RustDeskThis page
- Focus
- Open-source remote desktop with optional self-hosted ID and relay servers.
- Hosting
- Self-hostable
- License
- AGPL-3.0
RustDesk
- Type
- Hosting
- Self-hostable
- License
- AGPL-3.0
- Replaces
Quick verdict
Use when
Use when you want Parsec/TeamViewer-style remote access with a relay you control.
Skip when
Skip when you need a fully managed SaaS with zero operations work.
Try instead
- Apache Guacamole — Clientless HTML5 gateway for RDP, VNC, and SSH in the browser.
RustDesk vs common alternatives
Stable selection factors from this listing—focus, hosting, license, and access. Confirm live details on each official site.
Parsec
- Focus
- Low-latency commercial remote desktop and game streaming for teams and creators.
- Hosting
- Commercial SaaS
- License
- Proprietary (typical SaaS)
| Dimension | RustDesk | Parsec |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Open-source remote desktop with optional self-hosted ID and relay servers. | Low-latency commercial remote desktop and game streaming for teams and creators. |
| Hosting | Self-hostable | Commercial SaaS |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | Proprietary (typical SaaS) |
| Access | Website + GitHub | parsec.app |
What is RustDesk?
RustDesk is an open-source Remote Desktop project. Open-source remote desktop with optional self-hosted ID and relay servers. OpenElse lists it as an alternative to Parsec, with self-hostable deployment and AGPL-3.0 licensing. Confirm live features, hosting options, and terms on the official site and repository.
What RustDesk provides
Core signals from this OpenElse listing—verify depth on the official site.
Open-source codebase
Source is published on GitHub at github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk.
Self-hostable
You can run it on your own infrastructure.
AGPL-3.0 license
Distributed under AGPL-3.0. Read the license text before production use.
Workflow tags
OpenElse tags this listing for remote-desktop, teamviewer, self-hosted.
SaaS replacement mapping
Mapped as an open-source option when evaluating replacements for that commercial product.
How to evaluate RustDesk
A practical path from this directory page to a decision.
Scan this listing
Review the one-liner, self-host status, license, and “when to pick it” note for RustDesk.
Open the official site
Visit rustdesk.com for product docs, demos, and current feature scope.
Check the repository
Use GitHub for release cadence, issues, stars, and deployment docs before you commit.
Compare siblings
Open other OpenElse tools in the same category or mapped to the same SaaS to see trade-offs.
Who RustDesk is for
Teams leaving Parsec
Use when you want Parsec/TeamViewer-style remote access with a relay you control.
Operators who want data control
RustDesk is listed as self-hostable on OpenElse.
Remote Desktop buyers
Self-hostable remote access and browser-based desktops instead of Parsec or TeamViewer.
When RustDesk is the right pick
Use when you want Parsec/TeamViewer-style remote access with a relay you control. Skip when you need a fully managed SaaS with zero operations work.
Licensing and platform notes
Facts to verify on the official site before you depend on a workflow.
- Self-host status
- Self-hostable on this listing. Verify install paths and supported environments in the project docs.
- License
- AGPL-3.0. Confirm obligations for SaaS, embedding, and redistribution before shipping.
- Source of truth
- Features and terms are defined on rustdesk.com and the GitHub repository—not on this page.
- Affiliation
- This route is a curated OpenElse listing at /tools/rustdesk. It is not the official RustDesk product site.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about this listing—open a question to read more.
Is RustDesk open source?
Yes. OpenElse lists RustDesk as an open-source project under AGPL-3.0. Review the license file in the repository for exact terms.
Can I self-host RustDesk?
Yes. OpenElse marks RustDesk as self-hostable. Follow the official docs for install and operations.
What does RustDesk replace?
RustDesk is mapped on OpenElse as an open-source alternative to Parsec. Use when you want Parsec/TeamViewer-style remote access with a relay you control.
Is this the official RustDesk website?
No. This is a OpenElse directory page. The official site is https://rustdesk.com, and the source repository is https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk.
Where can I find RustDesk source code?
The public repository linked from this listing is https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk.