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Tactical RMM vs MeshCentral (2026)
Updated 10 November 2026
Short answer: MeshCentral is a free, open-source remote access server. Tactical RMM is a paid, source-available RMM that uses MeshCentral underneath for remote control and adds monitoring checks, scripting, automation and patching. If you only need remote access, MeshCentral alone is enough. If you need RMM features for a Windows-heavy fleet, Tactical RMM.
Written by the bananana.dev team, which makes a competing product (mentioned at the end). Facts checked on both projects' sites on November 10, 2026.
| Tactical RMM | MeshCentral | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Full RMM | Remote access server |
| License | Source-available | Apache 2.0 |
| Cost | From $55/mo self-hosted | Free |
| Windows | 7 to 11, Server 2008 R2 to 2025 | Yes |
| Linux and macOS | Yes, as sponsorship features | Yes |
| FreeBSD | Not listed | Yes |
| Remote desktop | Via MeshCentral | Yes |
| Scripting and automation | Strong | Limited |
| Patching | Windows | No |
When neither fits
If you want a mixed Linux, Mac and Windows fleet with phone apps and no exposed server, bananana.dev is another option: self-hosted dashboard, outbound-only connections, free for 10 devices. It's proprietary.