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rdesktop VS Rustdesk

Compare rdesktop VS Rustdesk and see what are their differences

rdesktop

rdesktop is a free and open source remote desktop protocol client designed to make the users able to manage their PCs in a new way.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
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.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
SetMe
Remote support software that just works. Securely access attended or unattended computers from anywhere. sponsored

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Rustdesk seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 97 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 97
Remote Desktop popularity
23% vs 77%
alternatives listed
94 vs 115

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

rdesktop
Rustdesk
Website rdesktop.org rustdesk.com
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in
Remote Desktop Group Chat & Notifications Remote PC Access Remote Control +1
Remote Desktop Remote PC Control Remote PC Access Remote Control +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

rdesktop 5 features
Rustdesk 5 features
  • Open Source
    rdesktop is an open-source software, which means it is free to use and has a community of developers contributing to its improvement.
  • Lightweight
    The application is lightweight, requiring minimal system resources, which makes it suitable for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Compatibility
    rdesktop is compatible with multiple versions of the RDP protocol, allowing users to connect to different versions of Windows operating systems without issues.
  • Cross-Platform
    It is designed to work on various Unix-based operating systems, including Linux and BSD, giving users flexibility in their choice of operating system.
  • Simple Configuration
    The configuration and setup of rdesktop are straightforward, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Possible disadvantages

  • Lack of Active Development
    rdesktop has seen a decline in active development and updates, which might lead to vulnerabilities or incompatibilities with newer systems.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to other RDP clients, rdesktop provides a more basic set of features, lacking modern enhancements like multimedia redirection.
  • Security Concerns
    Being an older software, rdesktop may not support the latest security protocols and features, potentially making it less secure.
  • No GUI by Default
    rdesktop primarily operates through the command line, which might be challenging for users who prefer a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    There might be compatibility issues with newer Windows features or versions as development has waned, limiting connectivity options.
  • Open Source
    Rustdesk is open source, meaning the source code is publicly available for scrutiny, modification, and improvement by the community. This transparency can lead to better security and continuous enhancements.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Rustdesk supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for users with different operating systems.
  • Self-Hosting Capabilities
    Users have the option to self-host the Rustdesk server, which allows for better control over data privacy and security compared to relying on third-party servers.
  • Ease of Use
    The user interface is intuitive and straightforward, allowing both technical and non-technical users to implement and use the remote desktop solution without significant learning curves.
  • Active Development
    Rustdesk is under active development and receives regular updates, ensuring continuous improvements and the introduction of new features over time.

Possible disadvantages

  • Relatively New
    As a relatively new entrant in the remote desktop solutions market, Rustdesk may not yet have the broad user community or extensive track record that more established tools have.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to other more mature remote desktop software, Rustdesk may have fewer features and integrations available. Some advanced functionalities present in competing tools might be missing.
  • Support and Documentation
    The availability of support and comprehensive documentation might be limited, which could pose challenges for users seeking help or trying to troubleshoot issues on their own.
  • Network Dependency
    Performance and reliability can suffer if network conditions are suboptimal, which is a common challenge with all remote desktop solutions but is particularly notable in a self-hosted setup.
  • Scalability Concerns
    For enterprises or large-scale deployments, scalability could be a concern as self-hosting requires significant infrastructure and maintenance efforts.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

rdesktop
Rustdesk

Overall verdict

  • rdesktop can be considered a decent choice if you are looking for a basic, open-source RDP client. However, newer alternatives like FreeRDP or Remmina might offer better performance, security, and features due to more active development and support for modern RDP features.

Why this product is good

  • rdesktop is an open-source client for Microsoft's RDP protocol, historically used for accessing remote desktops on Windows machines. It is lightweight and has been a popular choice for Linux users who need to connect to Windows servers. However, development activity has slowed down, and it may lack some of the more advanced features found in other RDP clients. It is still a viable option for users seeking a straightforward, no-frills remote desktop connection.

Recommended for

    rdesktop is recommended for users who need a simple and lightweight RDP client on Linux platforms, particularly for accessing older Windows servers or when minimal configuration is desired. Users requiring advanced features or handling of modern Windows environments may want to explore other options.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Rustdesk receives positive feedback from users for its simplicity, functionality, and the control it offers over remote access. It's particularly appreciated by those who prioritize privacy and wish to avoid third-party servers.

Why this product is good

  • Rustdesk is considered a strong alternative to popular remote desktop software due to its open-source nature, ease of use, and the ability to self-host, which enhances security and privacy. It offers cross-platform support, allowing users to connect to various operating systems easily. Additionally, the platform provides a range of features such as file transfer, chat, and screen sharing, which are essential for remote support and collaboration.

Recommended for

    Rustdesk is ideal for users and organizations who value privacy and control over their data, such as small to medium-sized businesses, IT professionals, and tech-savvy individuals looking for an alternative to proprietary remote access solutions. It is also recommended for those who want a cost-effective solution without compromising on essential features.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

rdesktop 2 videos + Add
Rustdesk 0 videos + Add

Difference between Rdesktop and Freerdp

More videos

  • - rdesktop - Remote Desktop to Windows OS from Linux - Linux CLI

No Rustdesk videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
rdesktop
Rustdesk
23% 23%
Remote Desktop
77% 77%
100% 100%
Office & Productivity
0% 0%
17% 17%
Remote PC Access
83% 83%
0% 0%
Remote Control
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using rdesktop and Rustdesk. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

rdesktop no reviews yet
Rustdesk no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

rdesktop 0 mentions
Rustdesk 97 mentions

Tracking rdesktop since Mar 2021.

  • LibreOffice breaks download records after declaring it has no AI features
    >And I say "talked," because the jagoffs at Microsoft REMOVED Remote Assistance from every version of Windows used by people who are likely to need it. https://rustdesk.com/ But also, you'll notice that giant banner on the linked page.... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • You don't need a remote desktop for the room you're standing in
    Being fair about the privacy question, because it is the claim people reach for first and it is wrong: AnyDesk has a LAN mode, and in it a session goes directly between the two machines without the internet. RustDesk can be self-hosted... - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • Mastering Unattended Remote Desktop on Wayland: A Modern DevOps Guide
    When you leave your machine behind—perhaps a workstation at the office, a server at a relative's house, or a homelab box—you expect to be able to reconnect to it. On Wayland, this is not just a missing feature; it is a fundamental... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago

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Alternatives to rdesktop and Rustdesk

When comparing rdesktop and Rustdesk, you can also consider the following products.

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