SOFTWARE/IT/REMOTE ACCESS/OPEN-SOURCE REMOTE ACCESS SOFTWARE

Best Open-source remote access software in 2026

10 ranked, with a plain verdict on every entry.

VERIFIEDLISTER SCORE · UPDATED REGULARLY

Teleport ranks first among the top 10 Open-source remote access software in 2026, with a Lister Score of 90.0.

Teleport takes the top spot on this list: it secures every identity using a hardware root of trust. Shellhub is aimed at Engineering teams managing IoT devices, and offers session recording with built-in playback capabilities for auditing purposes. balena is built for IoT fleet managers, and provides robust OTA updates for remote device management.

RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM

TeleportProvides just-in-time privileges that expire automatically90.0NEW–

ShellhubSimplifies remote access through key-based authentication for efficient machine control88.0NEW–

balenaOffers a powerful API to automate fleet operations86.0NEW–

RustDeskSupports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android platforms86.0NEW–

ThinLincEnables seamless access on Windows, macOS, Linux, or any web browser86.0NEW–

OpenRemoteSupports numerous protocols including MQTT and ModBus82.0NEW–

QVDDelivers significant cost savings in hardware and licences80.0NEW–

UltraVNCUses optional encryption to secure communications between the viewer and server76.0NEW–

RemminaSupports multiple remote access protocols including RDP and SSH74.0NEW–

MeshCentralRuns on Windows, Linux, MacOS and FreeBSD68.0NEW–

CURATED · UPDATED REGULARLY

The ranking, in detail

Teleport

Unified identity securing classic and AI infrastructure

Teleport is the AI infrastructure identity company. It unifies identities for humans, machines, and AI to secure classic and AI infrastructure.

Best for Engineering teams managing hybrid infrastructure

90.0

Shellhub

Seamless technology-driven remote access from anywhere at any time

Shellhub is a centralised SSH gateway enabling remote server and device management via web browser or mobile app. It provides secure access while preventing unauthorised entry to improve overall infrastructure security.

Best for Engineering teams managing IoT devices

88.0

balena

Powerful IoT device management made simple

balena is a secure container-based technology stack enabling the development and scaling of IoT Linux device fleets. It utilises a container-optimised operating system designed for remote edge devices.

Best for IoT fleet managers

86.0

RustDesk

Fast open-source remote access with self-hosted servers

RustDesk is an open-source remote desktop solution offering self-hosted server options. The latest version introduces WebRTC direct connections and quality of service improvements.

Best for IT support teams

86.0

ThinLinc

Stream powerful Linux desktops and apps to any computer

ThinLinc is a Linux remote desktop solution that provides secure and effortless graphical access. It allows users to stream powerful Linux desktops and applications to any computer or web browser.

Best for teams requiring up to 10 concurrent users

86.0

OpenRemote

Product

OpenRemote is a professional open-source IoT platform designed for integrators to manage complex asset ecosystems.

82.0

QVD

Your Open Source virtual desktop

QVD is an open source virtual desktop infrastructure solution designed for Linux environments. It provides a secure and accessible alternative to traditional desktop virtualisation.

Best for IT professionals in education

80.0

UltraVNC

Free open source remote desktop software for Windows

UltraVNC allows users to control the remote PC using their mouse and keyboard from anywhere.

76.0

Remmina

Remote access screen and file sharing to your desktop

Remmina is a remote desktop client that enables remote access and file sharing. It allows users to work from home or access files remotely.

Best for users working from home

74.0

MeshCentral

Freely manage your devices with MeshCentral

MeshCentral is a feature-packed, self-hosted web site for remote device management. It is an open source, multi-platform solution built on NodeJS.

68.0

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best Open-source remote access software?

Teleport ranks first on Lister. Teleport is the AI infrastructure identity company. It unifies identities for humans, machines, and AI to secure classic and AI infrastructure.

What are the top 10 Open-source remote access software?

1. Teleport; 2. Shellhub; 3. balena; 4. RustDesk; 5. ThinLinc; 6. OpenRemote; 7. QVD; 8. UltraVNC; 9. Remmina; 10. MeshCentral.

Are there free options for Open-source remote access software?

No free option is confirmed in the recorded pricing for this ranking. Check each provider's pricing page for current plans and trials.

What do the top four say they are built for?

Teleport says it is built for Engineering teams managing hybrid infrastructure, and Shellhub for Engineering teams managing IoT devices. balena says it is built for IoT fleet managers, and RustDesk for IT support teams.

What should a buyer check before signing up?

RustDesk states that the product only offers annual payment plans without monthly options, and ThinLinc that the software requires purchasing user licenses from Cendio for more than ten concurrent users. Those are the limits each product publishes itself, not a full account of any plan.

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SOFTWAREVERIFIED

Best Open-source remote access software in 2026

The ranking, in detail

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Open-source remote access software?

What are the top 10 Open-source remote access software?

Are there free options for Open-source remote access software?

What do the top four say they are built for?

What should a buyer check before signing up?

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