Open Source Remote Desktop & Access Software

Remote Desktop & Access software enables the control of distant computers and servers from a local device. These tools facilitate screen sharing, terminal access, and file transfers across different networks. This type of software serves system administrators and remote workers who need to manage infrastructure or access desktop environments. Self-hosting these apps ensures that login credentials and screen streams remain on private hardware. This approach removes reliance on external relay servers for managing private network tunnels and virtual browser sessions.

This page lists 11 open source tools in the Remote Desktop & Access category. The most popular are RustDesk, Puter and Sunshine. Most use the AGPL-3.0 or Apache-2.0 license, and 9 offer an official Docker image.

RustDesk

Remote Desktop

A cross-platform remote desktop application that allows users to host their own rendezvous and relay servers.

119k StarsCross-Platform App

Puter

Remote Desktop

A self-hostable cloud desktop environment with integrated file storage, built-in applications, and a platform for hosting web apps.

43k StarsWeb App / Server

Sunshine

Remote Desktop

Self-hosted game stream host that enables low-latency remote gaming via Moonlight clients on various devices.

40k StarsWeb App / Server

Pangolin

VPN & Secure Access

Provides identity-based remote access to private networks and web applications using WireGuard and reverse proxy tunnels.

22k StarsWeb App / Server

Neko

Remote Desktop

A self hosted virtual browser that runs in docker and uses WebRTC for real time streaming.

22k StarsWeb App / Server

Deskreen

Remote Desktop

Turns any device with a web browser into a secondary screen for a computer via WiFi.

21k StarsDesktop App

Electerm

Terminal Emulators

A multi-protocol terminal and remote access client supporting ssh, sftp, rdp, vnc, and serial port connections.

15k StarsDesktop App

Termix

Remote Desktop

Self-hosted server management platform for SSH terminal access, remote desktop control, and infrastructure monitoring.

14k StarsWeb App / Server

BilldDesk Pro

Remote Desktop

A cross platform remote desktop tool for controlling computers and Android devices via WebRTC and Electron.

7k StarsCross-Platform App

MeshCentral

Remote Desktop

A web-based remote monitoring and management server for controlling computers on local networks or the internet.

7k StarsWeb App / Server

Apache Guacamole

Remote Desktop

A clientless remote desktop gateway that supports standard protocols via a web browser interface.

3.9k StarsCLI / Terminal
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