Comparison · Remote desktop software
Apache Guacamole vs RustDesk: which is better in 2026?
RustDesk ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#3 against #5, score 87.0 against 79.5).
Choose Apache Guacamole if you want
Browser access to desktops on a server you run.
A free, open-source gateway that gives browser-based access to desktops through an HTML5 client, under Apache-2.0. You install and maintain the server yourself, so setup is more involved than hosted apps.
Choose RustDesk if you want
Self-hosted remote access with open-source software.
An open-source remote desktop app for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, with self-hosted servers for full control of connection data. It is free under AGPL-3.0, but you run and secure the server yourself.
The main differences
- Only RustDesk runs on Linux.
- Only RustDesk runs on Windows.
- Only RustDesk runs on macOS.
- Only RustDesk runs on Android.
- Only Apache Guacamole runs on Web.
Side by side
 Apache Guacamole |  RustDesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 79.5 | 87.0 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 6 | #3 of 6 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under Apache-2.0; you run the server | Free and open sourceFree and open source; self-hosted servers are optional |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidSelf-hostedWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Best for | Browser access to desktops on a server you run | Self-hosted remote access with open-source software |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Apache Guacamole vs RustDesk
- Is RustDesk better than Apache Guacamole?
- RustDesk ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#3 against #5, score 87.0 against 79.5). Apache Guacamole is best for: browser access to desktops on a server you run. RustDesk is best for: self-hosted remote access with open-source software.
- Which is cheaper, Apache Guacamole or RustDesk?
- Apache Guacamole: Free and open source under Apache-2.0; you run the server. RustDesk: Free and open source; self-hosted servers are optional.
- Do Apache Guacamole and RustDesk run on the same platforms?
- Apache Guacamole supports Web, Self-hosted. RustDesk supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted.