categories
Updated on Published on September 16, 2021 in Remote access

Comparing the 7 Best Remote Desktops for Linux

Author: Robert Agar
Robert Agar Article author

Choosing the best remote desktop software for Linux becomes easier when you compare surely trusted tools, such as HelpWire, Remmina, KRDC, FreeRDP, Parsec, NoMachine, and Apache Guacamole. But the best Linux remote desktop client for your needs often comes down to three main things:

  • • The target device
  • • The complexity of the setup process
  • • The type of access you require 

In other words, the right remote desktop tool depends on the use case. A platform designed for system admins may be too technical for basic support calls, while browser-based access may be unnecessary for personal use. 

Quick list:

  • • HelpWire: Best for remote IT support and ongoing client access.
  • • Remmina: Best all-purpose remote desktop for Linux.
  • • KRDC: Best lightweight choice for KDE Plasma environments. 
  • • FreeRDP: Best for advanced RDP configurations and integrations.
  • • Parsec: Best for ultra-low latency streaming from Windows and macOS systems.
  • • NoMachine: Best polished remote desktop platform for cross-platform access.
  • • Apache Guacamole: Best browser-based remote access gateway for centralized environments.

Comparison of Linux Remote Desktop Clients

  HelpWireRemminaKRDCFreeRDPParsecNoMachineApache Guacamole
1PriceFree FreeFree Free Free for personal useFree for personal useFree
2File Transfer✔️ ✔️ ✔️ (via RDP) ✔️ ✔️ ✔️✔️
3Unattended Access✔️ ✔️ ❌ ❌ ✔️ ✔️✔️
4Integrated Chat✔️ ❌ ❌ ❌ ✔️ ✔️❌
5Cross platform supportLinux, Win, macOS Linux Linux Linux, Win, macOS Win, macOS, Linux, Android Linux, Win, macOS, MobileBrowser-based
6Open-source❌ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ❌ ❌✔️
7Sound sharing❌ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️✔️

1. HelpWire

Helpwire Linux

HelpWire stands out as the best free remote desktop tool for Linux with its simple setup and dependable remote access features. It is designed with a different approach compared to traditional Linux remote desktop clients. Instead of requiring advanced network and remote access configuration, HelpWire is built to reduce complexity during remote support sessions. 

The process is simple. 

  • • You need to share a session link
  • • Wait for the user to approve access, and 
  • • Begin the support session

HelpWire focuses less on traditional remote desktop administration and more on making support sessions efficient after the connection is established.  

HelpWire works especially well for support teams, solo IT professionals, and small business IT departments that prioritize user assistance over infrastructure. It supports unattended and on-demand remote access that allows technicians to return to devices later without going through the same setup again. 

HelpWire places greater emphasis on smooth support workflows and ease of use when compared with more infrastructure-driven tools. 

Key Advantages

  • • Allows support sessions to start quickly without complicated user involvement
  • • Designed for uninterrupted support workflows, so sessions continue smoothly after connection
  • • Includes on-demand and unattended remote access for easier follow-up troubleshooting

Limitations

  • • Not the best fit for users who require self-hosted environments or extensive customization options
  • • Less suitable for organizations that require extensive system administration and fleet management functionality
  • • Offers a managed remote access experience instead of deep protocol-level RDP or VNC configuration control

Video guide on how to use HelpWire on Linux

2. Remmina

Remmina Linux

Remmina has become a go-to remote desktop software for Linux users who want a reliable and straightforward experience. It is not designed as a full remote support platform with dashboards, branded links, and complex account management. The platform focuses on giving Linux users a single application for accessing machines through existing remote access services like VNC, SSH, RDP, SPICE, or X2Go.

Remmina works particularly well for setups that involve multiple systems, such as Linux devices, Windows PCs, virtual machines, and servers, within the same workflow. It is ideal for developers, Linux power users, homelab users, and sysadmins with basic experience of networks. However, it is not ideal if you need remote support like “start a support session instantly by sharing a simple link”.

Remmina feels more like a configurable toolkit than a managed service because the remote machine must already be properly configured. 

Key Advantages

  • • Combines remote access protocols, such as RDP, SSH, VNC, SPICE, and X2Go, in a single application to manage Linux and Windows connections more efficiently
  • • Stores connection details, such as credentials, display settings, profiles, and session options, to access the same systems repeatedly
  • • Offers a free and open-source Linux experience without requiring user accounts or proprietary ecosystem dependence

Limitations

  • • It is only a remote desktop client, not a full remote-support platform with agents, session links, or user-friendly onboarding.
  • • The platform requires existing SSH, RDP, VNC, or comparable remote access services to be set up correctly beforehand
  • • Technical users may find it easier to manage, while beginners could face challenges related to plugins, protocol settings, and Linux display behavior

3. KRDC

KRDC

For KDE Plasma users, KRDC provides a more desktop-native remote access experience instead of feeling like a generic cross-platform application. It focuses specifically on RDP and VNC connections, which makes it more limited in scope but easier to use for everyday remote access tasks. 

The process is straightforward. First, you need to open it, enter the remote address, choose the protocol, and then start the connection. You will not find any support portal, account system, agent deployment, or extra business layer. KRDC is a straightforward remote desktop client designed to connect to systems that are already configured for remote access. 

KRDC is best suited for KDE users who do not require advanced remote support features. It handles connections to Windows desktops, VNC-enabled Linux machines, and systems on local networks quite effectively. If you require quick access for non-tech users or advanced customer support sessions, it is not the kind of tool you would choose. 

Key Advantages

  • • Feels consistent with the design and usability of KDE Plasma. This gives it a more native feel compared to many standard remote desktops for Linux.
  • • Provides support for both VNC and RDP, which are the most common remote desktop protocols for everyday use
  • • Provides a lightweight and open-source remote access experience with no account registration or enterprise support layer

Limitations

  • • Supports fewer remote access protocols as compared to Remmina because it is primarily centered around RDP and VNC
  • • The remote system must have a properly configured RDP or VNC server before a connection can be established
  • • Doesn’t provide any session links, client dashboards, beginner-friendly onboarding, or agents. As a result, it is used for admin or personal access rather than for remote support 

4. FreeRDP

Free RDP Linux

FreeRDP is designed more for technical users than for beginners looking for a simple remote desktop client. It focuses more on backend flexibility and protocol functionality than on delivering a refined graphical user interface, as you find on HelpWire and Remmina.  

FreeRDP supports remote access to RDP-based machines from Linux devices. However, much of the configuration and session management still happens through command-line tools or external front-end clients. If you want to integrate the platform into your system, it will act as a powerful tool. It is not focused on delivering the same smooth and user-friendly experience offered by graphical remote desktop clients. 

Developers and system admins adopt FreeRDP because they want more control over remote access infrastructure. They also need the tool to incorporate RDP support into their own tools and projects. However, for everyday remote desktop use, it may feel overly complex compared to simpler client-focused tools. 

Key Advantages

  • • Fully open-source platform that is highly flexible and well-suited for integration into larger development workflows
  • • Enables full RDP connectivity, making it easy to access Windows machines directly from Linux environments
  • • Designed for advanced users and developers who want to incorporate RDP functionality into custom applications or existing workflows

Limitations

  • • Users need to have command-line knowledge or external solutions to communicate with the tool because it is not a fully featured desktop solution
  • • Doesn’t include a built-in graphical interface, which reduces the ease of use compared to standard GUI-based applications
  • • More appropriate for developers and system admins rather than everyday users looking for an out-of-the-box remote desktop experience

5. Parsec

Parsec

Parsec is a remote access solution tailored for gamers and creative users who need high-performance connections. It is not a conventional enterprise-level RDP client. Instead, it prioritizes high-performance streaming with low latency. This makes it a strong fit for video editing, running resource-intensive workloads, or gaming remotely.  

The primary goal of Parsec is to deliver an ultra-smooth experience with immediate responsiveness. It allows users to control next-level performance systems remotely as if they are accessing machines directly. Unlike other conventional remote desktop solutions, Prasec goes beyond simple connectivity. It enables a low-latency experience that allows you to remotely control high-performance machine as if you were sitting right in front of it.

Parsec supports Windows, Linux, and macOS and focuses on high-performance streaming, which is ideal for playing games or working on creative projects. It is not always the best fit for users who just want straightforward remote access to a server or desktop. 

Key Advantages

  • • The combination of ultra-low latency and high-quality streaming makes it especially effective for gamers and creative users
  • • Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS that offers a simple setup and reliable performance
  • • Provides a free personal version with paid options for teams to support broader usage scenarios

Limitations

  • • Since Linux is not supported as a host platform, Prasec cannot be used to remotely connect to a Linux desktop. Hosting is restricted to Windows and macOS
  • • More oriented toward gaming and creative applications, and less toward general remote desktop functionality
  • • Its full performance may depend on having a higher-end device and a reliable, fast internet connection

6. NoMachine

NoMachine

NoMachine delivers a strong combination of performance and flexibility as a remote desktop solution. It is well-suited for users who prefer an all-in-one tool over command-line-based options like FreeRDP. It offers smooth, high-quality remote desktop connections for Windows, Linux, and macOS with very little configuration needed.  

Whether you are working on a home office PC, a remote server, or pulling a file from your workstation, NoMachine helps you stay connected without hassle. It does not provide the same level of customization as FreeRDP. However, it balances performance and ease of use for both business and private needs. You can use it for free for your personal needs, but you need to pay for commercial licenses for advanced features and multi-user configurations. 

Key Advantages

  • • Offers complete remote desktop capabilities across Windows, macOS, and Linux, along with advanced features, such as 3D graphics and multi-monitor support
  • • Features a simple graphical interface designed for everyday users, so you don’t require advanced technical knowledge
  • • Available at no cost for personal use, which makes it a high-quality option for individual remote desktop needs

Limitations

  • • Certain advanced features are only available under commercial licensing, which makes the tool less adaptable for organizations with specialized needs
  • • Low bandwidth conditions can reduce performance, so a reliable high-speed network is important for optimal use
  • • Doesn’t provide the same level of protocol flexibility as FreeRDP, as it focuses on a proprietary approach instead of multiple remote desktop protocols

7. Apache Guacamole

pache Guacamole

Apache Guacamole operates as a browser-based gateway for remote access, and is not a conventional remote desktop tool. You do not need to install a heavy desktop client for it; it allows you to access remote systems using a web browser directly. 

Guacamole supports VNC, RDP, and SSH. However, remote sessions are processed through a central server, and users only need a browser along with login credentials to connect. It is not designed for quick, casual installation by Linux users who just want to remotely connect to their home PC. Additionally, it is infrastructure-oriented rather than built for quick, everyday remote desktop use. 

The setup generally involves server deployment, authentication configuration, protocol handling through guacd, and centralized access management. Guacamole’s architecture is useful for teams and system admins. Users looking for a fast, ready-to-use remote desktop might find it more complex than necessary. 

Key Advantages

  • • Browser-based access lets users connect to remote systems directly through a web browser, without installing a dedicated client
  • • Accommodates several protocols, such as VNC, RDP, and SSG, from a centralized dashboard
  • • Works well in internal IT environments, homelabs, lab setups, and multi-user remote access configurations

Limitations

  • • Getting started takes more configuration than standard desktop remote access solutions
  • • Stronger fit for infrastructure and server management than for simple personal remote desktop usage
  • • Overall performance and usability are strongly influenced by the web server, backend systems, and proxy configuration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

A Linux remote desktop client is a software tool that allows a user to access and control a remotely located Linux computer over a local network or the Internet.

You need to look at various Linux remote desktop tools and decide which features are most important to you. You may need to take your hardware into account and get a lightweight client for older systems. Find the tool with the best performance that is compatible with your hardware.

Power users should look for functions such as hotkeys, an intuitive interface, and customization options. Security, privacy, and the ability to support multiple sessions simultaneously are also factors to consider when selecting a Linux RDP client. 

Tags:
AnyDesk, Apache Guacamole, Chrome Remote Desktop, Linux, Open source, rdesktop, RealVNC, Remmina, Top Solutions, Xrdp