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Alternatives · Remote Desktop

MeshCentral alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the best MeshCentral alternative for most people is RustDesk (3.0 GPA), third in our ranking of remote desktop apps. It's also the best free one.

MeshCentral compared with 6 alternatives: Apache Guacamole, RustDesk, Tailscale, NinjaOne, Remmina and 1 more.

MeshCentral is free to use. 5 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.

Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
MeshCentralThis toolFreeFreeWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux
Apache GuacamoleFreeFreeWeb
RustDeskFree plan · from $11.88/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
TailscaleFree plan · from $8/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
NinjaOneFree trial · from $1.50/moTrial onlyWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux
RemminaFreeFreeLinux
ZeroTierFree plan · from $18/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

Price against what you get

MeshCentral has no paid plan and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 6 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

RustDesk, Tailscale, NinjaOne and ZeroTier score higher without starting lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$1$2$5$10$20$50$100$200$500More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessMeshCentralApache GuacamoleRustDeskTailscaleNinjaOneRemminaZeroTier

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of remote desktop apps, and the best at every price

How each one differs from MeshCentral

  1. Apache Guacamole

    Open-source clientless remote desktop gateway

    • Apache Guacamole is free.
    • Apache Guacamole lists no Windows, Linux and macOS apps, which MeshCentral has.

    Suits: IT teams that want browser-only access to internal machines

    Apache Guacamole vs MeshCentralApache Guacamole pricing and details

  2. RustDesk

    Open-source remote desktop you can run on your own server

    • RustDesk starts at $11.88 per month, billed annually (Individual Server Pro, self-hosted).
    • RustDesk also lists Android and iOS apps.

    Suits: People who want a free remote desktop app for their own computers

    RustDesk vs MeshCentralRustDesk pricing and details

  3. Tailscale

    Private network that links your devices, servers and teams

    • Tailscale starts at $8 per user / month.
    • Tailscale also lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Tailscale lists no web app, which MeshCentral has.
    • Tailscale is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • Tailscale also covers vPN.

    Suits: Reaching a home computer, NAS or server from outside without opening ports

    Tailscale vs MeshCentralTailscale pricing and details

  4. NinjaOne

    Endpoint management platform with built-in remote access

    • NinjaOne starts at $1.50 to $3.75 per endpoint / month, by volume; quote required.
    • NinjaOne has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike MeshCentral.
    • NinjaOne also covers workflow automation.

    Suits: Managed service providers supporting many client devices

    NinjaOne vs MeshCentralNinjaOne pricing and details

  5. Remmina

    Free Linux remote desktop client for RDP, VNC and SSH

    • Remmina is free.
    • Remmina lists no web app and Windows and macOS apps, which MeshCentral has.

    Suits: Linux desktop users who connect to Windows machines over RDP

    Remmina vs MeshCentralRemmina pricing and details

  6. ZeroTier

    Peer-to-peer virtual networks for devices, servers and sites

    • ZeroTier starts at $18 per month for 10 devices.
    • ZeroTier also lists iOS and Android apps.
    • ZeroTier lists no web app, which MeshCentral has.
    • ZeroTier is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • ZeroTier also covers vPN.

    Suits: Hobbyists linking a few home devices at no cost

    ZeroTier vs MeshCentralZeroTier pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in MeshCentral

  • You host, secure and update the server yourself; the download page describes self-installation only.
  • Agents must be installed on each managed device.
  • Documentation for management and security features is published as PDF files.
MeshCentral pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to MeshCentral?

The alternatives to MeshCentral in this directory are Apache Guacamole, RustDesk, Tailscale, NinjaOne, Remmina and ZeroTier. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with MeshCentral.

Is there a free alternative to MeshCentral?

Yes. Apache Guacamole and Remmina are free to use. RustDesk, Tailscale and ZeroTier have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which MeshCentral alternatives work on Android?

The MeshCentral listing does not include an Android app. RustDesk, Tailscale and ZeroTier list one.

Which MeshCentral alternatives work on iOS?

The MeshCentral listing does not include an iOS app. RustDesk, Tailscale and ZeroTier list one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 18, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.