Alternatives to MeshCentral
A self-hosted remote monitoring and management server with web-based remote desktop, terminal and file transfer for every machine you run an agent on. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
MeshCentral
A self-hosted remote monitoring and management server with web-based remote desktop, terminal and file transfer for every machine you run an agent on.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as MeshCentral.
Tactical RMM
A self-hosted remote monitoring and management tool with agents for Windows, Linux and macOS.
Tactical RMM is a self-hosted RMM that uses MeshCentral for remote desktop and adds scripts, checks and Windows patching, but it is source-available rather than OSI open source.
Atera
A hosted IT management platform combining remote monitoring, ticketing, patch management and AI agents.
Atera is a paid, hosted IT platform combining monitoring, ticketing, patching and an AI agent, with no self-hosted option and no server for you to secure.
RustDesk
An open-source remote desktop tool you can point at your own relay server instead of somebody else’s cloud.
RustDesk is an AGPL-3.0 remote desktop tool with self-hosted relay servers, focused on remote support sessions rather than full monitoring and management of every machine.
TeamViewer
Remote access and remote support across desktop and mobile platforms.
TeamViewer is a closed-source hosted service for remote access across desktop and mobile, needing no server of your own, but commercial use requires a paid licence.
AnyDesk
Fast remote desktop tool with low latency and simple session codes.
AnyDesk is a closed-source remote desktop tool with low latency and simple session codes, hosted rather than self-hosted, and commercial use requires a paid license.
Remote Utilities
Remote desktop software for Windows with unattended access, cloud relay or a self-hosted server.
Remote Utilities offers an optional self-hosted relay and a one-time licence, but it is closed source and Windows is its main platform.
ScreenConnect
Remote support and remote access software from ConnectWise, available as a cloud service or on-premises.
ScreenConnect from ConnectWise is a paid, closed-source remote support product available as a cloud service or on-premises, aimed at help desks and MSPs.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central
Unified endpoint management suite for patching, software deployment, remote troubleshooting and securing desktops, servers and mobiles.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a paid suite for patching, deployment and remote control across desktops, servers and mobiles, available as a download or hosted service.
Also worth comparing
These listings name MeshCentral as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Apache Guacamole
A self-hosted remote desktop gateway that gives browser access to machines over VNC, RDP and SSH.
MeshCentral is a self-hosted Apache-2.0 server with browser remote desktop, terminal and file management, but it relies on agents installed on each machine instead of standard VNC or RDP.
DWService
A free, open-source remote access service that lets you reach computers from a web browser.
MeshCentral provides browser-based desktop, terminal and file management from a server you host yourself, instead of relying on DWService servers.
Getscreen.me
A browser-based remote desktop service for controlling and supporting computers from any web browser.
MeshCentral is free, open-source and self-hosted with browser-based desktop, terminal and files, but needs an agent on each machine and server administration.
LiteManager
Remote administration and remote desktop software with a free edition for up to 30 computers.
MeshCentral is a free Apache-licensed self-hosted server with web-based remote desktop, terminal and file transfer, and no per-device licensing, though securing the server is your job.
NetSupport Manager
Commercial remote control and PC management software for controlling many computers across a network.
MeshCentral is a free Apache-2.0 self-hosted server with web-based remote desktop, terminal and files, with no per-device licensing but real setup work.
Nexterm
A self-hosted server management tool for SSH, VNC and RDP connections in the browser.
MeshCentral is a self-hosted Apache-2.0 server with web remote desktop, terminal and files, but needs an agent installed on each managed machine.
Radmin
Windows remote control software for IT staff supporting and administering computers on a network.
MeshCentral is a free Apache-2.0 self-hosted server offering web-based remote desktop, terminal and files for Windows, macOS and Linux agents.
Termix
Self-hosted console for SSH sessions, remote desktops and file transfer.
MeshCentral is a self-hosted Apache-2.0 server offering web remote desktop, terminal and file management, but it requires an agent installed on every managed machine.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Warpgate
Centralize access to internal services through a bastion host.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Google's free remote desktop service for reaching and controlling your computers from a web browser.
Pangolin
Self-hosted tunnelled reverse proxy and zero-trust VPN built on WireGuard.
