TOP Remote access tools for Linux – 2023 full list
Most users will encounter situations when they will require a remote desktop access client for Linux to control more than just a single application or program. That’s when a Linux Remote Desktop client like AnyDesk, NoMachine, X2Go, Zoho Assist, and some others we’ll discuss below becomes incredibly valuable. Implementing these tools allows users to access and control a remote computer from a plethora of devices. Numerous protocols exist, but many users will be familiar with SSH.
For example, tech support professionals using Linux operating systems might need to remotely direct someone through a software installation or reconfigure settings remotely on a Windows machine.
Please note: It’s essential to make sure all necessary packages are downloaded/updated before creating remote desktop access sessions. Sudo Apt is a great tool for this, as once users run the Sudo apt-get update command, the required packages will download directly from the internet.
Even though Secure Shell doesn’t provide remote desktop connection capabilities, this Linux remote desktop client does allow users to install the software needed to enable secure access to remote operating systems.
To begin, use your Windows machine to select Windows PowerShell (from the Power Menu), and hit enter.
ssh [IP_ADDRESS]Accept the certificate, then enter the correct username and password. A connection is now established.
The methods described above work for all Debian systems including Fedora. Such compatibility doesn’t exist because the OS provides built-in support for remote tools.
Be sure to set up the remote access features on the physical machine running Ubuntu (initially), and installation of any additional tools won’t be necessary.
If you are looking for additional software, keep reading our TOP list. We collected all remote access clients for Linux, which work the best.
1. Remmina
Remmina remote desktop client for Linux desktops ranks fairly well as far as performance, offering the flexibility to edit connection quality whenever the user wants. The remote client supports an extensive protocol list allowing users to enable remote connections with various systems.
While this client lacks server software of its own, it’s great for connecting with numerous remote servers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer some of the additional functionality that competing Linux Mint remote desktop clients provide.
2. rdesktop
rdesktop is one of the open-source RDP apps (much like TightVNC). It’s a UNIX client used for connecting with Windows Remote Desktop Services. rdesktop can communicate natively with Remote Desktop Protocol to display the user’s Windows desktop.
Not only was rdesktop the first remote access tool that works great as a Kali Linux remote desktop client, but also it was the most frequently used client for many years. However, as of November 2019, the client is in search of new maintainers.
3. Xrdp
This client offers a graphical login to remote machines via the Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol. No matter which operating systems you are using (i.a. Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android,) the Xrdp server tool can connect using various clients such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, FreeRDP, NeutrinoRDP, rdesktop, Zoho Assist, and Microsoft Remote Desktop Client.
Please note: This client’s session manager is often referred to as “xrdp sesman.” It allows users to manage user sessions via authentication options that provide convenience and control over who can access remote machines.
Using the server requires a simple setup, allows for port forwarding, and makes remote session access convenient and practical thanks to its compatibility with a wide variety of other clients.
4. NoMachine
NoMachine is an open-source remote desktop client for Linux that uses the NX technology protocol over VNC or XDMCP. It’s secure, fast, and very user-friendly and makes its way onto this list thanks to its user volume.
This Linux Windows remote desktop client’s popularity is usually attributed to its speed and ease of use, permitting users to access any remote device in a few clicks. The NX protocol supported its development, and what sets NX protocol apart is its high local speed. This speed provides a responsive experience that feels just like it would if the remote user were physically using the remote server’s desktop directly.
Offering secure encryption and reliability, it makes a fantastic personal server. Users can access practically all files (video, audio, document, etc.) Users can even share pretty much anything via its remote desktop client.
Please note: LAN (Local Area Network) connections don’t require port forwarding, but it is necessary for WAN (Wide Area Network) connections.
5. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free tool developed by Google that’s cross-compatible with any operating system/platform because it functions via a Chrome browser. This makes CRD a great remote desktop connection Linux client. Chrome Remote Desktop offers unlimited remote support, online meeting capabilities, and easy file access.
6. TigerVNC
This app is an open-source tool for a remote desktop client for Kali, and it’s completely free. Being cross-compatible with any operating system and offering excellent performance, the tool has two applications, the Server and the Client, enabling remote access to a remote computer using a GUI (Graphical User Interface).
The functionality of this app (be it for server or client) is distinctive as a standalone virtual desktop that allows each independent session to be launched via its configuration. It should be noted that this tool doesn’t operate like the alternative server that connects directly to the runtime desktop, for example, Vino or VNCx.
As you can see, finding the right remote desktop client for Ubuntu Linux can open up a vast sea of options, and Tiger offers a wide variety of those.
7. Real VNC
Real VNC is a beloved remote desktop Linux tool for a plethora of reasons. From its fully encrypted desktop software, strong security protocols, and it’s user-friendliness, Real VNC is an excellent option for Linux users. Here are a few other noteworthy features:
- • Intuitive and very responsive
- • Offers exception stream speeds
- • Incredible audio and image quality
- • Multi-factor authentification
- • End-to-end encryption
- • Multiplatform access
- • 256-bit AES
Real VNC offers a ton of flexibility, giving users the option to watch screens in real-time—or take total control of a remote machine located anywhere across the globe.
8. Apache Guacamole
Another exceptional option is Apache Guacamole. This Linux-compatible remote desktop tool offers many convenient features and compatibility, making it a great clientless remote desktop tool.
- • Doesn’t require client software or plugins (just an HTML5 web app)
- • Free
- • Open-source
- • Supports many standard protocols (like VNC, RDP, and SSH)
The browser functionality of Apache Guacamole means that users can enjoy remote access from any device—regardless of where they are in the world.
Please Note: For those who wish to use it as a professional tool, dedicated (3rd-party) commercial support companies are available, too!
9. FreeNX
With a core library by NoMachine and completely open-source, FreeNX comes in as an excellent remote desktop Linux option to consider. With a range of valuable and versatile features, we’ve outlined just a few of our favorites below:
- • SSH-based server/client system
- • Fast
- • Flexible
- • open-source
The only downside to this tool is, at the time of writing this article, the website link for FreeNX isn’t functioning. However, that’s a minor issue that we’ve resolved by sharing links to the distro-specific web pages!
10. Xpra
A reliable and multi-platform remote display and client forwarding remote desktop option, Xpra is an easy tool for forwarding desktop screens, applications, and so much more.
- • Access to individual apps or a full desktop
- • Open-source
- • Easily connect and disconnect from programs
Please Note: On X11, it is also referred to as a screen for X11—Most frequently from the remote host machine, users can run programs or direct displays to local machines.
Users can also disconnect and reconnect programs without losing their place/state in the program, from any machine. Via MS Windows, Mac OS X, or X11 servers, Xpra can also forward complete desktops.
As you can see, there are plenty of effective remote desktop Linux clients to choose from, all of which boast unique advantages that make them worth exploring.
We hope this post has instilled you with greater confidence and excitement to implement remote desktop client Linux tools into your workflow.