Is TeamViewer better than RustDesk?

TeamViewer ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#1 against #3, score 89.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. RustDesk is best for: self-hosted remote access with open-source software. TeamViewer is best for: personal sessions and IT support across mixed systems.

Which is cheaper, RustDesk or TeamViewer?

RustDesk: Free and open source; self-hosted servers are optional. TeamViewer: Free download; paid licenses for business and enterprise use.

Do RustDesk and TeamViewer run on the same platforms?

RustDesk supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted. TeamViewer supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web.

Comparison · Remote desktop software

RustDesk vs TeamViewer: which is better in 2026?

RustDesk87.0#3 in best remote desktop software

TeamViewer89.5#1 in best remote desktop software

TeamViewer ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#1 against #3, score 89.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

87.0
Editorial score
89.5
5
Platforms
6
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

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.

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 iOS.
Only TeamViewer runs on Web.
RustDesk is open source; TeamViewer is not.

Side by side

	RustDesk	TeamViewer
Score	87.0	89.5
Rank in list	#3 of 10	#1 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source; self-hosted servers are optional	Free plan, paid upgradesFree download; paid licenses for business and enterprise use
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidSelf-hostedWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted	WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSWebWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
Made by	Not stated	TeamViewer
Best for	Self-hosted remote access with open-source software	Personal sessions and IT support across mixed systems
Strengths	Self-hosted servers for full data control Open source under AGPL-3.0	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and web app Personal-use product with a free download
Limits	Self-hosting means running and securing your own server AGPL terms apply to modified network services	Business use requires paid licenses Pricing spans several products and add-ons
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about RustDesk vs TeamViewer

Is TeamViewer better than RustDesk?: TeamViewer ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#1 against #3, score 89.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. RustDesk is best for: self-hosted remote access with open-source software. TeamViewer is best for: personal sessions and IT support across mixed systems.
Which is cheaper, RustDesk or TeamViewer?: RustDesk: Free and open source; self-hosted servers are optional. TeamViewer: Free download; paid licenses for business and enterprise use.
Do RustDesk and TeamViewer run on the same platforms?: RustDesk supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted. TeamViewer supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web.