// comparison · Remote Access
TeamViewervsRustDesk: Which Should You Use?
Quick verdict: RustDesk is an open-source remote-desktop tool that does what TeamViewer does — including a self-hostable relay server, which TeamViewer doesn't offer at this price.
Side-by-side
| TeamViewer | RustDesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.9/mo (TeamViewer Remote Access monthly) | $0 (free) |
| License | Proprietary subscription | Open source (FOSS), self-hostable, privacy-first |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| File compatibility | Native formats | Windows, macOS and Linux |
| Learning curve | Established workflow | Medium |
| Best for | You're a managed IT business and TeamViewer's licensing matters for clients | You support family or a small team across machines, free |
When to use each
Stick with TeamViewer when
- You're a managed IT business and TeamViewer's licensing matters for clients
- You need TeamViewer-certified compliance, audit logs, and SSO
- You depend on TeamViewer's massive device-management surface
- You support non-technical end users who already know the brand
Switch to RustDesk when
- You support family or a small team across machines, free
- Privacy matters — you don't want sessions routed through a vendor's servers
- You self-host the relay so connections never leave your infrastructure
- You want a TeamViewer-style ID + password UX without the cost
Migration: TeamViewer → RustDesk
Switch Score for RustDesk: Medium · Windows, macOS and Linux. If you decide to move from TeamViewer to RustDesk, plan a short adjustment window. Most users find that day-to-day work transfers within a week, with file-format quirks the most common source of friction.
Honest trade-offs of RustDesk
- Mobile UX is improving but isn't as smooth as TeamViewer's polished apps
- Some enterprise features (centralised group management, MDM) aren't equivalents
- Self-hosting the relay is recommended for serious use — public servers can be slow
FAQ
Is RustDesk really free?
Yes — AGPL-licensed open source. There's a paid hosted plan but the desktop app and self-hosted relay are free.
How do I self-host?
The RustDesk Server release ships as Docker images or pre-built binaries. Plan for a small VPS with a public IP and a few minutes of setup.
Is it secure?
End-to-end encrypted by design. Audit your relay setup and use strong access passwords; the project has been audited and the source is open.