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RustDesk vs MeshCentral (2026)
Updated 10 November 2026
Short answer: RustDesk feels like a self-hosted TeamViewer with native apps and a free open-source server; Server Pro adds an address book and management from $11.88/month. MeshCentral is a free, browser-based management server with remote desktop, terminal, files and Intel AMT. Choose RustDesk for helping people with their screens; choose MeshCentral to manage your own fleet from a browser.
Written by the bananana.dev team, which makes a related product (mentioned at the end). Checked on rustdesk.com and meshcentral.com on November 10, 2026.
| RustDesk | MeshCentral | |
|---|---|---|
| License | Open source (Server Pro is paid) | Apache 2.0 |
| Cost | Free server; Pro from $11.88/mo (1 user, 20 devices) | Free |
| Client | Native apps, including mobile | Browser |
| Terminal and files | File transfer | Terminal and files |
| Fleet management | Pro address book | Device groups |
| Intel AMT | No | Yes |
If you also need monitoring
Neither is a monitor. bananana.dev combines screen control (Mac and Linux; Windows in beta) with monitoring, terminal, files and app installs on your own server, free for 10 devices.