Best Secure RDP Alternative

What is a "Secure RDP Alternative"?

Here, secure RDP alternative refers to remote desktop or application delivery solutions which might replace or complete Microsoft’s built-in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), particularly in terms of security but also of ease of deployment, scalability and cost-efficiency.

Indeed, Microsoft RDP, though widely used, has long been a frequent target for cyberattacks, especially when exposed directly to the Internet. Brute-force attacks, man-in-the-middle exploits, credential theft and ransomware incidents have all been associated with unsecured or poorly configured RDP environments.

Characteristics of a Secure RDP Alternative:

Some essentials will help secure RDP whenever any parts of a network need opening up for access since they must therefore primarily be highly securely protected.

• Encrypted connections (TLS, HTTPS)
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Granular access control at the very least for users, devices, locations and where possible more.
• Gateway-based architecture. A gateway is essential to avoid direct RDP exposure.
• Audit logs and session recording
• Brute-force attack protection
• Ease of patching and updates

Why Consider a Secure RDP Alternative?

• Regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, etc.)
• Reducing attack surface (no open RDP ports)
• Improved user experience (browser-based access, application publishing)
• Easier to deploy across hybrid workforces
• Cost savings compared to Citrix or Microsoft CALs

Based on these, here are a pick of the best secure RDP alternative products at the moment.

1. TSplus Software Suite - The Best Value Secure RDP Alternative

TSplus Remote Access and sister products provide a streamlined, affordable and highly secure way to publish Windows applications and desktops over the web, without relying on the direct use of Microsoft’s RDP client.

TSplus either secures RDP with Advanced Security within a safely set up infrastructure or simply replaces open RDP ports with its robust HTML5 Web Portal, which enables users to access their remote workstations or applications securely from any device using a browser. The built-in HTTPS web server encrypts all traffic, while advanced options such as two-factor authentication, IP filtering and integration with TSplus Advanced Security allow administrators to fully control access.

Key security features include:

• Encrypted browser-based access: HTTPS + HTML5
• Gateway architecture (no direct RDP exposure)
• Built-in access control and session management
• Multi-user support without Terminal Services CALs
• Seamless integration with TSplus Advanced Security for enhanced protection

Ideal for businesses of any size, TSplus bundles offer the best price-performance ratio among secure RDP alternatives.

2. Parallels RAS - Enterprise-Grade Alternative with Centralized Management

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is a secure and scalable alternative to RDP that caters to enterprise-level requirements. It offers application delivery and desktop virtualization with a centralized management console, multifactor authentication and support for high availability.

Key security features include:

• Centralized management of applications and desktops
• SSL encryption for remote sessions
• Integrated multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Role-based access control
• Support for load balancing and high availability
• HTML5 client for secure browser-based access
• Active Directory and Azure AD integration

While Parallels RAS is more costly and complex than TSplus, it remains a strong option for large organizations seeking a Citrix-like experience with less infrastructure overhead.

3. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops - High-Security, High-Cost Option

Citrix is one of the most recognized names in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). It delivers powerful security features such as secure access gateways, policy-based controls and endpoint security integrations.

Key security features include:

• Secure ICA protocol with end-to-end encryption
• Citrix Gateway for zero-trust access
• Policy-based session controls and smart access
• MFA and SSO support with identity provider integrations
• App-layering and session isolation for data protection
• Real-time monitoring and auditing of user activity
• Advanced integration with Microsoft and third-party security tools

Overall, Citrix comes with a high total cost of ownership and requires experienced administrators for deployment and maintenance. It is best suited for enterprises with complex environments and large IT budgets.

4. Apache Guacamole - Open Source, Clientless RDP Gateway

Apache Guacamole is a free and open-source gateway that provides clientless remote desktop access through any modern web browser. It supports RDP, VNC, and SSH protocols and does not require any plugins or local client software.

Key security features include:

• Clientless access via HTML5 (no plugins or agents required)
• Encrypted HTTPS connections
• Supports RDP, VNC, and SSH protocols
• LDAP and database authentication options
• Session recording and logging features
• No open RDP ports required on end-user devices
• Completely open-source and self-hosted (no vendor lock-in)

While Guacamole is secure and flexible, it demands a strong technical background for setup and long-term management. It is a good choice for tech-savvy users or organizations with Linux-based infrastructures.

5. Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) + MFA - Hardened Native RDP

Organizations that prefer to remain within the Microsoft ecosystem can opt for a hardened RD Gateway configuration. When combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA), firewalls and limited access scopes, it provides a more secure way to manage RDP sessions.

Key security features include:

• Secure tunnel for RDP using HTTPS (TLS encryption)
• Integration with Microsoft NPS for MFA
• Fine-grained access control policies
• Network-level authentication (NLA) support
• Role-based user and group permissions
• Works with on-premises and hybrid AD environments
• Logging and auditing available via Windows Event Viewer

This approach still relies on RDP under the hood, meaning some vulnerabilities remain. Moreover, it requires careful configuration and ongoing monitoring to ensure continued security.

6. AnyDesk - Secure Remote Support Tools

AnyDesk is a popular choice for secure remote support. It uses encrypted tunnels, offers unattended access features and easy to deploy. Its tools are best suited for ad hoc remote support, not full application publishing or multi-user remote desktop environments.

Key security features include:

• End-to-end encryption using AES-256 and RSA 2048
• Device authorization and trusted access control
• Session logging and permission management
• Configurable unattended access with whitelisting
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) for account security
• No firewall or VPN configuration required
• Fast, responsive connections with minimal latency

It is a good fit for IT support teams, but not as scalable or customizable as TSplus Remote Access or other infrastructure-level solutions.

Conclusion on Secure RDP Alternative Products

When evaluating a secure RDP alternative, it is essential to consider the specific use case, security requirements, user base, and budget. For organizations seeking a cost-effective, scalable and easy-to-deploy solution, TSplus Remote Access stands out as the most balanced option in 2025.

Whether you need to secure a small business server or deploy a remote work infrastructure across hundreds of users, the right alternative to RDP can help enhance security, reduce IT complexity and improve productivity.

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