Closest to TeamViewer
RustDesk is a cross-platform remote desktop app you can host on your own servers, with file transfer, clipboard sync, a web client, and white-labeling. User-level access control and device groups require the paid Pro version.
Alternatives / TeamViewer
2 open-source alternatives
2 Best Open Source TeamViewer Alternatives in 2026
Looking for an open source TeamViewer alternative? We compared 2 open source tools by license, self-hosting, and scope. RustDesk is a real remote desktop replacement, while Defguard is a VPN for secure access and does not provide remote control.
Written by Maxime DERAME
Last updated:
Best TeamViewer alternatives at a glance
| Alternative | Best for | License |
|---|---|---|
| RustDesk | Self-hosted remote desktop | AGPL-3.0 |
| Defguard | WireGuard VPN with MFA (no remote control) | AGPL core + Enterprise license |
How we chose these TeamViewer alternatives
We looked for open-source tools that give remote access to devices like TeamViewer. We verified each project's license, recent activity, stars, and self-hosting in its repository. See our methodology for the full criteria.
Network access instead
Defguard is a WireGuard VPN with mandatory MFA and OpenID Connect SSO, audited by ISEC. It provides secure network access, not remote desktop control, so it fits only if you need VPN-based access.
License details
RustDesk is AGPL-3.0. Defguard's core is AGPL-3.0 with a separate Enterprise license.
Maintenance status
Both had commits within days of this update, and RustDesk has over 126,000 stars.
Why look for a TeamViewer alternative?
TeamViewer is a proprietary service with commercial licenses priced per user and device, and sessions route through its infrastructure. Open-source tools let you run your own relay servers and avoid per-device fees.
rustdesk.com
RustDesk is an AGPL-3.0 remote desktop app that works out of the box and lets you run your own relay servers, so session traffic does not pass through a third party. It supports file transfer, clipboard sync, and a web client. User-level access control and device groups are in the paid Pro version.
126.5K19.9KAGPL-3.0Self-hosted
Pricing: Free self-hosted server; Pro version is paid.
- Self-hosted relay servers
- File transfer and clipboard sync
- Very large community
- User-level access control needs Pro
- AGPL-3.0 license
defguard.net
Defguard is an AGPL-core WireGuard access platform combining identity management, OpenID Connect, MFA, device management, access policies, and security auditing. Enterprise functionality uses a separate license.
2.9K121AGPL core + Enterprise licenseSelf-hosted
Pricing: AGPL core is self-hostable; Enterprise functionality and support may be paid.
- WireGuard and self-hosting
- Built-in MFA and OpenID Connect
- Identity, devices, policies, and audits
- Open core
- More identity-oriented than ZeroTier
- More infrastructure to operate
Compare TeamViewer alternatives
| Alternative | Type | License | Self-hosted | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RustDesk | Remote desktop | AGPL-3.0 | Yes | Remote support |
| Defguard | VPN | AGPL-3.0 core + Enterprise | Yes | Secure network access |
Which one should you choose?
Want remote control of machines
RustDesk offers file transfer, clipboard sync, and self-hosted relay servers.
Want secure network access, not screen control
Defguard enforces MFA on every VPN connection with SSO.