NoMachine PlayerLinux
vs
AnyDeskWindows
NoMachine Player as a Linux alternative to AnyDesk
Updated
Our verdict
NoMachine Player can serve as a practical replacement for AnyDesk for users who need low‑latency remote desktop, file transfer and basic remote control on Linux. It offers comparable performance, supports multiple monitors and clipboard sharing, and runs natively on Linux via Flathub. It lacks some of AnyDesk's polish around unattended access and built‑in session logging, so power users who rely on those features may prefer to stay with AnyDesk. For most home users, small teams, or occasional remote support, NoMachine Player is a solid, free alternative.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary
- Price
- freemium
- Latest version
- 10.2.3_1 (October 6, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Low‑latency remote desktop display
- File transfer between local and remote machines
- Clipboard sharing across sessions
- Cross‑platform support (Linux, Windows, macOS)
- Secure encrypted connections
What is different
- AnyDesk provides a dedicated unattended‑access mode with easy password setup; NoMachine requires manual configuration of the host for unattended use.
- AnyDesk includes built‑in session recording and reporting; NoMachine Player lacks native recording features.
- AnyDesk's licensing model offers a free tier for personal use with a clear commercial limit; NoMachine Player is proprietary and tied to the NoMachine host software.
- AnyDesk’s UI is generally considered more streamlined for quick connections; NoMachine’s interface can feel heavier with extra options like remote terminal sessions.
Opening your AnyDesk files
There is no direct "AnyDesk file" format to open or export. Both programs use standard file transfer protocols, so any files moved with AnyDesk can be transferred with NoMachine Player without conversion. If you have saved AnyDesk session logs, they are proprietary to AnyDesk and cannot be read by NoMachine.
Switching from AnyDesk to NoMachine Player, step by step
- Install NoMachine Player from Flathub (flatpak install org.nomachine.Player).
- Install the matching NoMachine host package on the remote Windows or macOS machine.
- Configure the host for unattended access if needed (set a password in the NoMachine server settings).
- Add the remote machine in NoMachine Player using its IP address or hostname.
- Test the connection, verify screen, audio and file transfer work as expected.
- Optionally disable AnyDesk on the remote host to avoid port conflicts.
Key features of NoMachine Player
- Remote desktop access with low latency
- Remote terminal and shell sessions
- File transfer between local and remote machines
- Support for multiple monitors and high resolution
- Audio streaming from remote to local
- Clipboard sharing between systems
- Secure connections via NX protocol
- Works on Linux, Windows, and macOS hosts
How to install NoMachine Player on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.nomachine.nxplayerFrequently asked questions
Can NoMachine Player connect to a machine that only has AnyDesk installed?
No. The remote side must run the NoMachine server software; AnyDesk and NoMachine are separate protocols.
Is the connection encrypted?
Yes, NoMachine uses the NX protocol with TLS encryption for all traffic.
Will my existing AnyDesk license work with NoMachine?
No. NoMachine is a separate product with its own licensing; you need a NoMachine license or use the free Personal Edition.
3 other alternatives to AnyDesk
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RustDeskRustDesk is an open-source remote desktop tool that lets you securely control computers over the internet…Open sourceFreeFlatpakRustDesk vs AnyDesk