# RustDesk

Free, open-source remote desktop with 113K+ GitHub stars — self-host your own server, or just use the free public relay.

- **Category:** [Utilities](https://notchlist.vercel.app/category/utilities/)
- **Price:** Free and open source; optional self-hosted Pro server plans from $11.88/mo billed annually
- **Open source:** yes
- **Official site:** https://rustdesk.com/
- **Available via:** Homebrew, Direct
- **Requirements:** macOS 12 or later; free direct download from rustdesk.com or via Homebrew.
- **Maker:** Purslane Tech Pte. Ltd.

## Kitsmith's take

The one entry here that pitches itself directly against the rest of this list — "Switch from TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Splashtop" is the developer’s own homepage headline. The client and its default relay servers are free and open source (AGPL-3.0); paid self-hosted Pro plans from $11.88/mo billed annually are strictly optional, for teams that want to run their own server with SSO, LDAP, and audit logs rather than route through RustDesk’s public infrastructure. One thing worth knowing upfront: the developer’s own homepage carries a blunt scam warning — a side effect of how often the app gets used by tech-support scammers talking victims through an install, not a flaw in the software itself.

## Features

- **Open source, AGPL-3.0:** 113K+ GitHub stars per the developer — the source is public and auditable rather than a black box.
- **Self-hosting option:** Run your own relay server via a two-command Docker install for full data control, using either the free OSS server or a paid Pro tier.
- **Cross-platform:** Native clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, per the developer.

## FAQ

**Is RustDesk really free?**

Yes — the client and its default public relay servers are free and open source (AGPL-3.0). Paid self-hosting plans ($11.88/mo+ billed annually) are only for teams that want to run their own server with extra admin features, not required to use the app.

**Who makes RustDesk?**

Purslane Tech Pte. Ltd., per the developer’s own terms and conditions.

**Why does RustDesk’s website warn about scams?**

Because its ease of remote access has made it a common tool for tech-support scammers walking victims through an install over the phone — the developer posts the warning directly on its homepage.


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Hand-verified listing on Kitsmith: https://notchlist.vercel.app/apps/rustdesk/