Best Remote Access Software · 2026
ConnectWise ScreenConnect vs 
RustDesk ConnectWise ScreenConnect vs RustDesk: on our data-weighted scoring, ConnectWise ScreenConnect edges ahead (8.3 vs 7.8/10). ConnectWise ScreenConnect starts at $30/concurrent tech/mo and is best for MSPs and IT teams wanting fast, flexible attended + unattended remote support; RustDesk starts at Free tier available and is best for teams wanting a free, open-source, fully self-hosted remote desktop. Choose ConnectWise ScreenConnect for the stronger overall track record; consider RustDesk if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
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Six criteria, each scored 0–10 on the same scale from real review data, public pricing and feature coverage. See our methodology →
| Criterion | ConnectWise ScreenConnect | RustDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial | 8.3 | 7.8 |
| User reviews | 9.4 | 7.0 |
| Adoption | 7.1 | 0.0 |
| Affordability | 2.8 | 9.5 |
| Feature breadth | 6.0 | 10.0 |
| Ease of trial | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| ConnectWise ScreenConnect | RustDesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $30/concurrent tech/mo | Free tier available |
| Pricing model | per user | flat |
| Free trial / tier | 14 days | Free tier |
| Best for | MSPs and IT teams wanting fast, flexible attended + unattended remote support | Teams wanting a free, open-source, fully self-hosted remote desktop |
| Deployment | Cloud + on-prem | Self-host |
| G2 rating | 4.7/5 (477) | — |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.3 | 7.8 |
You need msps and it teams wanting fast, flexible attended + unattended remote support.
You need teams wanting a free, open-source, fully self-hosted remote desktop.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect bills on a per user model from $30/concurrent tech/mo (14 days trial), while RustDesk uses a flat model from Free tier available (free tier available). Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect ships 6 headline capabilities (Attended + unattended remote access, Backstage + remote command line, Session recording + video auditing, File transfer + remote printing) and deploys Cloud + on-prem. RustDesk ships 10 (Open-source self-hosted core (AGPL), Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux), deploying Self-host.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect holds 4.7/5 (~477 G2 reviews); RustDesk holds Not yet rated. On our data-weighted score, ConnectWise ScreenConnect edges ahead (8.3 vs 7.8/10). Pick RustDesk instead when teams wanting a free, open-source, fully self-hosted remote desktop. See ConnectWise ScreenConnect alternatives or RustDesk alternatives.
