

AnyDesk - AnyDesk is the world's most comfortable remote desktop application. Access all your programs, documents and files from anywhere, without having to entrust your data to a cloud service.

Rustdesk - Discover RustDesk, The best open source remote desktop software. It is an alternative of TeamViewer and AnyDesk. You have full control of your data, no concern of security.

LogMeIn - LogMeIn gives you fast, easy remote access to your PC or Mac from your browser, desktop and mobile...

TightVNC - TightVNC - VNC-Compatible Remote Control / Remote Desktop Software. Download TightVNCDownload TightVNC 1. 3. 10ย - TightVNC Serverย - F. A. Read more about TightVNC.