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Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Chrome Remote Desktop: few admin, logging or team features, and basic file transfer and multi-monitor support. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Chrome Remote Desktop, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. RustDesk currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1RustDesk logoRustDeskOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux +34 of 466.5
  1. RustDesk logo

    1. RustDeskTop pick

    Best for: Admins and privacy-minded users who want TeamViewer-style access on their own server

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Chrome Remote Desktop

    Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

    Pros

    • Free, open-source client and server
    • Traffic can stay entirely on your own relay
    • Familiar ID-and-password workflow
    • Affordable Pro server for teams

    Cons

    • Self-hosting the server takes some setup and upkeep
    • Admin console and user management need the paid Pro server
    • No vendor-hosted SaaS option
    Visit RustDesk 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 RustDesk a good Chrome Remote Desktop alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free self-hosting
    $0/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026rustdesk.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Individual Pro server
    $11.88/month, billed annually
    Checked Oct 25, 2026rustdesk.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Hosted service
    No, self-hosted only
    Checked Oct 25, 2026rustdesk.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for…

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

RustDesk logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for most people

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

Windows App logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for a free option

Windows App

Microsoft's client for connecting to Windows PCs over RDP without a third-party service.

TeamViewer logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

TeamViewer

Far more features for supporting others, still free for personal use.

RustDesk logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for open source

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

AnyDesk logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for self-hosting

AnyDesk

Better performance and file transfer when you outgrow the browser-based setup.

Parsec logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for Mac

Parsec

Much smoother video and input for gaming or creative work on a home PC.

RustDesk logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for Windows

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

RustDesk logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for Linux

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

RustDesk logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for iPhone and Android

RustDesk

Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer.

TeamViewer logo

Best Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for working in the browser

TeamViewer

Far more features for supporting others, still free for personal use.

Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop?

RustDesk ranks first right now. Also free, but open-source and self-hostable with more features like file transfer. TeamViewer and Windows App follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop?

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

Is there an open-source alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop?

Yes: RustDesk. RustDesk can also be self-hosted.

Which Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives work on Linux?

RustDesk, TeamViewer, AnyDesk and Parsec run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Chrome Remote Desktop?

The complaints we hear most: few admin, logging or team features; basic file transfer and multi-monitor support; requires a Google account on both ends.

How is this list ranked?

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