6 Best Free Remote Desktop Software for Linux in 2026

Remote access and support tools for controlling another computer over the internet or a local network. Every program below runs on Linux.

Free remote desktop programs for Linux

AnyDesk

Free tier
by AnyDesk Software GmbH

Fast, low-latency remote desktop access.

  • Low latency even on slow connections
  • Tiny portable client, no install needed
  • File transfer between machines
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TeamViewer

Free tier
by TeamViewer SE

The best-known remote support and access tool.

  • Works through firewalls and NAT
  • Cross-platform remote control
  • File transfer and remote printing
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RustDesk

Open Source
by RustDesk

Open-source remote desktop you can fully self-host.

  • Fully open source
  • Self-hostable relay server
  • No account required to start
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Parsec

Free tier
by Parsec Cloud

Ultra-low-latency remote desktop built for graphics work.

  • Very low latency, high frame rate
  • Hardware-accelerated video encoding
  • Free for personal use
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Remmina

Open Source
by Remmina project

The standard multi-protocol remote desktop client for Linux.

  • RDP, VNC, SSH and SPICE in one client
  • Saved connection profiles
  • Tabbed multi-session interface
Linux

Choosing remote desktop software on Linux

All 6 programs listed here have a native Linux build — this is not a list of software that merely "might work" through a compatibility layer. 2 are open source.

Since every option is free, testing two or three on your own files is usually faster and more reliable than reading further comparisons. AnyDesk is the most widely adopted of these and a reasonable starting point.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free remote desktop software for Linux?

AnyDesk fast, low-latency remote desktop access. TeamViewer and RustDesk are the other most common picks.

Are these really free on Linux?

Yes. Each is labelled with its licence — open source, free, or free tier — so you know exactly what you are getting before you download.

Where do the downloads come from?

The publisher's own website, every time. We host no installers, which is the single most effective protection against the bundled adware that plagues software download portals.

See also