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Top 10 Open Source Remote Support Software

Author: Helga York
Helga York Article author
Top 10 Open Source Remote Support Software

Whether you’re looking to cut costs, customize your software, or prioritize security for your business, deploying open source remote support software may be worth considering.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best open source remote support software options available, providing detailed overviews of each solution’s features, pros, and cons. This will help you select the right tool for your specific needs and requirements.

1. RustDesk

RustDesk is a safe and user-friendly desktop program with numerous significant features. What makes it one of the best open source remote support software is its cross-platform interoperability, security, and dependability.

In addition, RustDesk has a user interface that individuals and small business owners will be able to understand easily. Take note, however, that your ability to customize the program is limited.

Compatible OS: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux

Deployment type: You can set up your own server or do self-hosting. You can also use the public rendezvous/relay server program.

Pricing: It is a free and open source solution. However, since RustDesk is open source, businesses have the option to customize and modify the software to meet their specific needs, which can require additional development costs or resources.

GitHub: https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk

RustDesk interface

RustDesk Features:

  • • Support for Multi-screens;
  • • File transfer from and to local and distant computers;
  • • Portable;
  • • End-to-End Encryption;
  • • Clipboard sharing;
  • • Chat support;
  • • Unattended access.

Pros:

Cons:

Lightweight and user-friendly

Has minimal customization choices

Has multi-monitor display support

Lack of support for mobile devices

Comes with an unattended access feature

Secure and effective

Free of ads


2. RPort

RPort.io is another excellent remote support solution for managing distant devices. This lightweight program can support a variety of operating systems and devices, plus it has an intuitive user interface.

RPort.io also allows users to control IoT devices, switches, routers and printers from any place without having to use a VPN.

Compatible OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Deployment type: On-premises/self-hosted or cloud-based

Pricing: RPort.io is an open source remote desktop software that users can deploy for free. However, several portions of the program come with proprietary licenses. Also, the UI and RPort Plus Plugin may be free but your actions are limited, and they are not open-source.

RPort open source remote support

RPort Features:

  • • File transfer;
  • • Control any device – ready for IoT;
  • • Clipboard sharing;
  • • Chat support;
  • • Secure remote login via VNC, SSH, RDP, etc. from everywhere without using a VPN;
  • • Remote shell access.

Pros:

Cons:

Lightweight and systematic

Minimal documentation and community support

Offers safe and dependable remote access

Finite customization choices

Supports an array of operating systems and devices

Has a built-in chat feature


3. Apache Guacamole

Apache Guacamole is a free open source remote support software that doesn’t require a client and supports VNC, SSH, and RDP protocols.

After a server has Guacamole installed, users can access desktops via web browsers (thanks to HTML5 of this open source, web-based remote support software).

Apache Guacamole offers an intuitive web interface and easily adapts to remote connections, as it can support a variety of protocols. Its wide range of security features — such as two-factor authentication and SSL encryption — make it one of the best open source remote desktop software solutions.

 

Compatible OS: Linux, macOS, Windows

Deployment type: Users can deploy Apache Guacamole as an independent app or as a Docker container and can combine it with other applications, including web apps and remote desktop clients.

Apache

Apache Guacamole Features:

  • • Web interface for accessing desktops remotely;
  • • Support for standard protocols (SSH, RDP, and VNC);
  • • Two-factor authentication for safe and reliable remote access;
  • • SSL encryption for protected communication;
  • • Merger with Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP);
  • • Support for audio and file transfer;
  • • Option to record desktop sessions remotely.

Pros:

Cons:

User-friendly web-based interface

Setting up and configuring the software requires technical knowledge

Supports different protocols

Some features may need further configuration

SSL encryption and two-factor authentication

Users can customize the web-based interface but with limitations

Unification with multiple authentication providers

Supports audio and file transfer

Option to record remote desktop sessions


Pricing:

Apache Guacamole is a completely free open source remote support software. You don’t have to pay licensing fees or subscription charges.

4. TightVNC

TightVNC is another popular remote support option for managing a computer desktop over the network regardless of where you are. It is centered on Virtual Network Computing (VNC) technology and can run on different operating systems.

Compatible OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Deployment type: TightVNC is particularly created for a self-hosted deployment. This means it is set up and works on local servers or machines. Still, it can be used in remote applications, permitting users to access and manage a device from everywhere over the internet.

Pricing:

TightVNC is a desktop tool with GPL license and is available for free. People can use, alter, and share this software if necessary, provided that they follow the terms of the GPL.

TightVNC open source remote desktop software

TightVNC Features:

  • • Encrypts data transfer and authentication, providing safe remote access;
  • • Supports client and server modes alike;
  • • Ability to transfer files;
  • • Backs multiple remote sessions;
  • • Configurable color depths and screen resolutions.

Pros:

Cons:

Lightweight and reliable

Falls short of some advanced features

Low resource usage

Standard security features may not fit users with sensitive information

User-friendly and easy to set up

Can operate slowly or be laggy on unstable internet connections

Has GPL-license

Little support and updates from the developer community

Ability to customize screen resolutions and color depths


5. UltraVNC

UltraVNC is an open source remote desktop app utilizing Virtual Network Computing (VNC). The system giving access to its desktop needs the VNC server app running to establish remote PC accessibility. Simultaneously, the device requesting access to the remote machine needs the VNC client app running, as well.

Github: https://github.com/ultravnc/ultravnc

Compatible OS: Windows

Deployment type: On-premises solution.

Pricing: UltraVNC is a free and GPL-licensed open source remote desktop software. People can deploy, modify, and disperse the program when needed, on condition that they heed the GPL’s terms.

UltraVNC free remote desktop software

UltraVNC Features:

  • • Lightweight and portable;
  • • Encodes data transfer and authentication for reliable remote access;
  • • Gives support for server and client modes;
  • • Capability to transfer files;
  • • Supports multiple sessions held remotely;
  • • Configurable screen resolutions and color depths;
  • • Capability to reboot the computer and reconnect remotely;
  • • Chat feature for local and remote users.

Pros:

Cons:

Encrypted information transfer and authentication for safe remote access

Generally developed for Windows operating systems; does not support other OS

Color depths and screen resolutions can be customized

May be more difficult to install and use than other remote desktop software

Ability to send files

Users may need more technical knowledge to use it efficiently

Provides support for multiple sessions conducted remotely

Insufficient resources and community support compared to other remote support tools

Capability to restart the computer and reconnect remotely


6. FreeRDP

FreeRDP
is an open source remote support software launched under the Apache License 2.0. It is a free application of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), a prominent tool that lets users access and manage desktops and integrate with apps remotely.

Compatible OS: Linux, macOS, Windows, and Unix-like systems

Deployment type: FreeRDP is a server/client platform that users can deploy on both remote and local devices. What’s more, people can use it to connect to desktops or pair with applications remotely.

Pricing: FreeRDP can be used without any charge. It is also open-source and under the Apache License 2.0.

Github: https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP

FreeRDP open source remote support software

FreeRDP Features:

  • • RDP protocol support;
  • • Remote audio and printing support;
  • • Updating of dynamic resolution;
  • • Support for Network Level Authentication (NLA);
  • • Support for RemoteFX;
  • • Redirection of clipboard;
  • • Supports multiple monitors.

Pros:

Cons:

Free-of-charge and open-source

Some technical knowledge for installation are needed

Support for cross-platform

Minimal resources and community support

Extensive feature set

Remote audio support and dynamic resolution update

Multiple monitor and language support


7. DWService

With DWService, users can access and manage computers remotely using a standard web browser. Special software isn’t necessary on the client side to complete the process. Wherever you may be in the globe and whenever you need to access your home computer, this open source remote access software can help you out.

Compatible OS: Raspberry Pi, macOS, Windows, Linux

Deployment type: Users can set up DWService on a local computer or access it through a web browser even without prior installation.

Github: https://github.com/AG7GN/dwservice

DWService remote support solution

DWService Features:

  • • Easy to use and install;
  • • Two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption;
  • • File transfer and remote printing support;
  • • Wake-on-LAN feature to start up computers remotely.

Pros:

Cons:

Simple to set up and intuitive

Fewer features than other remote desktop software options

Safe with end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication

Its free version offers limited features, like no audio or video streaming

Provides support for printing, file transfer, and wake-on-LAN

A stable internet connection is needed to experience optimal performance

Supports various OS


Pricing:

DWService is free to use and open-source, but the free version has limitations. Users may avail of the pro version, which comes with extra features and support choices, at $5 per month.

8. Dayon!

Dayon! is another top choice for users looking for the best open source remote desktop software. This program provides remote support for accessing files and applications from everywhere around the world. It can serve as a free substitute for different commercial remote desktops and remote support solutions.

Deployment type: Dayon! is an application that can stand alone but users can also utilize it as a web-based service. Its on-premises or self-hosted version can be downloaded and installed on local servers.

Compatible OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Pricing:

Dayon! is an absolutely free open source remote access software.

Dayon! Remote desktop software

Dayon! Features:

  • • Easy to install;
  • • Quick launch Windows binaries;
  • • Router or network configuration is not required on the assisted side;
  • • Offers an intuitive and multilingual user interface;
  • • Assistant and assisted functionality in one package;
  • • Safe and coded communication (TLS);
  • • Low bandwidth, open-source, and cross-platform.

Pros:

Cons:

Simple and friendly user interface

No features like video conferencing and audio

Compatible with various operating systems

App for mobile devices is unavailable

Communication is secure and encrypted

May require technical expertise for self-hosting

Boasts a number of essential features

Can access multiple remote computers at the same time

Free-of-charge and open-source


9. X2Go

Similar to the other options above, X2GO is designed to provide remote support for accessing desktops over the internet. It also offers security, optimal performance, and a computing system that’s easily scalable.

Compatible OS: The server package runs on a Linux host, while client packages can work on Windows, Linux, or OS X.

Deployment type: There are different ways to use X2Go. One is through an independent X2Go server, and another one is via a cloud infrastructure provider like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services. Finally, there’s via a Docker container.

Pricing: Launched under GPL version 2 license, X2Go is an open source remote access software that you can use for free. But, you may need to settle the cloud infrastructure or hosting services if you wish to deploy it in the cloud.

X2Go open source remote support software

X2Go Features:

  • • Supports different desktop environments, including KDE, LXDE, MATE, GNOME, and Xfce;
  • • Supports remote sessions, either single-application or full desktop;
  • • SSH encryption and authentication support;
  • • Capability to suspend and resume remote sessions;
  • • Printing and audio forwarding on the client side.

Pros:

Cons:

Good performance and responsive, even over slow internet connections

Limited macOS support

Can operate both Windows and Linux apps remotely

The installation and configuration procedure may be complex for some users

Supports multiple authentication strategies, providing more security

Graphical artifacts may be experienced when running specific apps remotely

Easy and various deployment selections


10. Remmina

Remmina is a free open-source remote support software that assists users with accessing remote devices over different protocols such as SSH, RDP, SFTP, and VNC. What’s more, Remmina lets users connect to multiple remote desktops at the same time, allowing effective remote management.

Compatible OS: macOS, Linux, Windows

Deployment type: Users can deploy Remmina as a server application or a desktop application based on their needs. It is an excellent option for organizations that need remote desktop access for their employees, as it can be used on a server anytime, anywhere.

Pricing: Remmina is available for free, making it an affordable choice for small businesses and organizations of other sizes.

Remmina remote desktop software

Remmina Features:

  • • Supports various protocols like VNC, SFTP, RDP, and SSH;
  • • SSH client with public key authentication;
  • • Several connection profiles for systematic remote operation;
  • • Ability to share a clipboard between remote and local devices;
  • • Capability to raise the remote desktop to suit the local screen resolution;
  • • Supports audio redirection for remote sound playback;
  • • Support for remote printing.

Pros:

Cons:

Friendly user interface

Doesn’t have some advanced features like file transfer

Supports multiple platforms

Scaling of remote desktops can produce a distorted picture at times

Supports different protocols

The audio redirection feature is unavailable on other operating systems

Has SSH client, offering safe remote access

Remote printing and audio redirection support


 

Tips to Pick Up the Best Open Source Remote Support Software

When selecting open source remote desktop support software that is ideal for your business, we recommend the following steps:

  • • Consult with your IT professionals to understand exactly what remote access features they need. Check to see if these desired features are included with the free version.
  • • Speak with vendors before making an investment to learn about any hidden charges that haven’t been displayed on their product sites.
  • • Check the reviews for the remote software tools you’re most interested in. Look for things like: performance, feature variety, user-friendliness, and anything else your business might need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There’s no exact open source alternative to TeamViewer. But, there are multiple substitutes available, including UltraVNC, Apache Guacamole, and TightVNC, which offer the same features and capabilities. These replacements may need some technical expertise and configuration to install, but they provide an affordable and safe choice for businesses seeking open-source remote support solutions.
Yes, Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is an open-source tool. The first open-source VNC code was launched in 1999, and many implementations and forks of the protocol followed. This software is under the General Public License (GPL) or other equivalent open-source licenses, enabling users to freely deploy, modify, and share the tool.