Is RustDesk better than Zoho Assist?

RustDesk ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#3 against #4, score 87.0 against 84.5), 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. Zoho Assist is best for: support teams that want a free plan to start.

Which is cheaper, RustDesk or Zoho Assist?

RustDesk: Free and open source; self-hosted servers are optional. Zoho Assist: Free Plan for core features; paid tiers and a 15-day trial.

Do RustDesk and Zoho Assist run on the same platforms?

RustDesk supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted. Zoho Assist supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS.

Comparison · Remote desktop software

RustDesk vs Zoho Assist: which is better in 2026?

RustDesk87.0#3 in best remote desktop software

Zoho Assist84.5#4 in best remote desktop software

RustDesk ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#3 against #4, score 87.0 against 84.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

87.0
Editorial score
84.5
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 Zoho Assist if you want

Support teams that want a free plan to start.

Cloud remote support and unattended access with a free plan and apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and Chromebook. Advanced features sit in paid tiers, and pricing is organized around technicians and devices.

The main differences

Only Zoho Assist runs on iOS.
RustDesk is open source; Zoho Assist is not.

Side by side

	RustDesk	Zoho Assist
Score	87.0	84.5
Rank in list	#3 of 10	#4 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source; self-hosted servers are optional	Free plan, paid upgradesFree Plan for core features; paid tiers and a 15-day trial
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidSelf-hostedWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted	WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidChromeOSWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS
Made by	Not stated	Zoho
Best for	Self-hosted remote access with open-source software	Support teams that want a free plan to start
Strengths	Self-hosted servers for full data control Open source under AGPL-3.0	Free plan for core features and basic support Covers six platforms including Chromebook
Limits	Self-hosting means running and securing your own server AGPL terms apply to modified network services	Advanced features need a paid tier Pricing is organized around technicians and devices
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about RustDesk vs Zoho Assist

Is RustDesk better than Zoho Assist?: RustDesk ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#3 against #4, score 87.0 against 84.5), 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. Zoho Assist is best for: support teams that want a free plan to start.
Which is cheaper, RustDesk or Zoho Assist?: RustDesk: Free and open source; self-hosted servers are optional. Zoho Assist: Free Plan for core features; paid tiers and a 15-day trial.
Do RustDesk and Zoho Assist run on the same platforms?: RustDesk supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted. Zoho Assist supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS.