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Apache Guacamole alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Apache Guacamole: you must run and secure the server yourself, and targets still need RDP, VNC or SSH enabled. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Apache Guacamole, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. MeshCentral currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1MeshCentral logoMeshCentralOpen sourceYesWeb, Self-hosted, Windows +23 of 366.5
2Windows App logoWindows AppFreeNoWindows, macOS, iOS +24 of 457.2
  1. MeshCentral logo

    1. MeshCentralTop pick

    Best for: Small IT teams and home-labbers wanting a free self-hosted remote management portal

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Self-hosted, Windows, macOS, Linux

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Apache Guacamole

    Self-hosted too, but installs its own agent so targets don't need RDP or VNC.

    Pros

    • Free with no per-device or per-technician fees
    • Remote desktop, terminal and files in one web console
    • Agents for Windows, Linux, macOS and FreeBSD

    Cons

    • You run, secure and update the server
    • Interface is dated and dense
    • Less polished mobile support than commercial tools
    Visit MeshCentral Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is MeshCentral a good Apache Guacamole alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    Apache-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Agent platforms
    Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD
    Checked Oct 25, 2026meshcentral.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Distribution
    Free on npm
    Checked Oct 25, 2026meshcentral.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Windows App logo

    2. Windows App

    Best for: People and companies connecting to Windows PCs, Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365

    FreeWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Apache Guacamole

    Microsoft's free native RDP client if you only need to reach Windows machines.

    Pros

    • Free client using native RDP for smooth Windows sessions
    • One app for Cloud PCs, virtual desktops and regular PCs
    • Available on desktop, mobile, web and VR headsets

    Cons

    • Only connects to Windows targets
    • Personal Microsoft accounts can't sign in to the cloud features
    • Not designed for ad-hoc support of someone else's machine
    Visit Windows App Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Windows App a good Apache Guacamole alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Connects to
    Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Dev Box, RDS, PCs
    Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android/ChromeOS, web, Meta Quest
    Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Replaces
    Microsoft Remote Desktop client
    Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Account for sign-in
    Work or school account
    Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Apache Guacamole alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

MeshCentral logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for most people

MeshCentral

Self-hosted too, but installs its own agent so targets don't need RDP or VNC.

RustDesk logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for a free option

RustDesk

Self-hosted remote desktop with native apps and ID-based connections.

Remote Desktop Manager logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Remote Desktop Manager

Desktop app for managing many RDP, VNC and SSH connections and credentials.

Remmina logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for open source

Remmina

Native Linux client for the same protocols when a gateway isn't needed.

MeshCentral logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for self-hosting

MeshCentral

Self-hosted too, but installs its own agent so targets don't need RDP or VNC.

Windows App logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for Mac

Windows App

Microsoft's free native RDP client if you only need to reach Windows machines.

MeshCentral logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for Windows

MeshCentral

Self-hosted too, but installs its own agent so targets don't need RDP or VNC.

MeshCentral logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for Linux

MeshCentral

Self-hosted too, but installs its own agent so targets don't need RDP or VNC.

RustDesk logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for iPhone and Android

RustDesk

Self-hosted remote desktop with native apps and ID-based connections.

MeshCentral logo

Best Apache Guacamole alternative for working in the browser

MeshCentral

Self-hosted too, but installs its own agent so targets don't need RDP or VNC.

Apache Guacamole alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Apache Guacamole?

MeshCentral ranks first right now. Self-hosted too, but installs its own agent so targets don't need RDP or VNC. RustDesk and Remote Desktop Manager follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Apache Guacamole?

Yes. MeshCentral (open source), RustDesk (open source), Remote Desktop Manager (free plan + paid) and Windows App (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Apache Guacamole?

Yes: MeshCentral, RustDesk and Remmina. MeshCentral and RustDesk can also be self-hosted.

Which Apache Guacamole alternatives work on Linux?

MeshCentral, RustDesk, Remote Desktop Manager and Remmina run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Apache Guacamole?

The complaints we hear most: you must run and secure the server yourself; targets still need RDP, VNC or SSH enabled; setup and configuration are fiddly for beginners.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Apache Guacamole, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.