GNOME Remote Desktop as a Linux alternative to RustDesk
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Remote Desktop can replace RustDesk for users who only need basic VNC‑based remote access within a Linux environment. It works well for local or internet‑wide connections if you run a VNC client on the remote side. However, it lacks RustDesk’s built‑in file transfer, NAT traversal via a relay, and cross‑platform client support. It’s best suited for Linux‑to‑Linux or Linux‑to‑Windows VNC sessions where a simple password‑protected server is sufficient.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 51.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide remote desktop control over the internet
- Both are open‑source and can be self‑hosted
- Both support password‑based authentication
- Both can work through NAT/firewalls if properly configured
What is different
- GNOME Remote Desktop is a VNC server only; RustDesk supports RDP, VNC, and its own protocol
- GNOME Remote Desktop has no built‑in file transfer; RustDesk does
- GNOME Remote Desktop lacks a dedicated client app for Windows/macOS; users must use third‑party VNC clients
- RustDesk offers a relay server for NAT traversal; GNOME Remote Desktop requires manual port forwarding or VPN
- RustDesk’s UI is cross‑platform; GNOME Remote Desktop is integrated into GNOME Settings only
Opening your RustDesk files
RustDesk does not produce any configuration files that GNOME Remote Desktop can import. To migrate, you would need to set up a new VNC server manually and reconfigure passwords and network settings. There is no automated conversion tool available.
Switching from RustDesk to GNOME Remote Desktop, step by step
- 1. Install GNOME Remote Desktop on the Linux host (apt install gnome-remote-desktop or equivalent).
- 2. Open GNOME Settings → Sharing → Remote Desktop and enable it, set a password, and note the port (default 5900).
- 3. On the remote machine, install a VNC client (e.g., TigerVNC, RealVNC).
- 4. Connect to the host’s IP and port, enter the password, and verify the session. If behind NAT, forward port 5900 or use a VPN.
Key features of GNOME Remote Desktop
- Native VNC server integration
- Works with standard VNC clients (RealVNC, TigerVNC, etc.)
- Password-based authentication
- Supports multiple simultaneous connections
- Integrated into GNOME Settings
- No additional software installation required on the host
- Compatible with most Linux distributions
- Uses standard port 5900 by default
How to install GNOME Remote Desktop on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-remote-desktopsudo apt install gnome-remote-desktopsudo dnf install gnome-remote-desktopsudo pacman -S gnome-remote-desktopsudo zypper install gnome-remote-desktopFrequently asked questions
Does GNOME Remote Desktop support file transfer?
No, it only streams the screen. For file transfer you need a separate tool like rsync, scp, or a shared folder via SMB.
Can I use GNOME Remote Desktop from a Windows client?
Yes, any standard VNC client on Windows can connect, but there is no dedicated RustDesk‑style app on Windows.
How does it handle NAT traversal?
It requires port forwarding on the router or a VPN; it does not provide a built‑in relay like RustDesk.
3 other alternatives to RustDesk
RemminaRemmina is a Linux remote desktop client supporting RDP, VNC, SSH, and X2Go for connecting to remote systems…Open sourceFreeFlatpakRemmina vs RustDesk
TigerVNC ViewerTigerVNC Viewer is a GPL‑licensed client for connecting to remote VNC desktops on Linux.Open sourceFreeFlatpakTigerVNC Viewer vs RustDeskFreeRDPFreeRDP is an open-source implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol, allowing you to connect to Windows…Open sourceFreeFreeRDP vs RustDesk