--- title: "RDP Clients for Windows, Mac, Linux and the Browser: What to Use | TSplus" canonical: "https://tsplus.net/best-rdp-clients-for-windows-mac-linux-and-browser-access/" pubDate: "2026-04-28T21:54:51.508Z" description: "Compare RDP clients for Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile and browser access. Find secure options for sysadmins, MSPs and SMB IT teams. " --- Remote Desktop Protocol clients still matter for Windows administration, hybrid work and server access. The best choice depends on whether an IT team needs a simple one-to-one connection, a Linux-friendly client, a connection manager, browser-based access or a full remote access platform. This guide compares some top RDP clients and related remote desktop tools for sysadmins, MSPs, SMB IT managers and software vendors. It also explains when TSplus Remote Access is the better fit because the requirement is not just a local RDP client, but includes [secure browser-based](https://tsplus.net/remote-access/) Windows access and application publishing. ## What Is An RDP Client? ### Enabling connections An RDP client is software which connects a user device to a remote Windows desktop, Windows Server session or published application using Remote Desktop Protocol. Microsoft describes Remote Desktop as a way to [connect to Windows desktops and apps](https://tsplus.net/the-best-remote-desktop-software-for-windows-comparison-and-latest-trends) over a network connection using RDP, including Remote Desktop Services, Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365 and remote PCs. ### A tool for a job However, not every tool in an “RDP clients” list does the same job. Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection is a native RDP client. Remmina and FreeRDP are open-source clients. mRemoteNG, Royal TS and Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager are connection managers. TSplus Remote Access is a secure remote access and application publishing platform with HTML5 browser access, which places it in a different but highly relevant category. ### Reliability, scalability, and more That distinction matters for IT teams. On one hand, a sysadmin connecting to one Windows Server needs a reliable client. Meanwhile, an MSP managing hundreds of endpoints needs profiles, credential handling and session organization. And an SMB delivering Windows applications to remote users needs [secure access, user management and browser delivery](https://tsplus.net/how-do-we-make-enterprise-grade-remote-access-affordable-for-smbs). ## What Happened to Microsoft Remote Desktop and MSRDC? Microsoft has consolidated much of its remote desktop client offering under what is now Windows App. The former Microsoft Remote Desktop applications for macOS and iOS/iPadOS were renamed Windows App in 2024. The separate Remote Desktop client for Windows (MSRDC), distributed as an MSI installer, reached end of support on March 27, 2026, for public cloud environments, with extended support for certain environments ending September 28, 2026. These changes do not mean RDP itself has been retired. Windows administrators can continue using the built-in Remote Desktop Connection (`mstsc.exe`), while Windows App is [Microsoft's current client](https://tsplus.net/windows-app-vs-remote-desktop-client/) for supported cloud desktop services. ## How Do Our Top RDP Clients Compare? Summary Table: ## RDP Clients for Windows And Related Tools in 2026 ### 1\. Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) for Windows ![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/1498x440/7fb8813f4c/microsoft-rds-logo.png) Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (`mstsc.exe`) [remains the built-in RDP client](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/remote-desktop-client/connect-windows-cloud-services) for Windows administrators. It provides direct access to compatible Windows PCs and servers without requiring additional software installation, making it useful for everyday system administration. Unlike the retired Microsoft Remote Desktop client (MSRDC), Remote Desktop Connection is still available for traditional RDP connections. It supports features such as display configuration, local resource redirection, saved connection settings and RD Gateway integration. #### Pros * Built into Windows * Familiar to most administrators * Good for direct Windows server administration * No extra procurement process: supports common RDP configuration options #### Cons * Limited centralized connection management * Not ideal for large server estates * Not designed for Microsoft cloud workspace delivery * Unsafe if RDP is exposed directly to the internet, so requires a secure network path for external connections * No centralized application publishing layer by itself #### Takeaway Choose Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (`mstsc.exe`) when IT need straightforward Windows-to-Windows RDP administration, particularly for controlled internal network access or through secure gateways or VPNs. ### 2\. Windows App for Mac, iOS, Windows and Web Access ![logo Windows 11](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/473x95/69522dce28/logo-windows-11.png) [Windows App](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-app/get-started-connect-devices-desktops-apps?pivots=remote-pc) is Microsoft's current client platform for accessing Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box and supported Remote Desktop Services environments. It replaced the older Microsoft Remote Desktop applications on macOS and iOS/iPadOS in 2024 and is available on Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android and through web browsers. Windows App provides a more unified experience for accessing Microsoft-hosted Windows desktops and applications. However, functionality varies by platform and connection type. Traditional Remote Desktop Services connections are not currently supported through Windows App on Windows or in a web browser, although they are supported on macOS and mobile platforms. ### Pros * Current Microsoft client for cloud desktop access * Supports Windows, macOS, mobile devices and browsers * Integrates with Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 * Centralized access to assigned desktops and applications ### Cons * Not all connection types work on every platform * Primarily designed around Microsoft's remote desktop ecosystem * Does not replace `mstsc.exe` for all traditional RDP tasks * Microsoft cloud services may require additional licensing and infrastructure and may be excessive for simple SMB server access ### Takeaway Choose Windows App for Microsoft cloud desktop environments and supported cross-platform connections or when moving from traditional RDP clients into Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365. For direct Windows server administration, Remote Desktop Connection (`mstsc.exe`) remains a practical choice. ### 3\. Remmina ![logo Remmina](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/474x200/3024608658/logo-remmina.png) Remmina is a popular open-source remote desktop client for Linux. The Remmina project describes it as a free, open-source tool for protocols such as RDP, SSH, SPICE and VNC. For Linux administrators, Remmina is often the practical choice because it handles multiple protocols from one interface. It is useful for technical teams that manage Windows servers from Linux workstations. #### Pros * Strong Linux fit * Supports multiple protocols * Open-source and widely packaged * Good for technical users #### Cons * Less familiar to Windows-only admins * User experience depends on distribution packages * Not a centralized access platform * Limited business policy management #### Takeaway Choose Remmina when Linux users need a capable RDP client for Windows server or desktop access. ### 4\. FreeRDP ![logo FreeRDP](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/264x80/1a559a95d7/logo-freerdp.png) FreeRDP is an open-source implementation of RDP. It is often used by technical users, developers and projects that need RDP capabilities inside other tools. FreeRDP is less of a polished end-user application and more of a foundation for advanced workflows. It can be powerful, but it expects technical confidence. ### Pros * Open-source RDP implementation * Useful for scripting and integration * Cross-platform potential * Strong technical community relevance ### Cons * Not the easiest option for non-technical users * Configuration can be complex * No built-in business access portal * Requires careful security handling #### Takeaway Choose FreeRDP when the requirement is technical control, automation or integration rather than a simple desktop application. ### 5\. mRemoteNG ![logo mRemoteNG](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/440x93/e322fac7bf/logo-mremoteng.png) mRemoteNG is a connection manager rather than a pure RDP client. It helps administrators organize multiple remote connections in one interface, including RDP and other protocols. This is useful for sysadmins who manage many Windows servers. Instead of juggling separate RDP files, administrators can group connections and switch between sessions. #### Pros * Convenient for many server connections * Multi-protocol support * Familiar admin workflow * Lightweight compared with enterprise suites #### Cons * Not a remote access platform * Security depends on configuration * No native app publishing * Windows-centric usage pattern #### Takeaway Choose mRemoteNG when the problem is session organization for administrators, not remote access delivery for end users. ### 6\. Royal TS ![logo royal ts](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/458x110/0581e3d303/logo-royal-ts.png) Royal TS is a professional connection management tool for administrators who need to manage RDP, SSH and other connection types. It fits IT teams that want more structure than a basic RDP client can provide. The tool is especially useful where admins need shared connection documents, organized folders and repeatable workflows. #### Pros * Strong connection organization * Multi-protocol admin support * Suitable for professional IT teams * Available for Windows and macOS #### Cons * Requires setup discipline * Not designed as an end-user app portal * Licensing adds cost * Still depends on secure backend architecture #### Takeaway Choose Royal TS when an IT team needs a mature admin console for many remote systems. ### 7\. Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager ![logo Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/980x200/a4d61122aa/logo-devolutions-remote-desktop-manager.svg) Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager is built for broader remote connection and credential workflows. It is especially relevant for MSPs, IT departments and teams that need governance around privileged access. This category overlaps with password management, vaulting and team administration. That makes it powerful, but also more complex than a simple RDP client. #### Pros * Strong MSP and team use case * Centralized connection management * Credential workflow support * Broad protocol coverage #### Cons * More complex than a basic RDP client * Requires policy design * May be heavy for small teams * Does not replace app publishing by itself #### Takeaway Choose Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager when the main issue is controlled administration across many client environments. ### 8\. Apache Guacamole ![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/1000x176/1bac4a54d2/logo-apache-guacamole.png) Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway. The Apache project states that Guacamole supports standard protocols such as RDP, VNC and SSH and requires only a web browser once installed on a server. Guacamole is attractive because users do not need a local RDP client. The tradeoff is that IT teams must deploy, secure and maintain the gateway infrastructure. #### Pros * Browser-based access * Supports RDP, VNC and SSH * No local client installation * Open-source project #### Cons * Requires server deployment * Needs security hardening * Admin experience depends on implementation * Not a turnkey commercial SMB suite #### Takeaway Choose Apache Guacamole when an IT team wants open-source browser access and has the skills to operate the gateway securely. ### 9\. TSplus Remote Access ![](https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020006/463x50/98b58338e0/tsplus-remote-access-logo-gray-gradient.svg) TSplus Remote Access is not just another local RDP client. It is a secure remote access and application publishing platform which enables users to [access Windows desktops and applications](https://tsplus.net/best-remote-access-software/) through an HTML5 browser or configured client access. This makes TSplus Remote Access especially relevant for systems administrators in any context, from SMBs, ISVs, software vendors, MSPs and enterprise. Instead of asking every user to install and maintain a local RDP client, IT can publish Windows applications through a browser-based portal and centralize access management. #### Pros * [Browser-based HTML5 access](https://docs.tsplus.net/remote-work/html5-client/) * Windows application and desktop publishing * Good fit for SMB and ISV scenarios * Simplifies user access compared with local client rollout * Works well with TSplus security, monitoring and support tools #### Cons * Not positioned as a basic free RDP client * Requires server-side deployment * Best suited to business access use cases * Needs correct sizing for multi-user environments #### Takeaway Choose TSplus Remote Access when users need simple, secure access to Windows applications or desktops without relying only on local RDP client installation. In our dedicated guide comparing HTML5 and native RDP clients, you can read up on how both approaches can rely on RDP, but differ in deployment effort, compatibility, performance and workload fit. Need [secure, affordable app publishing without the Citrix complexity](https://tsplus.net/best-citrix-alternative/)? ## How Might You Choose The Best RDP Client For You? The best RDP client depends on its purpose. For one administrator connecting to one Windows server, Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection is usually enough. For Linux users, Remmina is often the better fit. [For MSPs](https://tsplus.net/remote-access-for-msp/), a connection manager such as Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager may be more appropriate. For end-user access, the decision changes. A business that needs to publish accounting software, ERP clients, legacy Windows applications or full desktops should evaluate the access architecture, not only the client. In that scenario, browser-based access through TSplus Remote Access can reduce endpoint friction as well as simplify support. A practical selection process should start with five questions: 1. Who needs access: admins, employees, customers or contractors? 2. What is being accessed: full desktops, servers or individual applications? 3. Which devices are used: Windows, Mac, Linux, tablets or unmanaged devices? 4. How is access secured: VPN, RD Gateway, MFA, IP filtering or browser portal? 5. Who will manage the environment: internal IT admin, MSP or software vendor? These questions prevent a common mistake: choosing a convenient RDP client while ignoring security, user experience and administration. ## Security checklist for RDP access RDP should not be exposed casually to the public Internet. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services are designed to deliver virtualized applications and secure remote desktop sessions, but the architecture must be configured correctly. For production environments, IT teams should apply the following baseline: * Use Network Level Authentication where supported. * Avoid direct exposure of TCP 3389 to the internet. * Place external access behind a gateway, VPN or secure portal. * Enforce multi-factor authentication for remote users (and the strongest possible passwords for any account). * Restrict access by user, group, device and IP address where possible. * Monitor failed logons, session activity and unusual behaviour. * Keep Windows Server, RDS components and clients updated. This is where the TSplus suite strengthens many setups. TSplus Remote Access handles remote access and application publishing and integrates MFA of your choice. [TSplus Advanced Security](https://tsplus.net/advanced-security/) adds protective controls such as geographical and time settings and Brute Force Defender, while Server Monitoring helps IT teams track performance and server health. Finally, TSplus Remote Support covers attended or unattended support sessions, for example when helpdesk teams need to [assist devices directly](https://tsplus.net/remote-it-maintenance/). ## Final recommendation For straightforward Windows server administration, Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (`mstsc.exe`) remains a reliable choice. Windows App is Microsoft's current option for Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365 and supported cross-platform access. Linux administrators can turn to Remmina, while MSPs managing numerous connections may prefer dedicated connection managers. How about testing some of those RDP clients alongside TSplus Remote Access? What will comparing them show? Try the fit for anything from basic Windows administration, to access from Linux workstations, macOS admin sessions or browsers. Whether TSplus Remote Access or the other products in our suite, TSplus software is developed to make handling your infrastructure simple while yet providing granular control and tight security. Let us change your question from “Which RDP client should I install?” to “How can IT deliver remote access simply, securely and centrally?”.