AnyDesk vs RustDesk: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AnyDesk and RustDesk comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: AnyDesk wins this matchup. ChatGPT is our overall Productivity pick. ChatGPT is our free Productivity pick. Pick RustDesk if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AnyDesk
Remote desktop for support and unattended access
Best for you if:
- • Support techs who will pay annually for remote desktop. Free is personal use only
- • You want free personal license for occasional home use
- • You want public Solo / Standard / Advanced prices on anydesk.com/en/pricing
RustDesk
Open-source remote desktop, self-hostable and free client
Best for you if:
- • You can read the client source and self-host. That is the reason to pick it over TeamViewer or AnyDesk
- • You want printed Server Pro prices. Individual and Basic are on the public pricing page
| At a Glance | AnyDesk | RustDesk |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 2.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose AnyDesk or RustDesk?
Choose AnyDesk if
Remote desktop for support and unattended access
- Support techs who will pay annually for remote desktop. Free is personal use only
- You want free personal license for occasional home use
- You want public Solo / Standard / Advanced prices on anydesk.com/en/pricing
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
Choose RustDesk if
Open-source remote desktop, self-hostable and free client
- You can read the client source and self-host. That is the reason to pick it over TeamViewer or AnyDesk
- You want printed Server Pro prices. Individual and Basic are on the public pricing page
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | AnyDesk | RustDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 2,899 reviews | ★2.9/5 6 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityScreen Sharing | Developer ToolsProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
AnyDesk
Remote desktop for support and unattended access
Use Free at home.
Watch out
Extra connections at $29.90 each.
Strengths
- +Free personal license for occasional home use
- +Public Solo / Standard / Advanced prices on anydesk.com/en/pricing
- +Add-on connections are a published price, not a hidden SKU
- +Unattended access and custom clients on paid team plans
Weaknesses
- -Paid plans are annual, paid up front
- -Standard starts with only one concurrent outgoing connection
- -Solo is one user. It is not a helpdesk seat pack
- -Ultimate has no public dollar price
Key features
RustDesk
Open-source remote desktop, self-hostable and free client
RustDesk's pricing is generous for self-hosters, with a fully functional free tier and the Individual plan at $11.88/mo being a steal for power users.
Watch out
Customized tiers charge $1.20 per extra user
Strengths
- +You can read the client source and self-host. That is the reason to pick it over TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
- +Printed Server Pro prices. Individual and Basic are on the public pricing page.
- +Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Server Pro adds a web console, 2FA, and (on Basic) OIDC/LDAP.
Weaknesses
- -Self-hosting is ops work. The free OSS server has no web console.
- -Server Pro is annual. It is not a cloud remote-desktop subscription you can cancel next month.
Key features
Pricing: AnyDesk vs RustDesk
| Plan | AnyDesk | RustDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0/month USD Free |
| Tier 2 | $28.9 month Solo | $11.88/month USD billed annually Individual |
| Tier 3 | $49.9 month Standard | $23.88/month USD billed annually Basic |
| Tier 4 | $111.9 month Advanced | $23.88/month USD billed annually Customized |
| Tier 5 | custom Ultimate | $23.88/month USD billed annually Customized V2 |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AnyDesk pricing and RustDesk pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: AnyDesk
Want the highest-rated option?
AnyDesk: 4.5/5 (2,899 reviews). RustDesk: 2.9/5 (6 reviews).
Go with: AnyDesk
Value user reviews?
AnyDesk: 2,899 reviews (4.5/5). RustDesk: 6 reviews (2.9/5).
Go with: AnyDesk
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
AnyDesk is a productivity tool. RustDesk is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
AnyDesk is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 2.9/5.
Key Takeaways
AnyDesk
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 2.9/5
- Larger review base (2,899 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
RustDesk
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
AnyDesk wins this matchup. ChatGPT is our overall Productivity pick. ChatGPT is our free Productivity pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnyDesk or RustDesk better?
AnyDesk is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are AnyDesk and RustDesk used for?
AnyDesk: Remote desktop for support and unattended access. RustDesk: Open-source remote desktop, self-hostable and free client.
What does AnyDesk cost vs RustDesk?
AnyDesk is freemium (free tier + paid plans). RustDesk is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.