6 BEST Linux RDP Clients in 2025

Are you struggling to find a reliable, smooth, and secure Linux RDP client for remote desktop access? With so many tools being offered in the market, it can get overwhelming and confusing. This is why you must do thorough research before choosing a Linux RDP client. If you select any ordinary remote access tools, they might not meet the security standards and expose your devices to threats. They will also lead to unstable connections, lag, high resource consumption, compatibility issues, bugs, etc.

Hence, to help you make a well-informed decision, I tested 40 of the best Linux RDP clients for over 10 days and shortlisted the top 6 tools. I have given my unbiased opinion with first-hand experience in this review to help you opt for the software that fits your requirements. You can now dive into it and learn about the best Linux RDP clients.

Best Remote Desktop Client for Linux: Top Picks!

1) Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist provides smooth remote access with tools like the command prompt, task manager, and registry editor that make troubleshooting and device management highly efficient. This allowed me to diagnose issues and apply fixes remotely without the need for physical visits, saving both time and resources.

While testing it, I found Zoho Assist to be an excellent remote Linux support tool. The built-in chat also helps you communicate with the end user directly, eliminating the need for a separate messaging platform. Overall, it speeds up resolution time, allowing you to deliver excellent customer satisfaction.

Features:

• Robust Diagnostic Tools: With tools like Task Manager, Registry Editor, and Command Prompt built in, you can perform advanced troubleshooting directly through the interface. On one occasion, I fixed a driver issue remotely using just the Device Manager, without rebooting or disturbing the end user.
• Unattended Remote Access: You can access remote machines anytime without needing someone on the other end to accept the session—perfect for server maintenance or late-night troubleshooting. I’ve used this to update my computer while traveling, and it worked like a charm. However, low bandwidth and even a slight drop in the internet connection will affect the session.
• Session Recording: You can record remote sessions for later review, which is helpful for team training or compliance. I once reviewed a recorded session to evaluate how I handled a server update—it’s a brilliant way to self-assess and improve as well.
• Custom Branding: Customize the portal with your own brand logo and language to give clients a more professional experience. Users who freelance tech support for Linux can also establish credibility with clients who will appreciate this personalized touch.
• Easy File Transfer: You can transfer files up to 2GB without disrupting the session—perfect for log files, patches, or document sharing. I’ve sent and received extensive codebase archives during Linux troubleshooting sessions using this feature with very rare hiccups.

Pricing:

Here are the best one-month plans offered by Zoho Assist for remote support per technician:

Free Trial: 15 days

Visit Zoho Assist >>

15-Days Free Trial

2) ManageEngine Remote Access Plus

ManageEngine is one of the top remote desktop managers for enterprises that can reduce the days’ worth of troubleshooting into minutes. I especially liked its tools, like unattended remote access and file transfer, that work seamlessly. It is a HIPAA-compliant platform; therefore, if you handle sensitive data in healthcare, you can trust this RDP.

As per my experience, the setup was quite smooth, which took me only about 30 minutes. I also found its interface very intuitive, and it allowed me to easily switch between multiple devices for remote sessions.

Features:

• Powerful Reports: I noticed that it captures the most granular information, hence, I could maintain records of all the remote access. You can also record your remote sessions and go through them multiple times to check for any missing details or for training purposes.
• System Manager: This Linux RDP client has multiple system utilities such as task manager, task scheduler, command prompt, remote registry, file manager, and event manager. However, I faced an unresponsive interface while using the file manager a few times, but disabling the non-essential utilities helped the tool function properly.
• Remote File Transfer: It helped me transfer files in multiple formats such as MSI, PNG, MP4, and others. ManageEngine’s Remote Access Plus also puts no restriction on the size of the files that you want to share. In fact, I was able to transfer entire folders, and it works both ways.
• Robust Troubleshooting: It’s an easy-to-use troubleshooting tool that lets you fix multiple issues from a single window. You can also group the frequently accessed computers as your Favorites and even view all the in-progress remote sessions on your screen. Therefore, it’s great for enterprises and institutions alike.
• Communication Tools: I could easily initiate a chat from my home screen or start a conversation instantly during the remote session. This allows technical assistance agents to understand the client’s issue better and guide them without facing miscommunications. It provides text, voice, and video calls.

Pricing:

For pricing, contact support and get a quote. It offers a 30-day free trial.

Visit ManageEngine >>

30-Days Free Trial

3) RemotePC

RemotePC offers reliable Linux machines that can perform multiple functions from a remote location. Some of those functions include lock screen, blank host screen, block remote input, screen adjustment, etc.

One of my favorite features was its drag-and-drop functionality for file transfer. It makes file and folder transfer super convenient and fast. Overall, I found running remote sessions quite simple with RemotePC. However, the interface can be improved on the phone app by making important buttons more accessible by increasing their size.

Features:

• Display Quality: The access remote desktop offers the highest quality display as it uses 4:4:4 color depth. Therefore, I didn’t notice any pixel compression, which shows you life-like graphics. It is excellent for remote technical support that deals with fixing graphics issues.
• Multi-to-Multi Monitor: You can view multiple remote computer monitors on a single screen simultaneously. I could also see each monitor on different screens, offering me the flexibility to work on a remote desktop as I like.
• Security: The RemotePC offers secure access with TLSv1.2/AES-256 encryption. The personal key functions as your secondary password for remotely accessing each system. This password is stored only on your device and not on the remote servers, making it tougher for malicious actors to access it.
• Whiteboard: I was able to use its whiteboard feature for effective collaboration during remote sessions. It helped me to draw on remote computers and help the WFH employees in a meeting, which required me to facilitate visual communication.
• Remote File Access: This feature helps me manage files and folders on my work desktop from my home device. I could find the files easily and even upload and download files remotely. Additionally, you can delete files and folders on the remote desktop.

Pricing:

Here are the most affordable yearly plans for Remote PC:

Free Trial: 7-days

Visit RemotePC >>

7-Days Free Trial

4) Remmina

Remmina is a powerful tool that is user-friendly and provides seamless remote access. It is one of the best tools for users who work from home or manage multiple servers remotely. This tool supports desktop protocols like RDP, SSH, VNC, XDMCP, and NX.

I like that it is easily modifiable and shareable since Remmina is an open-source and copyleft project, providing users with transparency. It is also available in 67 languages and supports 50+ Linux distributions. After using it for various remote tasks, I found it reliable for both advanced and new users.

Features:

• Remember Last View Mode: Remmina remembers the last selected display mode that you used in the session, such as scaled or fullscreen. This allows you to view the screen the same way once you reconnect.
• Configure Resolutions: I could manually set display resolutions for my remote sessions. Thus, it fits my hardware requirements and matches my screen preferences. However, this also led to inconsistency across devices when I was using a high-resolution system and accessing a smaller laptop. Hence, you must set it carefully by finding out the device resolutions.
• RDP Plugin Features: Its RDP plugins are customizable and offer features such as local resource redirection, printers, startup programs, color depth, etc. I could also fine-tune clipboard sync control and sound redirection.
• SSH Plugin Features: Remmina’s SSH plugin features provide connections with password and key-based authentication. You also get session compression and support for proxy commands, making it ideal for developers and sysadmins who need secure command-line access.
• Kiosk Mode: This feature of Remmina is designed for limited user environments. I used it for public access systems and digital signage because in such environments, interactions are strictly controlled for security reasons. Overall, it creates a dedicated terminal for specific remote sessions.

Pricing:

It’s free to use

Link: https://remmina.org/

5) AnyDesk

AnyDesk is built to access and control servers, desktops, mobile devices, and machines. The best part of this tool is that I could customize it to the maximum as per my business’s support requirements. It is also known for its high speed and low latency, and lives up to it. That’s because it functions smoothly even with low bandwidth, for example, as low as 100 kb/second.

I didn’t have to install it to use it since it’s directly accessible once you download its small 3.7 MB file. It gave me admin privileges right away so I could assist the end user instantly. However, its interface can seem slightly confusing if you are a beginner.

Features:

• Access and Control: AnyDesk allows direct entry to the remote device without the end user needing to accept any request. I could also control the device’s keyboard and share my monitor, plus let others control it easily.
• Administration and Customization: It allowed me to configure my AnyDesk to meet my requirements, including the default settings. The tool’s REST-API also helped me seamlessly integrate it with my existing software. Moreover, you can manage your clients using its central management console, allowing you to store crucial session data and create your own client.
• Collaboration: For easy collaboration, it offers a whiteboard, screen recording, text chat for easy communication and direct invite without session request. However, at times, the connection was disconnected ranomly when I used it.
• Security and Privacy: Using AnyDesk, I could whitelist devices that I wanted to allow and restrict access for the rest. It lets you predefine features that you want to make accessible and customize the screen for your incoming connections. You can also set two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
• Efficient Support: During the experiment, I was able to integrate it easily with Salesforce and provide exceptional assistance. You can connect clients and customers easily and even use privacy mode to hide the screen if you are working on device issues in public. For better business branding, I could customize the tool and the business logo in various ways.

Pricing:

Here are the plans offered by AnyDesk:

Free Trial: A 14-day free trial and a non-commercial free version are available.

Visit AnyDesk >>

14-Days Free Trial

6) Guacamole

Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway that supports standard protocols such as RDP, SSH, and VNC. Since it’s an HTML5 application, it’s easy for beginners and even students to use. That’s because once Guacamole is installed on a server, you can access your remote desktop from the browser itself.

It’s an open-source project under the Apache 2.0 license maintained by a community of dedicated developers. I found it quite flexible and portable while testing, additionally, the file transfer was seamless. Therefore, even if you are a student who has forgotten to bring your project, you can still access it from your home system by transferring the file to the school’s device.

Features:

• Cloud Environment Integration: This feature lets you integrate with cloud environments. Hence, you can use it without the desktop, requiring the existing physical devices, enhancing resilience and scalability.
• Strong API Support: As per my research, this remote access tool is built on a well-documented, robust API. Hence, I could deeply integrate it with custom applications and my business workflows.
• Session Management: It allowed me to monitor and track active sessions so I could use it for training in real-time. You can also manage multiple users at the same time from a centralized location. However, be careful about increased resource consumption which might affect the responsiveness of the device.
• Custom Branding: You can customize the interface to match your company’s branding, which will enhance the professional look. Its theme can also be changed to provide better user experience.
• Security Focused: I noticed that it offers multi-factor authentication and provides encrypted sessions. Guacamole also has LDAP/Active Directory integration, simplifying the user administration and enforcing consistent password policies.

Pricing:

It’s an open-source tool

Link: https://guacamole.apache.org/

Comparison Table

Here is a comparison of the best Linux RDP clients to help you select the tool of your choice with a quick glance:

Ways to Fix Performance Issues in RDP

Here is a list of performance issues that may occur while using RDP clients and how you can fix them:

1. Issue: Slow RDP connection speed with the remote system is common
   How to Fix: You can check the network bandwidth and use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible. Adjusting RDP settings to lower the color depth and disabling background images can also help.
2. Issue: You may face high latency in the remote session connection
   How to fix: You can use a reliable VPN such as ExpressVPN to reduce the distance between your RDP client and the server. Additionally, ensure the server network is not overloaded.
3. Issue: Display issues, such as poor graphics and blurry images
   How to fix: It’s best to lower the color depth in the RDP settings. You should also disable visual effects such as animations, desktop wallpaper, and window transparency to fix it. Additionally, you can adjust the compression settings within the RDP client for better image quality.
4. Issue: Audio latency issues and distortion in real-time voice chat
   How to fix: Make sure your network bandwidth is not facing heavy traffic and turn off high-resource-consuming apps. You can also adjust audio quality settings in the RDP client for lower performance demands.
5. Issue: Facing sudden disconnection and session timeouts
   How to fix: You must adjust the RDP session and timeout settings and make sure the network connection is stable.
6. Issue: The remote printing functionality is not working
   How to fix: Make sure the remote servers have the right printer driver installed. You can also re-enable or reinstall the printer’s redirection feature in the RDP client and server.
7. Issue: Keyboard and mouse lag while using
   How to fix: You can disable or lower the hardware acceleration for such input devices in the RDP client. Moreover, putting the RDP server under a heavy load also gives rise to these issues.
8. Issue: Multi-monitor support is being inconsistent
   How to fix: Ensure that the RDP client and server both support the multi-monitor setups and adjust the display scaling settings.
9. Issue: The remote file transfer functionality is running at low speed
   How to fix: The network must have enough bandwidth to send large files; hence, use a dedicated file transfer tool, such as FTP, if your bandwidth isn’t enough.
10. Issue: The resource consumption shoots up on your local device
    How to fix: Just close all the unnecessary applications on the local computer and reduce the resource usage on the RDP client. You must also optimize the remote device’s resource allocation and CPU usage.
11. Issue: Unable to acquire required scalability while managing a large number of connections
    How to fix: Using virtual desktops on Linux with tools like X2Go can help provide remote desktop capabilities with better scalability.
12. Issue: Concerned about security issues and control while connecting with a large number of desktops
    How to Fix: If you are worried about security then use RDP gateways that provide additional security and let you gain better control for session management.

How We Tested the Linux RDP Clients

Here’s a step-by-step process of how our review team tested 40 Linux RDP clients before shortlisting the above tools:

Step 1) We started by installing and configuring a Linux RDP client on various Linux distributions to check their compatibility.

Step 2) Then, we verified if the client connects successfully to the remote RDP servers. Additionally, we tested the stability to check whether the connection is reliable under different conditions.

Step 3) We noted the response times, latency, and bandwidth usage during an active remote session. The team also tested the client’s ability to handle data-intensive tasks and multiple applications running remotely.

Step 4) We also made sure that the RDP client offers strong encryption and security. Our team used penetration testing and shortlisted the tools.

Step 5) The review team tested all the core features such as file transfer, clipboard synchronization, remote printing, multi-monitor, display, etc.

Step 6) Then we evaluated the user interface for ease of use, to make sure the client is intuitive and accessible.

Step 7) Finally, we checked if the client provided clear error messages and different kinds of issues.

FAQs

Verdict

After reviewing all of the tools above, I found them quite reliable and robust for accessing remote desktops. However, I would like to recommend the following RDP clients, and here’s why:

• Zoho Assist : It is one of the best Linux RDP clients as it offers the most robust diagnostic tools and allows easy file transfer.
• ManageEngine Remote Access Plus : It offers multiple system utilities and powerful reports with top-notch actionable insights.
• RemotePC : I liked its security-focused remote access, high-quality display, and beginner-friendly functionalities.