Top Self Hosted Remote Desktop Software for Secure Remote Support - 2026

The expanding world of remote work and distributed IT management has exponentially multiplied the need for secure and reliable remote desktop solutions. While cloud-based options like TeamViewer and AnyDesk are widely used, many organizations are turning to self-hosted remote desktop software for greater control, compliance and cost efficiency. In this article, we explore the top self hosted remote desktop software in 2026.

What is Self-Hosted Remote Desktop Software?

Self-hosted remote desktop software encompasses solutions which allows businesses to run remote access infrastructure on their own servers (on-premises or in their private cloud). Why not rely on third-party cloud providers who ensure the upkeep?

Why self-hosted remote support?

Self-hosting keeps connection brokers, logs and policies under your control. It supports compliance, isolates access, and can reduce recurring cloud costs for steady support workloads.

Key Benefits:

• Data Privacy & Control: All sessions and logs stay on your infrastructure.
• Compliance Ready: Easier to meet GDPR, HIPAA and other regulatory requirements.
• Cost Efficiency: Often more affordable in the long-term compared to subscription-based SaaS.
• Customization: Ability to rebrand, configure and secure according to company policies.

Remote Desktop Access, Control, Monitoring, Protection and Support

Our own solution includes TSplus Remote Access, complemented by the other products in our software suite. Other brands are varyingly focused or broad according in their scope.

Top Self Hosted Remote Desktop Software (2026)

To stand up to AnyDesk or TeamViewer, here is our top pick of alternatives for keeping remote infrastructures online and in full functioning order. These are leading tools businesses can deploy for secure remote support and control.

1. TSplus Remote Support

What it is:

TSplus Remote Support is a lightweight yet powerful, self-hosted remote desktop support solution designed for IT teams, MSPs and businesses who need both privacy and performance. It enables technicians to securely access user desktops, provide support and troubleshoot systems from anywhere.

Best for:

SMBs to mid-market teams seeking simple setup and predictable licensing. Provides a secure, affordable support stack.

Key Features:

• Easily deploy on-premises or in a private cloud.
• Securely cross-OS remote control and share screens.
• Transfer files and use live session tools for IT support.
• Enjoy affordable licensing compared to TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
• Seamlessly integrate TSplus 2FA for enterprise-grade authentication.

Pros:

• clear operator/agent model
• unattended access, file transfer, chat, session handoff
• budget-friendly licensing
• easy scaling

Cons:

• focused toolset vs. exhaustive large enterprise suites
• Windows-centric host emphasis

Why It Stands Out:
With TSplus, organizations get full data sovereignty, strong security with 2FA, the advantage of ongoing support and proactive development and a cost-effective alternative that scales with business needs.

Key Use Cases:

• Perfect for IT departments and MSPs providing remote helpdesk services.
• Great for SMBs that want to maintain secure, private connections without relying on third-party cloud providers.
• Suitable for compliance-sensitive industries (healthcare, finance, government) where data sovereignty and strong authentication are mandatory.

Deployment Complexity & Scalability:

Deployment:

Straightforward and designed to be easily set up on-premises or in a private cloud. Accessible even to smaller IT teams.

Scalability:

Scales smoothly from a few users to larger support operations. Licensing is affordable and flexible, lightly following businesses expansion. Adding TSplus 2FA participates in ensuring enterprise-level security.

Pricing & licensing:

Per-seat/per-host options designed for affordability (no aggressive per-session billing).

Further insight:

Deploy a private broker you control, expose access through hardened ports and MFA, then invite technicians via role-based profiles. Agents can be mass-deployed, grouped and searched from a simple console. Common workflows include ad-hoc SOS sessions, unattended maintenance windows and scheduled patching. Session logs and optional recording support audits, while web-based access keeps training minimal for rotating helpdesk teams.

2. AnyDesk On-Premises

What it is:

AnyDesk’s remote control engine is delivered as a private, self-hosted network so brokering, identity and traffic all remain on your infrastructure. You deploy the on-prem appliance/license server and manage clients centrally. AnyDesk Help Center

Best for:

Enterprises wanting familiar connection clients with a private broker and tighter data governance.

Pros:

• responsive remote control engine
• centralized admin & role management
• broad OS coverage

Cons:

• enterprise-oriented pricing
• feature parity vs. cloud editions varies

Why it Stands Out:

Noted for responsiveness and UX polish, with on-premises brokering that keeps connection metadata in-house.

Key Features:

• Private appliance/server. Manage address books, permissions and policies.
• Policy controls (clipboard, file transfer, elevation).
• Directory or SSO options for larger estates. MSI/MDM rollout supported.

Key Use Cases:

• Enterprise helpdesks needing private brokering and strict data governance.
• Global support teams standardizing on the AnyDesk client with central policy control.
• Environments requiring granular restrictions (clipboard, file transfer, elevation) and auditable sessions.

Deployment Complexity & Scalability:

Deployment:

Stand up the on-prem license/broker server, connect clients via MSI/MDM, and apply org-wide policies. Integrates with directory/SSO, with a typical rollout phased by region or department.

Scalability:

Designed for large estates. Scales horizontally with additional brokers/services. Centralized admin keeps address books and roles consistent across thousands of endpoints.

Pricing & licensing:

On-prem subscription, enterprise-oriented tiers (Ultimate for on-prem).

Further insight:

You deploy an on-premises license server and network components so traffic, identities and address books stay in your domain. Technicians connect with the standard AnyDesk client, but sessions resolve through your private broker for improved isolation. Policies can restrict clipboard, file transfer and privilege elevation. Larger estates integrate directory services and automate client rollout via MSI/MDM, easing fleet-wide governance.

3. Splashtop On-Prem

What it is:

A fully on-premises Splashtop stack (gateway, database, relay) for internal helpdesks, labs and regulated environments (formerly Splashtop Enterprise). support-splashtoponprem.splashtop.com

Best for:

Regulated environments, service desks and education with strict data boundaries and on-site control.

Pros:

• fast connections, multi-OS
• technician features (file transfer, SOS, session recording options)
• integrations for AD/SS

Cons:

• admin stack can be complex
• modules and features differ from cloud SKUs

Why It Stands Out:

Popular with help desks and education. Role/audit controls and flexible deployment meet compliance needs.

Key Features:

• Management Console for users/teams, Service Desk/SOS for ad-hoc support.
• Recording and annotation options. API for integrations.
• SSO/AD integration, granular retention and audit policies.

Key Use Cases:

• Regulated sectors (education, healthcare, finance) needing on-site control, retention rules and audit trails.
• Mixed attended SOS and unattended maintenance workflows across labs and classrooms.
• Service desks that require recording, annotation, and API hooks into ticketing/ITSM.

Deployment Complexity & Scalability:

Deployment:

Install gateway/relay and database on-prem; connect agents and activate SOS modules. Configure SSO/AD and set retention/recording policies from the console.

Scalability:

Components can be separated and scaled for throughput. Multi-team orgs segment technicians and devices with roles/groups to keep growth orderly.

Pricing & licensing:

On-premises subscription with module-based options. (See Splashtop On-Prem documentation or manuals for current components.)

Further insight:

The on-premises gateway, database and relay components live in your datacenter, enabling granular retention, audit and role policies. SOS codes support ad-hoc support while persistent agents enable unattended maintenance. Technicians can invite peers into a live session, transfer files, annotate the screen, and record interactions for QA or training. Admin/API endpoints and SSO integrations tie into ticketing and identity platforms.

4. RealVNC (self-hosted VNC)

What it is:

Commercial VNC server with options for on-premises connectivity and strict security controls, ideal for straightforward remote control with minimal footprint.

Best for:

Teams prioritizing lightweight, cross-platform remote control and straightforward, scriptable deployment.

Pros:

• lightweight and stable
• broad platform coverage
• stable VNC protocol history
• mature security options for VNC

Cons:

• screen-sharing model (no app publishing)
• WAN performance depends on tuning

Why It Stands Out:
Trusted for straightforward remote control with defense-in-depth features and compliance guidance.

Key Features:

• Mandatory encryption. Per-device permissions/roles.
• MFA/2-step verification supported via the portal.
• Centralized portal to manage users, licensing and APIs.

Key Use Cases:

• Lightweight remote control for IT support, labs and kiosks where agent footprint must stay small.
• OT/edge and headless systems that need scripted, secure access with strict permission prompts.
• Cross-platform fleets prioritizing stability and simplicity over advanced desktop publishing.

Deployment Complexity & Scalability:

Deployment:

Deploy the VNC Server agent and (optionally) your on-premises relay/gateway. Enforce encryption, MFA and per-group permissions. Rollout is commonly automated via scripts.

Scalability:

Efficient for large device counts, also minimal overhead per node. Performance over WAN scales with network tuning and relay placement.

Pricing & licensing:

Per-device or per-user plans. Commercial support.

Further insight:

RealVNC focuses on reliability and simple controls: connect to devices via direct routes, on-premises gateways or cloud-agnostic relays you operate. Security profiles can enforce encryption, MFA and session permissions per device group. Admins value the tiny agent footprint and scripted rollout on servers, desktops or headless boxes. Typical uses include IT support, lab management and secure OT/edge access.

5. Remote Utilities + RU Server

What it is:

A self-hosted relay/mediation server (RU Server) plus a powerful Viewer console for granular, policy-driven remote support.

Best for:

IT teams needing granular unattended access, synced address books and tight technician controls without recurring per-session costs.

Pros:

• unattended access with self-hosted relay
• deep technician toolset (inventory, scripts)
• one-time license options

Cons:

• Windows-first focus
• rich UI requires onboarding

Why It Stands Out:

Known for the extensiveness of its admin toolkit and for its address book sync that scales across technicians via your own server.

Pricing & licensing:

One-time licenses with optional maintenance.

Key Features:

• Internet-ID mediation/NAT traversal via RU Server.
• Viewer tools: file transfer, terminal, inventory, registry/services, power control.
• Centralized, synchronized address books with role-based access

Key Use Cases:

• IT teams needing private mediation (RU Server), shared address books and granular technician rights.
• Unattended access for patching, inventory and routine admin tasks across distributed sites.
• Cost-conscious organizations favouring one-time licensing with enterprise-style controls.

Deployment Complexity & Scalability:

Deployment:

Install RU Server for Internet-ID/NAT traversal, push the Host agent and roll out the Viewer console. Configure role-based access and address-book sync.

Scalability:

Grows from small teams to large support groups. Multiple RU Servers and segmented address books keep performance and governance predictable.

Further insight:

RU Server acts as your private mediation service, pairing with agents for NAT traversal and stable, policy-driven connections. The viewer console exposes a dense toolkit for scripted actions as much as quick triage. It includes remote registry, services, inventory, terminal, file transfer and Power Control. Address books sync across technicians through your server with role-based access. Many teams choose it to avoid unpredictable per-session costs while retaining granular control.

6. Dameware Remote Support (SolarWinds)

What it is:

On-premises remote control tightly integrated with Windows administration, combining screen control with deep sysadmin tools.

Best for:

Sysadmin workflows and AD-centric shops that need remote actions plus directory management from one console.

Pros:

• built-in sysadmin utilities (services, registry, etc.) with AD integration
• LAN/WAN modes and credential pass-through options
• per-technician licensing

Cons:

• mostly Windows-oriented
• utilitarian UX

Why It Stands Out:

Common in corporate IT support stacks where auditable, low-level actions (restarting services, managing drivers) sit alongside screen control.

Key Features:

• Manage Active Directory objects (OUs, users, groups) without logging into AD servers.
• Mini Remote Control for quick assistance.
• Multi-domain support from a single console.

Key Use Cases:

• AD-centric enterprises where technicians perform low-level admin (services, registry, drivers) alongside screen control.
• LAN/WAN support across multiple domains with credential pass-through and strong audit needs.
• Corporate environments prioritizing fast, auditable remediation without full RMM overhead.

Deployment Complexity & Scalability:

Deployment:

Install the Dameware server and consoles, integrate with Active Directory and set technician roles. Use agent-based or agent-less connections depending on policy.

Scalability:

Per-tech licensing scales cleanly as teams grow. Multi-domain support and role separation keep larger environments organized and compliant.

Pricing & licensing:

Per-technician licensing; maintenance plans available. SolarWinds Documentation

Further insight:

Dameware excels when support requires low-level tasks alongside screen control. From a single console, technicians can restart services, manage drivers, push files or execute commands without disturbing end users. AD integration speeds authentication and targeting while Smart Card and credential pass-through can align with enterprise policies. It is popular for tightly controlled corporate networks where remote actions must be both fast and fully auditable.

7. RustDesk - self-hosted relay/server

What it is:

RustDesk is an open-source remote desktop software which positions itself as a free, self-hosted alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk. It provides encrypted peer-to-peer connections and the option to host your own relay server.

Best for:

Teams wanting a no-frills, modern OSS tool with on-premises control.

Pros:

• 100% open-source with an active community.
• Cross-platform clients.
• Quick setup.
• Strong privacy focus.

Cons:

• NAT traversal and server setup can be complex.
• Enterprise options still maturing compared to commercial solutions.

Key Use Cases:

Ideal for small IT teams or startups looking for a free, private alternative to TeamViewer. Works well for remote freelancers managing their own servers.

Deployment Complexity & Scalability:

Requires setting up your own relay/NAT traversal server; relatively simple for technical users but may be complex for non-admins. Scales decently for small to mid-sized teams, less suited for large enterprise deployments.

Further insight:

RustDesk’s appeal is control and simplicity: spin up your own HBBS/HBBr servers, point clients to them, and keep connection metadata in-house. The client offers clipboard, file transfer, chat and permission prompts, with optional end-to-end encryption. Organizations often layer it with reverse proxies and MFA for hardened access. It is a flexible choice for labs, makers and cost-sensitive teams.

Quick comparison table

I will make a couple of points about the table below. Firstly, the columns which are not present: self-hosted or on-premises, unattended access, MFA. They are absent simply because all these products meet those requirements. Also,

Tip: If you require strict on-premises control with unattended access and technician toolsets, shortlist TSplus Remote Support, AnyDesk On-Premises, Splashtop On-Prem and Remote Utilities. Choose RealVNC for lightweight control, Dameware for AD-heavy sysadmin tasks, and RustDesk when OSS + self-hosting is a must.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing

When selecting a self-hosted remote desktop solution, keep in mind:

• Operating System compatibility (Windows, Linux, macOS, mobile).
• Security features (encryption, 2FA, access control).
• Ease of setup & maintenance (setup complexity, admin workload).
• Cost vs scalability (upfront vs recurring costs, support for growing teams).
• Performance & User Experience (file transfers, multimedia, live support, any latency).
• Compliance (audit logging).

Why TSplus with 2FA is the Best Choice

Among these options, TSplus Remote Support stands out as a professional-grade solution tailored for SMBs, MSPs and IT administrators. Indeed, the full TSplus software suite, including Remote Access, Remote Support and 2FA plus Advanced Security and Server Monitoring, is an all-rounder for application servers and your networked infrastructure. Here are the main perks:

• Affordable licensing makes it budget-friendly compared to costly SaaS alternatives. SMEs too can equip themselves to provide great support.
• Self-hosted deployment ensures data stays in your hands. This architecture ensures full data privacy and compliance as well as providing complete flexibility as to implementation within a business’ infrastructure.
• TSplus 2FA integration adds an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access. Once an optional extra, multi factor authentication has long become a prerequisite for anyone aware of cybersecurity risks.
• Design for real-world IT needs led us to build into Remote Support such essential features as unattended access, session management, file transfer, cross-OS capacity. It proves ideal from quick troubleshooting to long-term device management. All our software has user-feedback and needs at its core.
• Scalability for SMBs, MSPs or enterprises is essential to us. Precise upfront pricing makes our software accessible, affordable and scalable for small and large structures. Also, easy license or server management is quick and straightforward in our online store (shows the price, dates etc.). And finally, admin console features mean management easily grows with the organisation using the software.

For businesses seeking the perfect balance between affordability, control and security, TSplus is the clear winner.

Conclusion

As remote access becomes a business-critical function, choosing the right self hosted remote desktop software is essential. TSplus Remote Support delivers the most well-rounded, secure and cost-effective remote assistance solution. With TSplus Remote Access, Advanced Security and Server Monitoring, you can keep your application servers and networks up to scratch and secure, especially when combined with the added protection of TSplus 2FA.

Ready to take control of your remote access infrastructure? Explore TSplus and enhance your network stability, agility and security today.