RustDesk vs Splashtop: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between RustDesk and Splashtop 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: RustDesk wins this matchup. ChatGPT is our overall Productivity pick. ChatGPT is our free Productivity pick. Pick Splashtop if you need customer support.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
RustDesk
Open-source remote desktop, self-hostable and free client
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Splashtop
Secure remote access and management for IT teams
Best for you if:
- • You want remote desktop
| At a Glance | RustDesk | Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | $9.99/user/month Business Access |
Category | Developer Tools Productivity | Customer Support Productivity |
Rating | 2.9/5 Trustpilot 2.9 6 reviews | 4.7/5 Capterra 4.7 · G2 4.8 1,254 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | Customized tiers charge $1.20 per extra user | n/a |
Choose RustDesk or Splashtop?
Choose RustDesk if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- 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
- You work in developer tools, not customer support
Choose Splashtop if
- You want remote desktop
- You want good performance
- You work in customer support, not developer tools
In-Depth Analysis
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
- Pro: You can read the client source and self-host. That is the reason to pick it over TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
- Pro: Printed Server Pro prices. Individual and Basic are on the public pricing page.
- Pro: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Server Pro adds a web console, 2FA, and (on Basic) OIDC/LDAP.
Weaknesses
- Con: Self-hosting is ops work. The free OSS server has no web console.
- Con: Server Pro is annual. It is not a cloud remote-desktop subscription you can cancel next month.
Key features
Splashtop
Secure remote access and management for IT teams
Splashtop's pricing is quite fair, especially with the "Business Access" tier at $9.99 per user/month offering unlimited devices and remote access.
Strengths
- Pro: Remote desktop
- Pro: Good performance
- Pro: Fair pricing
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Good features
Weaknesses
- Con: Per-computer pricing
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Better alternatives exist
- Con: Feature gaps
- Con: Support varies
Key features
Pricing: RustDesk vs Splashtop
| Plan | RustDesk | Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0/month USD Free | Free Personal |
| Tier 2 | $11.88/month USD billed annually Individual | $9.99 /user/month Business Access |
| Tier 3 | $23.88/month USD billed annually Basic | $40.98 /technician/month Remote Support |
| Tier 4 | $23.88/month USD billed annually Customized | custom Enterprise |
| Tier 5 | $23.88/month USD billed annually Customized V2 | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on RustDesk pricing and Splashtop pricing.
Key Takeaways
RustDesk
- More user reviews (1)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Splashtop
- Larger review base (1,254 reviews)
- Better fit for customer support
The Bottom Line
RustDesk wins this matchup. ChatGPT is our overall Productivity pick. ChatGPT is our free Productivity pick.
What Users Say
RustDesk Reviews
So nice software! It is a really good alternative to Anydesk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RustDesk or Splashtop better in 2026?
RustDesk wins this matchup. ChatGPT is our overall Productivity pick. ChatGPT is our free Productivity pick. RustDesk is rated 5.0/5 on Toolradar reviews. Pick RustDesk for developer tools workflows (main strength: you can read the client source and self-host. That is the reason to pick it over TeamViewer or AnyDesk). Pick Splashtop for customer support workflows (main strength: remote desktop).
What are RustDesk and Splashtop used for?
RustDesk: Open-source remote desktop, self-hostable and free client. Splashtop: Secure remote access and management for IT teams.
What does RustDesk cost vs Splashtop?
RustDesk's paid plans start at Free (Individual). Splashtop's paid plans start at $9.99/user/month (Business Access).
What's the main difference between RustDesk and Splashtop?
RustDesk's main strength: you can read the client source and self-host. That is the reason to pick it over TeamViewer or AnyDesk. Splashtop's main strength: remote desktop.