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Comparison · Remote desktop software

Apache Guacamole vs TeamViewer: which is better in 2026?

Apache Guacamole79.5#5 in best remote desktop softwareTeamViewer89.5#1 in best remote desktop software

TeamViewer ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#1 against #5, score 89.5 against 79.5).

  • 79.5
    Editorial score
    89.5
  • 2
    Platforms
    6
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

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 TeamViewer if you want

Personal sessions and IT support across mixed systems.

The broadest platform list here, with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and a web app, plus a personal-use product and paid business licenses. Business use needs a paid license, and add-ons are sold separately.

The main differences

  • Only TeamViewer runs on Linux.
  • Only TeamViewer runs on Windows.
  • Only TeamViewer runs on macOS.
  • Only TeamViewer runs on iOS.
  • Only TeamViewer runs on Android.
  • Apache Guacamole is open source; TeamViewer is not.

Side by side

Apache GuacamoleTeamViewer
Score79.589.5
Rank in list#5 of 6#1 of 6
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under Apache-2.0; you run the serverFree plan, paid upgradesFree download; paid licenses for business and enterprise use
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hostedWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSWebWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
Made byNot statedTeamViewer
Best forBrowser access to desktops on a server you runPersonal sessions and IT support across mixed systems
Strengths
  • No client software needed; access from a browser
  • Free and open source under Apache-2.0
  • Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and web app
  • Personal-use product with a free download
Limits
  • You install and maintain the server
  • Setup is more involved than hosted services
  • Business use requires paid licenses
  • Pricing spans several products and add-ons
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Apache Guacamole vs TeamViewer

Is TeamViewer better than Apache Guacamole?
TeamViewer ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#1 against #5, score 89.5 against 79.5). Apache Guacamole is best for: browser access to desktops on a server you run. TeamViewer is best for: personal sessions and IT support across mixed systems.
Which is cheaper, Apache Guacamole or TeamViewer?
Apache Guacamole: Free and open source under Apache-2.0; you run the server. TeamViewer: Free download; paid licenses for business and enterprise use.
Do Apache Guacamole and TeamViewer run on the same platforms?
Apache Guacamole supports Web, Self-hosted. TeamViewer supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web.