Best Free Alternatives to TeamViewer
Updated 3 October 2026 · 2 programs compared
TeamViewer is one of the best-known remote-desktop tools, but it is only free for personal use and business licences are expensive. These alternatives let you control computers remotely, transfer files and give support for free.
Download them only from their official websites, and never give remote access to people you do not know.
Quick answer
Comparison at a glance
#1 · COMPLETELY FREE REMOTE ACCESS, INCLUDING SELF-HOSTING
RustDesk
Free; optional paid Server Pro Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
RustDesk is a free, open-source remote-desktop app that works out of the box and can also run on your own server for full privacy.
Good
- Free and open source
- No personal-use restrictions
- Can be self-hosted
Keep in mind
- Public servers can be slower at busy times
#2 · FAST REMOTE CONTROL ON SLOW CONNECTIONS
AnyDesk
Free for personal use; paid plans for business Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
AnyDesk is a lightweight, low-latency remote-desktop tool that is free for personal use.
Good
- Very fast and lightweight
- Runs without installation
- Available on all major platforms
Keep in mind
- Business use requires a paid plan
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Frequently asked questions
Is TeamViewer free?
TeamViewer is free only for personal, non-commercial use. For business use you need a paid licence, or you can use a free alternative such as RustDesk.
What is the best free alternative to TeamViewer?
RustDesk is the best fully free option: it is open source, has no personal-use restrictions and can even be self-hosted.
Is AnyDesk free?
Yes. AnyDesk is free for personal use and is very fast and lightweight, but business use requires a paid plan.
Are remote-desktop tools safe?
Only give remote access to people you know and trust. Scammers often ask victims to install remote-desktop tools, so never share your ID and password with strangers.