Conversion GemsConversion Gems
Submit a tool
Productivity & Business · Security, Privacy & Backup

RustDesk

RustDesk is open-source remote desktop software with a free self-hosted server, plus paid Server Pro licences for IT teams that need central admin.

Our take: RustDesk is the rare remote desktop tool where the free option is complete: client, server and encryption, all open source.

Best forSelf-hosted remote access
ReviewedPricing: Freemium
6.8 out of 105 criteria · see breakdown
Try RustDeskFree self-hosted; Pro from $11.88/mo (annual)

RustDesk is open-source remote desktop software for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and the web. The client and the self-hosted Server OSS are free; Server Pro, a paid self-hosted licence with a web console, SSO and audit log, starts at $11.88 a month billed annually.

The bottom line

The strongest free option for self-hosted remote access, if you can run a server.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isOpen-source remote desktop client plus a free self-hosted server, with a paid self-hosted Pro server.
Our takeRustDesk is the rare remote desktop tool where the free option is complete: client, server and encryption, all open source.
You pay with your time instead, because someone has to run and patch the server. Server Pro is priced for small IT teams and adds the admin layer the free server lacks. Pick it if you want control of where sessions route; skip it if you want a vendor to handle uptime and support.
Why we rate itFree self-hosting with end-to-end encryption, broad platform support and a low-cost path to central admin.
The catchYou run the server, support is community-only on the free tier, and admin features need an annual Server Pro licence.

Best / not good for

Best for
  • IT teams that must keep remote sessions on their own servers
  • MSPs supporting many devices on a budget
  • Technical home users who want a free remote desktop
Not good for
  • Teams with no one to maintain a server
  • Buyers who need vendor phone support
  • Controlling iPhones or iPads remotely
Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

  1. Time to value
    Minutes with the client on public servers; longer to set up Server OSS on your own host.
  2. Scale breakpoint
    A second admin login, more than 20 devices with central management, or SSO pushes you to Server Pro Basic.
  3. Walled garden
    Low: AGPL-3.0 code and a self-hosted server you control.
Still a fit?
If none of these block you, start on the free plan.
Try RustDesk

RustDesk plans and pricing

PlanPriceLogin usersManaged devicesAdds
Free self-hosting (Server OSS)$01UnlimitedOpen-source client and server, online status, community support
Server Pro Individual$11.88/mo, billed annually1202FA, web console, address book, audit log, access control, distributed relay servers
Server Pro Basic$23.88/mo, billed annually10100Individual plus OIDC SSO, LDAP, cross group access, custom client generator
Server Pro CustomizedFrom $23.88/mo, billed annuallyCustom (+$1.20 each)Custom (+$0.12 each)Basic features sized to your team
Server Pro Customized V2From $23.88/mo, billed annuallyCustom (+$1.20 each)Custom (+$0.12 each)Also caps concurrent connections (+$24 each)

From RustDesk's pricing page, checked 4 October 2026. All plans are self-hosted; RustDesk states Server Pro is not a SaaS subscription. Annual payment only, no auto-renewal.

Free Server OSS vs Server Pro

CapabilityServer OSS (free)Server Pro (paid)
ID and relay server on your own hostYes (hbbs and hbbr)Yes
Web consoleNoYes
OIDC SSO and LDAPNoYes (Basic and above)
Audit log and access controlNoYes
SupportCommunity (docs, Discord)Paid licence

From RustDesk's Server OSS documentation and pricing page, checked 4 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RustDesk free?

Yes. The client and the self-hosted Server OSS are open source and free. RustDesk's pricing page lists the free self-hosting plan with 1 login user, unlimited managed devices and community support. Paid Server Pro licences start at $11.88 a month billed annually (checked 4 October 2026).

How much does RustDesk Server Pro cost?

Individual is $11.88 a month billed annually for 1 login user and 20 devices. Basic is $23.88 a month billed annually for 10 users and 100 devices. Customized plans start at $23.88 a month plus $1.20 per extra user and $0.12 per extra device (checked 4 October 2026).

Is RustDesk safe?

RustDesk's documentation says connections are peer-to-peer with end-to-end encryption based on NaCl, and the code is public on GitHub. Self-hosting lets you keep the ID and relay servers on your own machines. As with any remote access tool, only accept connections from people you know.

Do I need my own server to use RustDesk?

No. RustDesk's client docs say you can start or receive sessions through RustDesk's public servers or through your own self-hosted server. Self-hosting is optional and free with Server OSS.

Is Server Pro a cloud subscription?

No. RustDesk's pricing page says Server Pro pricing is for a self-hosting solution and is not a SaaS subscription. Plans are paid annually and do not auto-renew; RustDesk emails a reminder 14 days before expiry.

Can RustDesk control an iPhone?

No. RustDesk's client documentation says the iOS app can control other devices but iOS devices cannot be controlled remotely. Android devices can be controlled.

RustDesk alternatives

Other remote desktop tools to compare:

Showing 1–3 of 4
Sources checked October 4, 2026: RustDesk pricing, RustDesk homepage, RustDesk Server OSS docs, RustDesk client docs, RustDesk on GitHub.

Conversion Gems independently reviews every tool.

Tags

#RemoteDesktop#OpenSource#SelfHosted

Explore related categories

Compare Security, Privacy & Backup softwareSecurity, Privacy & Backup