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Apache Guacamole

Open-source, self-hosted gateway that puts RDP, VNC and SSH sessions in a web browser.

Open sourceSelf-hostableRemote desktop software
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About Apache Guacamole

Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway from the Apache Software Foundation. You run it on a server, and users open a web page to reach desktops and terminals behind it over RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet or Kubernetes, with nothing to install on their side beyond a browser. That makes it popular for home labs, universities, and companies wanting a single, authenticated entry point to internal machines without handing out VPN access. It supports multi-factor authentication, LDAP and SSO integrations, connection sharing, session recording and clipboard and file transfer. Guacamole doesn't create remote access by itself: the target machines still need RDP, VNC or SSH running, and you have to install and secure the gateway yourself, commonly with Docker. It is free under the Apache License 2.0, with commercial support available from third parties. It suits admins more than people who just want to reach one PC.

Best for: Admins who want browser-based access to internal RDP, VNC and SSH hosts through one gateway.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Nothing to install for end users beyond a browser
  • One gateway for RDP, VNC and SSH
  • Free under the Apache licence
  • Supports MFA, LDAP and session recording

Why people leave

  • You must run and secure the server yourself
  • Targets still need RDP, VNC or SSH enabled
  • Setup and configuration are fiddly for beginners

Top Apache Guacamole alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1MeshCentral logo
    MeshCentral

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

    66.5
  2. 2RustDesk logo
    RustDesk

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

    62.6
  3. 3Remote Desktop Manager logo
    Remote Desktop Manager

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

    59.6
  4. 4Windows App logo
    Windows App

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

    57.2
  5. 5Remmina logo
    Remmina

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

    55.3

Why people left Apache Guacamole

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Apache Guacamole: common questions

Is Apache Guacamole free?

Yes. Apache Guacamole is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.

Is Apache Guacamole open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at apache/guacamole-server. You can also run it on your own server.

What platforms does Apache Guacamole run on?

Apache Guacamole is available for Web and Self-hosted.

What are the best alternatives to Apache Guacamole?

The highest-ranked Apache Guacamole alternatives right now are MeshCentral, RustDesk and Remote Desktop Manager. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 Apache Guacamole alternatives