Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Splashtop · 🛟 customer support
Splashtop 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 Splashtop ($49/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
RustDesk is a verified AGPL-3.0-licensed open-source replacement for Splashtop. Switching from Splashtop ($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
Splashtop vs RustDesk Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Splashtop (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 Splashtop 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 Splashtop clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Splashtop or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 1 battle-tested open-source alternatives like RustDesk.
Splashtop vs RustDesk FAQ
Is RustDesk a good free alternative to Splashtop?+
Yes. RustDesk is a verified open-source (AGPL-3.0) replacement for Splashtop. 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 Splashtop to RustDesk?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed TeamViewer.
How much do you save switching from Splashtop to RustDesk?+
Splashtop 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 Splashtop?+
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.
