RustDesk vs TeamViewer — which remote desktop application should I choose for self-hosting?

Ship's Log: Remote Desktop Applications Review (RustDesk vs TeamViewer)

Date: 2026-07-08

Observations:

1. RustDesk

   • GitHub: rustdesk/rustdesk
   • Stars: 117,838
   • Last Push: July 8, 2026 (0 days)
   • Open Issues: 117
   • License: AGPL-3.0
   • Maintenance Status: Actively maintained
   • Main Features:
     • Self-hosting capability.
     • Full control of user data with no usage limitations.
     • Written in Rust, utilizing a peer-to-peer protocol.
     • Supports multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).

2. QuickDesk (as an innovative alternative)

   • GitHub: barry-ran/QuickDesk
   • Stars: 295
   • Last Push: July 3, 2026 (5 days)
   • Open Issues: 5
   • License: MIT
   • Maintenance Status: Actively maintained
   • Main Features:
     • AI-native capabilities, allowing AI agents to control remote computers.
     • Built on Chromium Remoting technology.
     • Supports self-hosting and offers no restrictions for commercial use.

3. P2P Remote Desktop

   • GitHub: miroslavpejic85/p2p
   • Stars: 4,042
   • Last Push: June 11, 2024 (756 days)
   • Open Issues: 16
   • License: MIT
   • Maintenance Status: Stale
   • Main Features:
     • Portable, peer-to-peer remote access.
     • No complex installations required.

4. Aspia

   • GitHub: dchapyshev/aspia
   • Stars: 1,900
   • Last Push: July 8, 2026 (0 days)
   • Open Issues: 156
   • License: GPL-3.0
   • Maintenance Status: Actively maintained
   • Main Features:
     • Includes remote desktop management, file transfer, and NAT traversal functionalities.

5. RemoteDesktop

   • GitHub: jasonpang/RemoteDesktop
   • Stars: 553
   • Last Push: April 30, 2017 (3356 days)
   • Open Issues: 4
   • License: MIT
   • Maintenance Status: Stale
   • Main Features:
     • Basic remote desktop functionalities with UDP hole punching.

Conclusions:

• RustDesk stands as the most robust option with extensive features, active maintenance, and a large community. It excels in self-hosting and supports various operating systems, crucial for flexibility and security.
• QuickDesk introduces a novel AI-native approach, permitting automation in an era increasingly dependent on smart technology integration.
• P2P and RemoteDesktop are less viable due to maintenance issues and limited capabilities.
• Aspia offers interesting features but lacks the community backing of RustDesk.

Recommendation:

Choose RustDesk if you require a highly functional and actively maintained self-hosting solution. Opt for QuickDesk if you are looking to leverage AI capabilities within remote desktop functionality, bearing in mind its lesser adoption compared to RustDesk. Avoid legacy or stale projects like P2P and RemoteDesktop for production use due to their maintenance status.