RustDesk VS Splashtop

RustDesk vs Splashtop: Which Remote Desktop Software Is Right for You?

RustDesk is an open-source remote desktop software that provides remote desktop access with self-hosting, privacy, and core access features. RustDesk is particularly favored by developers and IT and other privacy concerned professionals and remote access organizations that do not want to use remote access third party servers. RustDesk offers features and core access flexibility remote remote desktop access and customization.

Splashtop is a remote access and remote support platform that aims to provide professionals. Its teams in business environments high performing remote desktop access and device management with support security and customer enterprise grade. Splashtop is a pioneer in reliability and ease of use, providing a seamless experience for different device, polished and remote desktop access support.

RustDesk is on the other side, privacy concerned and advanced users in tech field, whereas Splashtop is adequately suited for professionals and businesses who need reliable remote desktop solution that is being managed or offered remote access service.

RustDesk and Splashtop: Comparison Table

Detailed Feature Comparison of RustDesk and Splashtop

• Remote Access & Connectivity

RustDesk: RustDesk offers you the option of fully self-hosting a server, using public servers or peer to peer remote desktop access. This attribute of RustDesk provides excellent control over data flow and infrastructures, therefore making able to provide secure remote access internally.

Splashtop: Splashtop provides remote access that is optimized to business environments in an efficient, stabilized and high and speedy manner. It relies on managed cloud infrastructure, ensuring consistent performance without requiring technical setup from the user.

• Security & Privacy

RustDesk: One of RustDesk's most notable feature is security related to end to end encryption and full ownership of the sever during self hosting. This is particularly helpful for self-hosted clients belonging to sectors like banking that have strict data privacy policies.

Splashtop: On the other hand, Splashtop has learned to provide enterprise class secutiry features such as authentication of devices, encryption and control over access to the data, as well as collapse able compliance certificates to meet the microscale security standards of the enterprise.

• Performance & User Experience

RustDesk: In general RustDesk does perform well for most remote access use cases. However, there are some edge cases depending on the specific available configuration such as the network, hardware, and the server.

Splashtop: Splashtop also has good use cases for remote working, supporting IT, as well as for sessions that are heavy multimedia. User feedback is the product is that is it high performance and has low latency.

• File Transfer & Collaboration

RustDesk: One of the core remote access features of RustDesk is that it supports simple transfer of files and sharing of clipboard. However, other features that are used for informal collaboration around remote access are minimal.

Splashtop: On the other hand, Splashtop has session recording, professional collaboration tools, chat support for real time communication, advanced file transfer and support for multiple monitors.

• Setup & Ease of Use

RustDesk: Most users are split between their experience and technical knowledge when it comes to RustDesk self-hosting. This is a factor that will determine how seamless your experience will be.

Splashtop: In the end, Splashtop is a remote desktop software that a user can sign up to easily and getting it working as quickly as possible. This is for the users who are not very technical.

• Mobile App Experience

RustDesk: RustDesk offers mobile apps for Android and iOS, but the experience is more basic and best suited for quick access rather than full remote workflows.

Splashtop: Splashtop provides a polished and reliable mobile experience, allowing users to access and control devices easily from smartphones and tablets.

• Platform & Accessibility

RustDesk: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with the flexibility to self-host or use public servers.

Splashtop: Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web, with centralized account management and enterprise controls.

Key Strengths of RustDesk vs Splashtop

Why Users Choose RustDesk?

• Open-source and self-hosted optionStrong privacy and full data control
• Free for personal and small-scale use
• Cross-platform support
• Ideal for technical users and internal networks

Why Users Prefer Splashtop?

• High-performance remote access
• Easy setup and polished interface
• Enterprise-grade security and compliance
• Advanced IT management tools
• Reliable customer support

When to Choose RustDesk or Splashtop?

Final Verdict: RustDesk or Splashtop?

RustDesk is best suited for privacy-focused users, developers, and IT teams who want full control over their remote desktop infrastructure. Its open-source nature and self-hosting capabilities make it a cost-effective and secure option for technical environments.

Splashtop, on the other hand, is ideal for businesses and professionals who need fast, reliable, and easy-to-manage remote access. It offers better performance, support, and enterprise-ready features with minimal setup.

In short, choose RustDesk if you value control, privacy, and open-source flexibility. Whereas, choose Splashtop if you want a polished, business-ready remote desktop solution.