Comparison

RustDesk or RudyDesk

Name: RudyDesk
Author: RudyDesk

RustDesk is a free open-source project you can run on your own server. RudyDesk is a ready-made service: nothing to set up, works in the browser. If your own server and open source matter to you, choose RustDesk.

Download RudyDesk

How they differ

RustDesk is open source (AGPL-3.0), and you can run its server yourself for free — but you have to install and maintain it.
RudyDesk works right away: the server is ours, nothing to configure. There is no self-hosted server yet.
With RudyDesk you can connect from a browser, and the person you help only needs an invite link.
RudyDesk can wake a sleeping computer: through a neighbouring device on the same network, on a schedule or with an ESP32 board.

Facts side by side

What we compare	RudyDesk	RustDesk
Free plan	2 devices forever	Free
Account required	Not needed	Not needed
File transfer	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	Yes (AGPL-3.0)
Your own server	Not yet	Yes, free

Competitor data is from their official site, checked on: 2026-10-04 · rustdesk.com, github.com

Product names are trademarks of their owners. Prices are for yearly billing, excluding taxes.

People who do not want to install and maintain their own server.

People who help relatives by link, with nothing to install on their side.

Anyone who connects from someone else’s computer or a phone right in the browser.

What RudyDesk cannot do yet

There is no self-hosted server yet — the service runs through our server.
The Windows sign-in screen and “Allow changes?” prompts are not visible remotely yet.
From an iPhone or iPad you can control other devices, but you cannot share the phone’s own screen — Apple does not allow it.

Frequently asked questions

Is RudyDesk’s code open like RustDesk’s?

No, RudyDesk’s code is closed. If open source is a must, RustDesk is the better fit.

Can I run RudyDesk on my own server?

Not yet — the service runs through our server. RustDesk offers that.

Is RudyDesk free?

Yes, on two devices — forever and including for work. You need a paid plan only for more devices.

Can I use both?

Yes, the apps do not interfere with each other.

Try RudyDesk for free

No sign-up, no card. Two devices free forever — including for work.