RustDesk — The Complete Guide: Open-Source Remote Control with Your Own Relay Server
RustDesk is an open-source (AGPL-3.0) remote control program that works like the well-known commercial tools: you run it, share an ID and password, and the other side connects. The key difference is that you can run your own relay server in Docker, so connections never pass through third-party servers. The client and the open-source server are free for any use, including commercial.
RustDesk
RustDesk (Purslane Ltd. and community)
Open-source remote desktop tool, an alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk, with the option to run your own relay server.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Full control of a remote computer — work from home or site on the office workstation that runs your design software.
- File transfer — pull a model or report off the remote machine without email.
- Helping a colleague — assist with setting up a program or fixing a problem.
- Self-hosted relay — full control over your data, ideal for a privacy-conscious office.
- Every platform — Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile devices.
What is paid, and security
Central management of users and devices and business features are in the paid RustDesk Server Pro. Download only from the official site and update regularly, as earlier versions fixed serious security flaws. Golden rule: never install a remote-control tool or give an ID or password to someone who phoned you, messaged you or appeared in a pop-up — no real bank or software company asks for that. Set a strong password and two-factor authentication.
Related tools
For the lightweight commercial tool, free for personal use only — AnyDesk. For managing a fleet of computers from the browser on your own server — MeshCentral. For simple access through a Google account — Chrome Remote Desktop.
AnyDesk
AnyDesk Software GmbH
Fast, lightweight remote control between computers and mobile devices, free for personal use only.
Get it from the vendor
MeshCentral
Ylian Saint-Hilaire and contributors
A self-hosted web site for remote device management: remote desktop, terminal and file access from the browser.
Get it from the vendorChrome Remote Desktop
Remote access to your own computers and one-off support for a colleague from the browser, free with no paid tiers.
Get it from the vendor
TeamViewer
TeamViewer SE
The best-known remote control and support tool, free for personal use only, with automatic detection of commercial use.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
The strongest free alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk for commercial work, especially for an office that wants connections to run through its own server.