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Remote Desktop Manager alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Remote Desktop Manager: dense interface with a learning curve, and team sharing usually needs extra Devolutions server products. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Remote Desktop Manager, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Royal TS currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Remmina logoRemminaOpen sourceYesLinux3 of 362.6
  1. Remmina logo

    1. RemminaTop pick

    Best for: Linux users who connect to RDP, VNC or SSH machines and want one client for all of them

    Open sourceLinux

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Remote Desktop Manager

    Free open-source multi-protocol client for Linux users.

    Pros

    • One client for RDP, VNC, SPICE, SSH and X2Go
    • Free, copyleft and packaged nearly everywhere
    • Saved profiles and tabbed sessions

    Cons

    • Linux only
    • Client only, with no relay or attended-support mode
    • Plugin quality varies between protocols
    Visit Remmina Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    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 Remmina a good Remote Desktop Manager alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Protocols
    RDP, SSH, SPICE, VNC, X2Go, HTTP/HTTPS
    Checked Oct 25, 2026remmina.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Distribution
    67 languages, 50+ distributions
    Checked Oct 25, 2026remmina.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Install options
    Flatpak, Snap, distro packages
    Checked Oct 25, 2026remmina.org(opens source in a new tab)

The best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for…

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

Royal TS logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for most people

Royal TS

Lighter connection manager with a free Lite edition and a one-time licence.

Remmina logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for a free option

Remmina

Free open-source multi-protocol client for Linux users.

Jump Desktop logo

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

Jump Desktop

Polished RDP and VNC client for Mac and iOS users.

Apache Guacamole logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for open source

Apache Guacamole

Self-hosted browser gateway that centralises access without a desktop app.

Apache Guacamole logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for self-hosting

Apache Guacamole

Self-hosted browser gateway that centralises access without a desktop app.

Windows App logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for Mac

Windows App

Microsoft's free client if you mostly connect to Windows over RDP.

Royal TS logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for Windows

Royal TS

Lighter connection manager with a free Lite edition and a one-time licence.

Remmina logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for Linux

Remmina

Free open-source multi-protocol client for Linux users.

Royal TS logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for iPhone and Android

Royal TS

Lighter connection manager with a free Lite edition and a one-time licence.

Apache Guacamole logo

Best Remote Desktop Manager alternative for working in the browser

Apache Guacamole

Self-hosted browser gateway that centralises access without a desktop app.

Remote Desktop Manager alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Remote Desktop Manager?

Royal TS ranks first right now. Lighter connection manager with a free Lite edition and a one-time licence. Remmina and Apache Guacamole follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Remote Desktop Manager?

Yes. Royal TS (free plan + paid), Remmina (open source), Apache Guacamole (open source) 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 Remote Desktop Manager?

Yes: Remmina and Apache Guacamole. Apache Guacamole can also be self-hosted.

Which Remote Desktop Manager alternatives work on Linux?

Remmina runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Remote Desktop Manager?

The complaints we hear most: dense interface with a learning curve; team sharing usually needs extra Devolutions server products; doesn't solve connectivity through firewalls by itself.

How is this list ranked?

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