Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to AnyDesk · 🛟 customer support
AnyDesk vs RustDesk
Cross-platform remote desktop software that runs on your own servers, giving you full data control as a direct alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk. Here is how RustDesk ($0/mo open source) stacks up against AnyDesk ($49/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
RustDesk is a verified AGPL-3.0-licensed open-source replacement for AnyDesk. Switching from AnyDesk ($49/mo) saves $588/yr per solo seat, or $2,940/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed TeamViewer.
RustDesk
$0.00/mo · AGPL-3.0
AnyDesk vs RustDesk Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | AnyDesk (Paid) | RustDesk (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $49 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $588 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $588) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $2,940 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,940) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $5,880 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $5,880) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source AGPL-3.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 128.5k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from AnyDesk to RustDesk
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed TeamViewer.
How to deploy RustDesk
Clone https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork RustDesk instead of vibe-coding a AnyDesk clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for AnyDesk or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 1 battle-tested open-source alternatives like RustDesk.
AnyDesk vs RustDesk FAQ
Is RustDesk a good free alternative to AnyDesk?+
Yes. RustDesk is a verified open-source (AGPL-3.0) replacement for AnyDesk. Cross-platform remote desktop software that runs on your own servers, giving you full data control as a direct alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk.
What is the catch when switching from AnyDesk to RustDesk?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed TeamViewer.
How much do you save switching from AnyDesk to RustDesk?+
AnyDesk costs $49/mo ($588/yr) per seat, whereas RustDesk is $0/mo. Switching saves $588/yr for a solo user, $2,940/yr for a 5-person team, and $5,880/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host RustDesk instead of AnyDesk?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
